Kayaking is something that we’ve introduced to the kids from an early age, getting them on their own Lifetime Wave Kayaks at three and four, for small paddles around the beach during a road trip, tethered to us to get the balance, and the paddling experience and eventually, on their own. It’s something they love doing on those out-of-town weekends, and something that we’ve been incorperating more and more into our adventures within the city.
Here are 5 places that you can Kayak with Kids Near Edmonton
Hermitage Pond | You can kayak on the main pond, at Hermitage Park, this is a favourite because there is just a short, and small, hill from the parking lot to the pond. There’s a dock if you’ve got children that prefer not to step in the mud of the shore, and it’s the perfect size for beginner paddlers but large enough that you can veer away from the people fishing in the stocked pond. There are a couple of small islands filled with ducks and geese, and you can even snag a close-up view of nests and eggs if you’re venturing out during spring.
Astotin Lake | Making the drive out to Elk Island is one of our favourite day trips. There’s an easy launch for the kids to enter, and it’s more of an adventure because it’s larger than the local ponds that we’ve explore kayaking within Edmonton with the kids. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive from the entry of the park, with nice scenery along the way. However, there are leeches (which I will admit is more unnerving for me, than the kids), so I tend to get in and out as quickly as possible. A bonus to Astotin Lake is that it’s perfect if you don’t have your own gear, because it can be rented right there on the shore with Haskin Canoe, and there’s plenty to explore while you’re there.
Sturgeon River | With a boat launch right off of Mission Street, it’s an easy paddle for the kids, though a bit muddy. You paddle by plenty of wildlife, and the train bridge. For an alternative place to put-in, you can find a launch at Riel Park. A bit more of a challenge than the pond, the current was fine for our semi-experienced seven-year-old, paddler.
Chickakoo Lake | Just west of the city, Chickakoo Lake is another one of our favourite calm spots to kayak and get some experience for young children just starting out on their own, or for a leisurely trip. The boat launch can be found in the Southeast corner, and is really the only place that you’re going to find to get in an out. As a bonus, there are toilets on-site.
Black Nugget Lake | A campground, playground, and easy access to the lake, this lake East of Toefield is worth a trip for the day. It’s calm, has two beaches close by and has plenty to explore. With plenty of close-by campgrounds, it’s a great weekend trip idea, too.
We’re always searching for calm, kid-friendly places to kayak around Edmonton – what are some of your favourite places to explore?
There is a new boat launch in st. Albert now closer to big lake and lois hole provincial park. It is a floating dock so easier than getting your feet in the mud.
Telford lake in Leduc is a great place to Kayak. We take our 7 and 9 year Olds there to SUP.