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5 Bucket-List Paddles to Squeeze in Before Summer Ends
Why now?
There’s something special about paddling in late summer. The water is still warm from weeks of sunshine, the crowds have started to thin, and the sunsets seem to linger just a little longer on the horizon. It’s that golden pocket of the season when the days feel unhurried, but the calendar tells you time is running out. The “I can’t believe summer’s almost over” urgency kicks in, and suddenly every free afternoon or open weekend feels like an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Eastern Ontario offers no shortage of incredible paddling spots, but late summer brings out their best. Wildlife is active and easier to spot, and with migration season beginning, you have the added bonus of catching glimpses of species you might not see any other time of year, from flocks of geese and swans gathering for their journey south to herons and osprey stocking up for the trip ahead. Shoreline trees are just starting to blush with the first hints of fall colour, and the water has that calm, glassy stillness that makes you want to stay out for “just one more” kilometre.
It’s the perfect time to take on those bucket-list paddles you’ve been meaning to try all year. Whether you’re looking for a quick evening escape in the city, a full-day wilderness adventure, or a weekend getaway that mixes kayaking with great food and local charm, these five destinations deliver.
Here are five must-do paddles to squeeze in before summer ends, each with its own personality, scenery, and story to tell.
1. Thousand Islands (St. Lawrence River)
The Thousand Islands is far more than just a scatter of rocky islets; it’s a paddler’s paradise brimming with history, wildlife, and unforgettable scenery. With literally thousands of islands to explore, each paddle feels like its own mini-expedition.
Last summer, we stayed at one of the best Airbnbs we’ve ever booked, a cozy cottage on a peninsula near the Howe Island Ferry dock. Water on both sides, coffee on the deck at sunrise, and nightly fires indoors and out. Days were spent kayaking, tubing, and watching ospreys and kingfishers hunt. It was pure, peaceful bliss.
From this base, we explored five incredible spots you can add to your own itinerary:
1. Half Moon Bay – Bostwick Island
A natural rock amphitheatre with soaring cliffs, best known for its Sunday summer floating worship services.
2. The Briton Shipwreck – Near Mudlunta Island
Glide over the remains of a 19th-century coal schooner resting just below the surface.
3. Joel Stone Lighthouse & Gananoque River
Launch from Gananoque, circle the historic lighthouse, then paddle past the Thousand Islands Boat Museum and into the peaceful Gananoque River.
4. Sunset Paddle Around Beau Rivage Island
Swans, geese, and a great blue heron welcomed us as we wove between tiny islands and storybook cottages.
5. Boldt Castle – Heart Island (Alexandria Bay, NY)
A cross-border paddle for experienced kayakers. Launch from Alexandria Bay Park Beach, cross the busy shipping channel, and explore this restored fairytale castle.
📖 Read our full Thousand Islands paddling guide here: 5 Must-Paddle Spots in the Thousand Islands
2. Barron Canyon (Algonquin Provincial Park)
If you’re looking for a mix of serene waterways, a little challenge, and jaw-dropping scenery, Barron Canyon delivers in spades. Located just on the Eastern outskirts of Algonquin Park and only two hours west of Ottawa, this route pairs a short portage with one of the most spectacular stretches of water in the Park.
Launch & Portage:
Park near Squirrel Depot, just past the bridge over Squirrel Rapids. The launch is right beside the lot — shallow, rocky water makes water shoes a good choice. A quick 1 km paddle brings you to Cache Rapids and your portage. The trail runs beside rolling waterfalls through shaded forest, with two possible re-entry points. For a smoother launch, continue to the official yellow-sign entry.
This is where ORU Kayaks (which are currently on sale!) shine. At only 25 lbs, we easily carried both kayaks through the woods together, leaving heavier canoes far behind.
The Paddle:
From the re-entry point, it’s about 5 km upstream to Barron Canyon. Along the way, expect to see tons of wildlife. The marshy areas brim with lily pads and blooms.
The Canyon:
As the cliffs come into view, the limestone walls tower 100 m above you, shaped by glaciers 10,000–12,000 years ago. Layered rock tells a geological story that’s hard to look away from.
For An Extra Adventure:
Consider the short Barron Canyon Trail hike for breathtaking overhead views — especially stunning in autumn.
3. Charleston Lake (Frontenac County)
Charleston Lake blends rugged Canadian Shield beauty with rich history and exceptional paddling opportunities. With more than 100 islands, 75 km of shoreline, and protected motorboat-free zones, it’s one of Eastern Ontario’s most versatile paddling destinations.
About the Lake & Charleston Lake Provincial Park:
The lake sits in the Frontenac Axis region — a southern extension of the Canadian Shield — and covers 23.53 square kilometres. Paddlers can explore countless bays, coves, and channels, with portions of Running’s Bay and Slim Bay designated as motorboat-free for an even more peaceful experience. Sea kayaking is especially popular here, thanks to the lake’s varied shoreline and quiet corners.
The park also offers two portages: one to Killenbeck Lake and one to Redhorse Lake. Both are excellent paddling destinations in their own right, meaning a visit here can give you access to three lakes and a chance to build your portaging skills.
Launch Points:
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Boathouse Cove – Inside Charleston Lake Provincial Park (day pass required, $17 as of 2024). Convenient for those also using park facilities or camping.
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Outlet Boat Ramp – Outside the park, offering free access and saving you the day pass fee.
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Charleston Lake Boat Ramp (North End) – Another outside-the-park option for free launching, located at the north end of the lake.
