Are you into braving the white water rapids? Or are you more of a calm water person? You can always find something to do when you have a canoe!

Canoeing is defined as the recreational activity, sport or transportation via paddling a canoe. Normally, canoeing is referred to as using a paddle to propel a canoe with only human muscle power. What about kayaking, you may ask? Well, a kayak is can be technically known as a ‘special kind of canoe’. Kayaks are usually closed-decked boats with a spray deck, while canoes are usually open boats. Open canoes may be 'poled' (punted), sailed, 'lined and tracked' (using ropes) or even 'gunnel-bobbed'.

The definition of most recreational aspects of canoeing are increasingly blurred as new hybrid canoes, kayaks, and similar craft are being developed. However, there are four main ways to spend your time recreationally with a canoe:

Whitewater - Probably the most popular form of canoeing, it consists of paddling down whitewater rivers for the thrill and adventure! It can vary from short local trips on easy grade rivers, to extreme expeditions on raging torrents in remote locations for many days whilst carrying all equipment. For more on whitewater canoeing, check out the category Rafting on Traveller Trail.

Sea Kayaking – This is recreational or touring kayaking on the sea. It includes everything from short day trips to year-long expeditions, and may include paddling on heavy seas, in surf, or in tidal currents. It usually requires navigational skills. For more on this, check out the category Sea Kayaking on Traveller Trail.

Playboating – This is simply the act of surfing and performing tricks on one feature of a river.

Canoe camping, Tripping or Cruising – Merely the joyous combination of canoeing with camping. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway with the family, or just for some alone time.

For more information on the best places to go canoeing, check out Traveller Trail’s Travelogues and Directory for great canoeing resources!