Discover the charm of Kingston’s waterfront.
Have you imagined gliding on tranquil waters with picturesque landscapes?
The best places to paddle board in Kingston await your adventure.
Embark on a journey, exploring Kingston’s pristine waterways. Are you in?
Map
Planning Your Paddle in Kingston
Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.
- Season: average daily highs clear 15 °C from May through September. July is the warmest month, averaging 26 °C, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
- Rules and licences: Transport Canada counts a paddleboard as a human-powered vessel once you use it to take a trip or a crossing. A Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD of the right size is then required by law for every person, along with a sound-signalling device. No operator card is needed as long as there is no motor.
Where to Paddle Board in Kingston
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Kingston Waterfront
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍️ Access Point: Confederation Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild currents, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, swans, waterfowl
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Fort Henry, Royal Military College, Wolfe Island
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch out for recreational boats, observe safety guidelines
Kingston Waterfront is a must-visit location for paddle boarding enthusiasts. With scenic views of Fort Henry and the Royal Military College, this spot offers a relaxing yet culturally rich experience.
Glide along the historic waterfront and enjoy the calm waters of Lake Ontario.
#2 Belle Park
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍️ Access Point: Belle Park Boat Launch (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, gentle current, protected from wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, otters
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Cataraqui River, lush greenery
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect private properties, avoid during high water
Belle Park offers a tranquil paddle board experience along the Cataraqui River.
Surrounded by lush greenery, this spot provides a stunning setting for a peaceful paddle. The calm waters and gentle currents make it an inviting destination for both beginners and experienced boarders.
#3 Lemoine Point Conservation Area
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍️ Access Point: Lemoine Point Conservation Area (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, protected from strong winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, turtles, swans
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Limestone cliffs, wooded shoreline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious near cliffs, follow conservation area guidelines
Lemoine Point Conservation Area boasts a beautiful shoreline with limestone cliffs and diverse flora and fauna.
The protected bay offers calm waters that are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. Enjoy the natural beauty of this spot while observing local wildlife in their habitat.
#4 Portsmouth Olympic Harbour
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍️ Access Point: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour Marina (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild currents, variable winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, swans
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic Portsmouth Village, Lake Ontario
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow marina regulations
Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, a historic site with beautiful views of Lake Ontario, provides an excellent location for paddle boarding.
The calm waters and picturesque scenery make it an enjoyable spot for all skill levels. Keep an eye out for boat traffic and follow marina rules to ensure a safe and memorable experience.
#5 Millhaven Creek
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍️ Access Point: Millhaven Conservation Area (Google Maps)
- 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, gentle currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, beavers, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Remote natural setting, forested shoreline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious near dams, observe conservation area guidelines
Millhaven Creek, with its remote, natural setting, provides a serene paddle boarding experience.
The calm waters and forested shoreline offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Be cautious around dams and follow conservation area rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.
Kingston is the gateway to the Thousand Islands, which is as good as flat-water touring gets in Ontario. Out west, Alta Lake, Kalamalka Lake and Calgary are the mountain and interior equivalents.
What to Take With You
Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.
- Typefoam, paddle cut
- ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada
Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding
- Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
- Swivelstwo in-line
- RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
- Floatsyes
- Capacity20 L, range from 10 to 55 L
- Material500D PVC tarpaulin
Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding
- Typetall neoprene boot
- Thickness3 mm
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Kingston?
In Kingston, you can paddle board on Lake Ontario, The Cataraqui River, and the Rideau Canal.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Kingston?
No, registering paddle boards in Kingston is not necessary.
What is the best time to paddle board in Kingston?
The best time to paddle board in Kingston is during the summer months when the weather is warmest.
Paddle Boarding Near Kingston
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Kingston.
- White Water (147 km north)
- Meech Lake (154 km north)
- Welland (259 km southwest)
- Collingwood (299 km west)
