Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddleboarding in the Hartford Area

1. Metacomet Canoe and Kayak - Windsor

Put in at Windsor and have a great day on the Farmington or Connecticut River. They offer three different trips, on smooth, calm water. The trips usually last between 2 and 3.5 hours and are all priced under $100. Children ages - and up are encouraged to join. Life Jackets are provided.

2. Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks - Avon

In the business of boating for decades, Main Stream offers both river and lake excursions. Lakes are serene and relaxing and a good option for kids and beginners looking to get their feet wet (well, not really...). Trips to West Hill Lake (one of Connecticut's cleanest lakes) and Winchester Lake are popular. These trips are not accompanied by a staff-member but they will provide basic instruction. 

3. Collinsville Canoe & Kayak - Canton

Open 7 days a week, Collinsville Canoe has plenty of boats with no reservations needed. They rent it all, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and even bicycles! They will lead you on outings if you choose, May through October or you can put a boat in the water with kids as young as 7.

Where to go for lunch after your adventure? Try Skooters near the airport!

Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddleboarding in the Fairfield Area

4. Sea Kayak Connecticut - Westport

Go on one of their many themed tours, such as the Sunset Tour, Westport Harbor Tour or the Full Moon Tours. The offer instruction (camps and classes) for kids as young as 9 and a huge variety of rental options. 

5. Candlewood Kayak Rental - New Fairfield

Candlewood Kayak Rental puts their boats in at Squantz Pond State Park, a beautiful place with sparkling, calm water. Rental includes 2 hours of boat use with options such as single kayak or paddleboard. 

Where to go for lunch after your adventure? Try Mary's Bistro in Wilton!

From kayaks of every color to canoes and paddleboards, you can find rentals at these spots in CT!

Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddleboarding in Eastern Connecticut

6. Black Hall Outfitters - Old Lyme & Westbrook

Black Hall Outfitters offers kayaks (single, tandem, and paddle-driven), canoes, and SUPs—check out the "Megaladon" group paddle board!—at the Old Lyme location. There are also a variety of kayaks and canoes at the Westbrook location. Black Hall Outfitters also hosts a range of outings, tours, camps, and classes in Old Lyme, as well as fly-fishing excursions in Westbrook.

7. Blue Heaven Kayak and Paddleboard - Mystic

Blue Heaven is located right on the water in a super quaint part of Mystic. Rentals are available 7- days a week, and reservations are recommended.

8. Adventure Mystic - Mystic

Paddleboard (even kids!) on the beautiful Mystic River.  Kid-friendly Adventure Mystic even runs kids canoeing and kayaking camps. And there's a Parents Night Out, where you can drop off your child to boat with instructors while you grab dinner. 

Looking for lunch after your adventure? Try the Sea Swirl in Mystic!

More Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddleboarding in CT

9. Indian River Kayak - Clinton

Close to Clinton Harbor, you can launch directly into the Indian River or be dropped off with equipment at a local waterhole. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are available, and there are even kayaks for kids! Expert guides are available for Sunset Paddle events, where your family can see the sunset on the water!

10. Branford River Paddlesports - Branford

Enjoy a 3-hour tour of the Thimble Islands. Pack a lunch and stop at Outer Island, all across from Long Island. Branford River Paddlesports rents "sit-on-top" kayaks and will provide instructions to beginners. 

11. Thimble Island Kayak Rental - Branford

TIK offers a few different options including a "sit-on-top" kayak, canoes, and tandem (2-seater) kayaks. Rent online, choose your date and time, and voila: you're ready! Then maybe grab some lunch at Stony Creek Market.

12. Clarke Outdoors - West Cornwall

There are tons of different types of canoe/kayak experiences for children ages 4 and up! Try the Housatonic River Trip, the Covered Bridge Trip (all ages and abilities), or the Short n' Sweet Flatwater Paddle (only an hour). Clarke is also on-site every weekend at Burr Pond State Park. 

13. Salmon River Kayak - East Haddam

Rent your vessel and slip into the Salmon River at the Echo Farm Road Boat launch. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, but they rent youth size kayaks! There are also 3-person canoes available. 

Great Places in Connecticut Where You Can Bring Your Own Canoe or Kayak

14. Mount Tom State Park - Litchfield

Mount Tom Pond is located by the entrance to the state park. When you are done kayaking or canoeing, enjoy a picnic at one of the convenient benches. You can also fish at Mt. Tom, hike the one-mile trail, and swim. Non-motorized boats only.

15. Lake McDonough Recreation Area - Barkhamsted

Scenic and serene, Barkhamsted's Lake McDonough is calling for a canoe or two. Annual passes or single day passes are available online. 

16. Bigelow Hollow State Park - Union

Bigelow Hollow is a rugged forest with a 25-acre pond, where you can spy some local wildlife from the water. There are picnic table and restrooms. This location is close to the Massachusetts border.