North America is crisscrossed by epic rivers and lakes and still a place of discovery even for paddlers who’ve done it all. The mind-blowing expanses of places like Yukon and Alaska offer a choice of mountain scenery or glaciers. While canoe trails like Boundary Waters get you up close with big wildlife like moose and bear.
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota
Drink in the pure lakes and clean fresh air on 1500 miles of canoe waterways. Folks everywhere know of the lakes, wildflowers, game fish, birds, moose, bear and wolves on the Minnesota-Canadian border.
- Wind River, Yukon, Canada
This is a trip of a lifetime through an untouched, wild landscape. Take in the glaciers, pick out the bears and revel in the tundra landscape or the northern lights in the winter season. Day hikes are also possible to easily accessible mountains, lakes and canyons during the canoe trip.
- Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, Ontario
Over 1,100 miles of waterways weave through this park, creating a pattern of interconnected lakes and rivers is ideal for canoe tripping.
- Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin
This green blanket of pine forest is sprinkled liberally with lakes and rivers. Explore the 1200 lakes and 800 miles of trails.
- Niobrara River, Nebraska
Float past elk, bison, deer and longhorn cattle on the Niobrara River in a landscape framed by high cliff walls and rolling prairie.
- Au Sable River, Michigan
These 23 miles of river through the Huron-Manistee National Forest are one of Michigan’s most popular canoeing locations. The trout fisheries attract canoeing-cum fishermen aficionados.
- Athabasca River, Canada
The Athabasca River is fed by glaciers and clear forest streams and runs high and fast in spring but clear, blue and lazy later in the summer. Spot wild geese, beavers, eagles, elk, bear and moose from your boat.
- Rupert River, Quebec
This is one to put on your to do list before it’s dammed in 2011. The spectacular river runs from Lake Mistassini down 65 sets of rapids to James Bay.
- The Broken Islands, Vancouver
This undeveloped cluster of almost 100 islets and rocky outcrops is unique for canoeing, with campsites located about a days paddle apart. It is remote and desolate which will test your wilderness camping skills.
- Outer banks, North Carolina
The shallow waters of the Outer Banks and its string of sandy barrier islands are perfect for canoeing. Glide through the salty marshes by dolphin pods, experience undisturbed wetlands and wander numerous waterways and marshes.