At AQ Outdoors we always want you to enjoy your full potential outdoors, especially when it comes to paddling! So, with that goal in mind, we compiled a list of the top places to paddle in and around the Edmonton area. This can look like different things for different people: a quick jaunt after work, a day trip with the family, a day fishing your secret spot.
You can find further information about these bodies of water, and many others, on our community-driven paddling location website Paddling Maps.
As you go through this list you can click to the related Paddling Maps page which has driving directions (from where you are), location information, lake sizes and much more.
For reference we have included lakes and ponds up to 1.5 hours away from central Edmonton. The list is by no means exhaustive; if you have some gem paddling spots we don't have listed we would love to see you add them on Paddling Maps.
AQ Outdoors Edmonton Kayak & SUP Courses
Where to Kayak in the City of Edmonton
Hermitage Park
A small lake in the NE of the city. Nice for a quick midweek jaunt or paddle with the family.
Timeline: A couple of hours
Suggested Kayak: Recreational/Touring Kayak or Inflatable Kayak
[Hermitage Park on Paddling Maps]
Big Lake
A (funnily enough) Big Lake just outside Edmonton. A great option for city bound adventurers looking to get out on the water.
Timeline: A couple of hours to a day
Suggested kayak: Recreational/Touring Kayak or Inflatable Kayak
Note: The North Saskatchewan River (although not a lake), is an amazing paddling resource right in the city. Check out Where to Paddle on the North Saskatchewan for details on launch points from Devon all the way to the city
Where to Kayak East of Edmonton
Astotin Lake
Astotin Lake is in Elk Island National park, about 45 minutes from the city. Great paddling and opportunities to spot wildlife and birds
Timeline: A full day
Suggested Kayak: Recreational/Touring Kayak or Inflatable Kayak
[Astotin Lake on Paddling Maps]
Islet Lake
A smaller cousin to Astotin Lake, Islet Lake is very sheltered with some great wildlife and bird opportunities to be had.
Timeline: A full day
Suggested Kayak: Recreational/Touring Kayak or Inflatable Kayak
Black Nugget Lake
A nice adventure 45 minutes from Edmonton on a sheltered lake featuring great bird life and fishing.
Timeline: A full day
Suggested Kayak: Recreational/Touring Kayak or Fishing Kayak
[Black Nugget Lake Kayak Edmonton]
Where to Paddle West of Edmonton
Wabamun Lake
Wabamun is one of the better 'big water' lakes near Edmonton: great fishing, a bigger body of water for longer trips, and exposed to more weather for those looking for some windy day excitement.
Timeline: A full day
Suggested Kayak: Fishing Kayak or Recreational/Touring Kayak
[Wabamun Lake on Paddling Maps]
Chickakoo Lake
A small protected lake west of Edmonton. The shoreline is a bit boggy so it's not a pace to go to paddle and picnic, but a nice outing nonetheless.
Timeline: A half day
Suggested Kayak: Recreational/Touring Kayak or Inflatable Kayak
[Chickakoo Lake on Paddling Maps]
Where to Paddle South of Edmonton
Telford Lake
A small lake in Leduc. It's nice and close if you need to get out on the water for a quick rip during the week or in amongst a busy schedule.
Timeline: A few hours
Suggested Kayak: Recreational/Touring Kayak or Inflatable Kayak
[Telford Lake on Paddling Maps]
Coal Lake
A long, skinny lake not far from Wetaskiwin and Camrose. Open to the wind so best to visit on a calm day.
Timeline: A full day
Suggested Kayak: Fishing Kayak or Recreational/Touring Kayak
Buck Lake
A gorgeous, tranquil lake that doesn't see a lot of traffic. A nesting spot for many different birds including loons and bald eagles.
Timeline: A full day
Suggested Kayak: Recreational/Touring Kayak or Inflatable Kayak
Battle Lake
Set in a narrow valley surrounded by heavily treed hills, this lake is about 16km long if you want to do a full circumnavigation.
Timeline: A full day
Suggested Kayak: Recreational/Touring Kayak or Inflatable Kayak
[Battle Lake on Paddling Maps]
Twin Lake
A small, beautiful lake. Even in windy conditions waves are unlikely. There are no power boats allowed on the lake, making it great to paddle for novice paddlers and families with small children.
Timeline: A full day
Suggested Kayak: Recreational/Touring Kayak or Inflatable Kayak
Transport Canada Boating Guidelines
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Well, that is a just a small list of places to enjoy paddlesports in and around the Edmonton area. Samples of short, close to town jaunts all the way through to full day touring and kayak fishing outings.
If you are looking to get more experience on the water we offer a full range of kayak and SUP instructional programs. We also offer industry leading paddling gear to help get you out on the water in and around Edmonton.
Feel free to contact us at either our Edmonton or Calgary locations for more information on product, rentals, courses or paddling information.
AQ Outdoors Edmonton Kayak & SUP Courses
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
