Paddling Maps

Winter paddling is an absolute dream. 🤤 For those of you lucky to have navigable waterways during winter, where are your favourite places to paddle? Let us know in the comments! We all need some inspo...

Download the Paddling Maps App to find your next adventure and map everything from put-ins and take-outs to camp spots, whitewater sections, and cautionary advice.

Then, share your sweet shots on our website to inspire others! This tool is built for paddlers, by paddlers, and is free to use.

Next up in our regional spotlight series: Ontario

From the iconic Ottawa River with its world-class whitewater to serene flatwater paddling in the heart of cottage country, Ontario offers something for every paddler. Chase big waves, tackle multi-day wilderness trips in Algonquin Park, or soak up fall colors on clear, glassy lakes.

And let’s not forget the beauty of the region—think rugged Canadian Shield, shimmering waterways, and endless wildlife encounters. It’s no wonder Ontario’s rivers and lakes are a must-hit for every paddler in North America.

👉 Want the inside scoop on Ontario’s best paddling destinations? Check out the trips here: https://paddlingmaps.com/region/Ontario

Time for another round of "name that drop". 👀 Can you name this feature and which river it's on?

Trip Feature: Homan River, Yukon // Long Day Run (Recommended Overnight) 🌟

Looking for a big day with a side of adventure? This Yukon gem is a Class III read-and-run dream, complete with a Class V canyon and a Class IV canyon (both easily hiked around). It’s the perfect mix of thrills and stunning wilderness.

Logistics: Fly into Homen Lake with Alpine Aviation (Whitehorse) or take the Whitepass train and bushwhack (~12 hrs). For the way out, either set up a powerboat shuttle or hop the train back to Fraser or Carcross.

While it’s doable in a single day, camping is highly recommended. Prime sites are near the last Class IV canyon (affectionately dubbed “Moose Knuckle”), where you can even squeeze in a few laps before calling it a night.

👉 Want the beta? Comment TRIP, and we’ll send you the details!

Trip Report /📷: Yukon Canoe & Kayak Club

Get the trip info you need, when you need it most.📲 Save bookmarks for offline access to view trip details, river flow data, and trip feature maps anytime, anywhere. Stay informed and prepared, even off the grid.

Head to Paddlingmaps.com to start mapping and planning your next adventure on the water. 🤝

Trip Feature: Barrier Lake, AB

Looking for a scenic paddle (and potential hike combo)? Barrier Lake is a hotspot for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding—endless routes and full-day fun await on its scenic waters with spectacular mountain views. The lake is best visited between May and October, dogs are welcome too (on leash, of course!).

Pro tip: Arrive early. The parking lot at Barrier Dam Day Use Area fills up quickly thanks to nearby trails like the popular Prairie View Trail. Entry requires an access fee.

👉 Hit "SAVE" on this post so you can start planning your summer trip.

Can you name this drop? 👀

Hint: it's in Alberta. Go!

Trip Feature: Box Canyon, Illecillewaet River, Revelstoke 🌲🏞️

An after work local favorite, this beautiful narrow canyon finishes downtown Revelstoke. This run goes through major transformations as flows fluctuate throughout the season. At low flows it is pool drop with a creeky III-IV feel. At higher flows it transforms into pushy class V big water.

Unfortunately, a glacial flood from Woolsey Creek upstream deposited copious amounts of wood along the river several years back and created a massive log jam immediately below the biggest rapid on the run (KOA). At certain flows this log jam poses a serious hazard with water moving fast from the rapids upstream into and under the 100m long pile of logs. Portage is mandatory on river right.

The narrow nature of the canyon above KOA is also prone to collecting wood. Use extra caution or ideally check with the locals on the current wood situation before dropping in.

👉 Full feature: https://paddlingmaps.com/trip/British%20Columbia/139-box-canyon

Class: IV (IV+)
Trip Creator: Tim Shaw

Did you know Paddling Maps has some awesome features? You can even use map icons to highlight portage locations!

📲 Download the Paddling Maps App to plan your next adventure—find put-ins, take-outs, camp spots, whitewater sections, and more! Plus, share your epic 📸 on our website and inspire others to hit the water. Built for paddlers, by paddlers, and it’s free to use!

Paddling Magazine

Trip Feature: Middle Findlay Creek, BC 🌊 Hey BC whitewater Paddlers! Looking for an epic final summer adventure? Check out Middle Findlay Canyon near Invermere! 🌲This half-day trip packs a punch with continuous rapids, tight canyon walls, and ever-changing wood hazards. Definitely a must-run for class IV paddlers! Don't forget to bring a saw and camera, and keep an eye out for the Thunder Box on the upper Tier—perfect for a riverside camp!

Class: IV
Trip Creator: Tim Shaw
📷: Simon Coward

Want more info? Follow the link below to help you plan your trip! https://paddlingmaps.com/trip/British%20Columbia/491-middle

Trip Feature: Hector Lake, AB 🌊 Looking for a stunning day trip near Lake Louise? This turquoise gem in Banff National Park is a must-see. As the largest natural lake in the area, it’s nearly 7 times bigger than Lake Louise and 1.6 times larger than Bow Lake. Nestled at the base of the Waputik Range, Hector Lake offers breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat. Whether you’re exploring in summer or fall, this medium-sized lake promises a full day of adventure and beauty.

Class: IV (V)
Trip Creator & 📸: Bryan Hume

👉 For more details on planning your visit, check out https://paddlingmaps.com/trip/Alberta/797-hector-lake-kayaking

Paddling Magazine