Why Paddle the Charleston:
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Explore Slim Bay, a serene, motor-free stretch that feels completely remote.
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Weave between the lake’s islands, many with exposed granite and windswept pines.
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Photograph wildlife — loons, herons, and ospreys are common sightings, and fall migration brings even more bird activity.
Bonus Adventures Nearby:
Charleston Lake is totally worth the trip on its own, but if you have a little extra time, there are some great spots nearby that can round out your adventure:
Rock Dunder Hiking Trail
We hiked this one before our paddle, and wow—the views were EPIC!
Lyndhurst
A cute little village only a few minutes away from Charleston Lake. The perfect spot to stop for a pre or post paddle snack!
Newboro Lake
A shallow, marshy lake that's part of the Rideau Canal system. There are tons of bays and islands to explore! It's also a great fishing lake!
Gananoque & the Thousand Islands
If you’re already in the Charleston Lake area, you’re only a short drive from Gananoque and the Thousand Islands, so you can pack two bucket list paddles in one trip!
📖 Read more about our paddle here: Exploring Charleston Lake by Kayak
4. Rideau Canal (Downtown Ottawa & Beyond)
The Rideau Canal is at its most magical in downtown Ottawa—especially at night. After the locks close in the evening (after 7pm), you’ll have the chance to paddle without any motorboat traffic. The calm, lock-free stretches become peaceful ribbons of water, reflecting the lights of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Downtown Ottawa – Scenic & Social
Launching from Patterson Creek or the new universally accessible dock at Dow’s Lake puts you right into the heart of the action. Paddle north toward the downtown locks and you’ll pass under the Flora Footbridge, Corktown Footbridge, and Pretoria Bridge, each offering a unique city view. Along the way, there are plenty of places worth pausing your paddle to admire or explore:
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Elgin Street Restaurant at the NCC – It's hard to beat this terrace dining right on the canal!
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Château Laurier – This iconic hotel sits right beside the locks and offers a stunning view from its La Terrasse patio.
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Parliament Buildings – Always worth stopping to admire from the water.
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Canal Ritz – Another waterfront restaurant with great views.
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Lansdowne Park – Dock and take a walk through the market or enjoy seasonal events.
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Umbrella Bar & Mexi’s at Dow’s Lake – Perfect for a drink or bite before/after your paddle.
Light at Night Tour
One of our favourite ways to enjoy the downtown stretch is our Light at Night Tour — a 5.5 km evening paddle in LED-lit Oru Kayaks between Patterson Creek and the locks. It’s peaceful, safe, and unforgettable, with the glow of the Château Laurier, Parliament Hill, and the National Arts Centre shimmering across the water.
Further Up the Canal System
For a daytime exploration, the Rideau has plenty more to offer beyond downtown:
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Hogs Back Falls – Worth a stop (but make sure you’re out of your kayak for safety).
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Mooney’s Bay Beach – Relax on the sand or grab a snack at the beach canteen.
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Nesbitt Creek – A quiet detour for birdwatching and calm water.
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Black Rapids Lock – A great launching point or place for a picnic or rest.
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Vimy Memorial Bridge – A modern architectural beauty best admired from the water.
Launch Points:
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Downtown Ottawa: Patterson Creek, Dow’s Lake (new kayak launching dock)
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Further Up: Hartwell Locks, Mooney’s Bay, Black Rapids Lock, Chapman Mills (Barrhaven/Riverside South)
📖 For more night paddling inspiration, read: 10 Reasons to Go Kayaking at Night
5. Calabogie Lake (Adventure Meets Indulgence)
Part of the Madawaska River system, Calabogie Lake was once a natural body of water but was expanded during WWI with the construction of the Calabogie Station dam and generating station. Today, it’s home to the welcoming communities of Calabogie, Grassy Bay, and Barryvale—and it’s one of my favourite places in the Valley.
The landscape is stunning, with forested hills, perfectly clear water, and trendy restaurants that make it easy to mix outdoor adventure with indulgence. Historically, Calabogie was a stop on the Kingston & Pembroke Railway (K&P), and the old railbed is now the scenic multi-use K&P Trail.
Why Paddle Here:
You can explore sheltered bays, cross open stretches, or even paddle right up to a restaurant dock for lunch. The combination of natural beauty, calm water, and great food makes Calabogie an unbeatable late-summer escape.
Launch Points:
Heritage Point, Barnet Park, Barryvale (K&P Causeway), and Calabogie Peaks (day passes available).
Paddle & Dine:
On the Rocks (home to the BEST waterfront patio!), The Redneck Bistro, Canthooks Restaurant, Calabogie Brewing Co., and Oh-el-la Café.
Beyond the Paddle:
Hike to Eagles Nest Lookout, bike or walk the K&P Trail, or relax at a resort spa.
Make the Most of Late Summer
From weaving through the Thousand Islands to floating between the sheer cliffs of Barron Canyon, and paddling straight to dinner on Calabogie Lake, these adventures capture the magic of the season.
This is the season when the air is warm, the sunsets are rich and golden, and the waterways are alive with activity — from herons stalking the shallows to geese gathering for migration. The days may be getting shorter, but there’s still time to make memories you’ll carry into the colder months.
Whether you choose one or try them all, each of these paddles offers its own blend of scenery, history, and local flavour. So grab your paddle, plan your route, and set out for one more adventure before the season turns. You might just find your new favourite spot on the water.
