These are the 10 best urban kayaking spots in North America

Photo courtesy of iStock / Vasyl Dolmatov

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You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy a day out on the water, at least not with these 10 urban waterways, voted the best in North America by our readers. Urban kayaking offers an unexpected way to get active in the outdoors while seeing a destination from a new perspective. What’s your favorite place to go urban kayaking?

Photo courtesy of iStock / oksanaphoto

No. 10: Lake Union – Seattle, Washington

Kayaking on the waters of Lake Union represents an excellent way to soak up views of the Seattle city skyline. From the water, it’s possible to spot float planes taking off and landing, sail boats gliding through the water and the occasional harbor seal basking in the sun.

Photo courtesy of Destination DC

No. 9: Potomac River – Washington, DC

From a kayak on the Potomac River, it’s possible to see the Washington Monument, Kennedy Center and the beautiful Georgetown waterfront. Paddle to the Tidal Basin for even more sightseeing, including the Jefferson Memorial and National Mall.

Photo courtesy of iStock / Ingram Publishing

No. 8: Rideau Canal – Ottawa, Ontario

While Ottawa’s Rideau Canal may be best known as the world’s largest skating rink in winter, in summer, it’s a popular spot for kayaking. This relaxed urban canal has several put-in spots, as well as places to rent a kayak if you’re visiting from out of town.

Photo courtesy of iStock / Jon Bilous

No. 7: Clark Fork River – Missoula, Montana

Kayaking is so popular in Missoula that the city built its own waves along the Clark Fort River as it passes through the heart of downtown. Brennan’s Wave, named in memory of a local kayaker, attracts kayakers, surfers and paddle-boarders to practice catching the wave.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Victoria

No. 6: Inner Harbour – Victoria, British Columbia

While paddling through Victoria’s Inner Harbour, you might spot seals basking in the sun and seaplanes taking off and landing. The harbor and its surrounding waterways serve as a migratory bird sanctuary, making this a favorite paddling place for birdwatchers.

Photo courtesy of iStock / RoschetzkyIstockPhoto

No. 5: Lady Bird Lake – Austin, Texas

This man-made reservoir on the Colorado River sits in downtown Austin. Lady Bird Lake attracts paddlers nearly every day of the week. Eight access points make it easy to put-in or take-out, and the city skyline is visible from just about anywhere. During the summer, it’s possible to kayak to Congress Avenue Bridge to see Austin’s bat colony take flight as the sun sets.

Photo courtesy of Bartram’s Garden

No. 4: Bartram’s Garden – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One of Philadelphia’s best-kept secrets, Bartram’s Garden offers a kayaking launch point with art installations along the Lower Schuylkill River. While put on hold for the time being, the garden typically offers free boating on Saturdays, giving members of the community a chance to get out on the water even if they don’t have their own kayak.

Photo courtesy of Roanoke Valley CVB

No. 3: Roanoke River – Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke sits in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, making it an excellent base for outdoor recreation. The 45-mile Roanoke River Blueway offers easy paddling for much of its length, with the exception of some Class II rapids near the gorge.

Photo courtesy of Visit Richmond

No. 2: James River – Richmond, Virginia

The Richmond region has no shortage of great kayaking spots, perhaps none as popular as the James River. From Huguenot Flatwater Park, paddlers can head downstream to Williams Island or upstream to Bosher’s Dam.

Photo courtesy of iStock / PapaBear

No. 1: Cuyahoga River – Cleveland, Ohio

The Cuyahoga River runs through the heart of Cleveland, providing a popular spot for all sorts of water recreation. The Cuyahoga River Water Trail features five segments along the 87-mile river. The last segment comprises 20 miles of the river as it passes through Cleveland and into Lake Erie.