Canoeing

From serene lakes to winding rivers, Western Canada is a paddler’s paradise. Whether you’re gliding across Moraine Lake in Banff, surrounded by iconic turquoise waters and towering peaks, or paddling Tsawwassen’s Boundary Bay, where calm coastal waters meet stunning sunsets, the opportunities are wide open. Canoe in Alberta for breathtaking mountain reflections at Lake Louise or Emerald Lake, or check out British Columbia’s hidden gems like Bowron Lakes Circuit in the Cariboo or Clearwater Lake in Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Canoeing holds a deep connection to the traditions of Indigenous communities, including the Métis, whose history is closely tied to Canada’s waterways. At Métis Crossing in Alberta, visitors can paddle along the North Saskatchewan River, a historic route once used by Métis traders and voyageurs. Canoeing here offers a unique opportunity for paddlers to connect with the cultural heritage of the Métis people while exploring the same waters that supported their way of life for generations.

Curious about canoeing in Western Canada or how to get started? If you’re wondering where to canoe in BC or canoe in Alberta, ZenSeekers has you covered with stories, tips, and local insights to plan your perfect paddling adventure.

Métis Crossing music dance Smoky Lake Alberta Rob Hislop ZenSeekers
Posted

With the swaying staccato of a fiddle and the quick-shuffle of moccasined feet, a cultural movement...

Metis Crossing paddling canoe fall colours Rob Hislop ZenSeekers
Posted

With autumn weather that is often warmer and more predictable than in the mountains, fall is a great...

Lac La Biche Off Road Adventures Elinor Lake
Posted

Looking to test the waters on a backcountry lake adventure? Off Road Adventures’ new Elinor Lake...

Secret Beach BC Kayaking Jaiden George ZenSeekers
Posted

Slipping our kayaks into the waters from the Secret Beach Campground kayak launch, Lem and Anne...

Posted

Pack your swim trunks, paddleboard and your water bottle when you hit the road this summer - it’s...

Posted

Learn more about Ktunaxa Creation, and how the Big Chase resulted in other spectacular local...

Posted

For those looking forward to a future that is an all-inclusive Canada, hit the road and travel...

Posted

As her brush glides across the canvas, Andrea Wilkinson’s face seems to soften. A calm focus...

Cooling off on a road trip through northeast Alberta
Posted

What makes a great roadtrip? With abundant lakes, wide open spaces and hidden gems in a short...

Posted

A farmer's market on the riverfront, great paddling on the river and lakes, trails through the...

Posted

The long, hot days of summer in Alberta just beg water lovers to find a swimming hole, a place to...

Canoeing in Lac La Biche #TakeItToTheLake
Posted

Angus Cockney stalked the sunrise over the lake like a cougar tracking a deer in the forest, his...

Lac La Biche
Posted

Ever eaten a fire ant? That’s the question Dragan Uzelac has posed to Maranda Cardinal and her...

Cranbrook
Posted

When you think of Cranbrook, what likely comes to mind is the Rocky Mountains and all of the...

Crowsnest Pass
Posted

I looked at the notes I jotted down about my first fly fishing experience: “Chili” was the first...