Canoeing is one of the most immersive ways to explore nature. Some of the best canoe trips in the world include Canada’s Bowron Lakes, Finland’s Lakeland, New Zealand’s Whanganui River, Norway’s Telemark waterways, and the Amazon River in Brazil.
Canoeing is not just a sport—it’s a way to connect with nature, experience remote wilderness, and enjoy scenic waterways from a unique perspective.
If you are seeking multi-day wilderness expeditions or scenic day trips, the best canoe trips in the world offer breathtaking landscapes, wildlife sightings, and cultural encounters.
According to National Geographic Adventure, canoe trips provide an eco-friendly way to explore rivers, lakes, and wetlands while minimizing human impact.
This guide highlights Best Canoe Trips In The World , including routes, scenery, difficulty level, and travel tips.
Why Canoe Trips Are Unique:
Canoeing offers a travel experience unlike any other:
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Close contact with nature: glide silently across rivers and lakes
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Adventure and fitness: paddling offers physical challenge and reward
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Wildlife encounters: see birds, mammals, and aquatic species in their natural habitat
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Cultural exploration: navigate waterways used by local communities for centuries
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Peace and solitude: escape crowded tourist destinations
According to Lonely Planet, canoeing is one of the top adventure activities for travelers seeking slow, immersive experiences in nature.
7 Top Canoe Trips in the World:
1. Bowron Lakes, Canada
Bowron Lakes in British Columbia is a 116-mile (186 km) circuit that offers a multi-day canoeing adventure through pristine wilderness.
Highlights:
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Connected chain of lakes and rivers
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Stunning mountain scenery and boreal forests
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Wildlife: moose, bears, bald eagles
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Ideal route: 6–10 days depending on skill level
According to National Geographic, Bowron Lakes is one of the world’s most famous canoe circuits due to its combination of adventure, scenery, and wildlife.
2. Whanganui River, New Zealand
The Whanganui River is one of New Zealand’s most iconic canoe trips, running through lush forests and Maori settlements.
Highlights:
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Length: 150 km (3–5 days)
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Maori cultural sites along the river
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Gentle rapids and calm stretches
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Stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and native bush
Lonely Planet highlights Whanganui River as a top canoe destination for combining adventure with cultural immersion.
Read Next: 9 Best Place For Beginner Kayaking
3. Lakeland, Finland
Finland’s Lakeland region offers thousands of lakes connected by rivers and canals, perfect for canoeing.
Highlights:
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Endless lakes and calm waterways
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Summer camps and lakeside cabins
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Peaceful paddling through forests and wetlands
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Canoe-friendly routes for beginners and families
According to Travel + Leisure, Finland’s Lakeland is ideal for peaceful, scenic canoe trips in a safe, natural environment.
4. Amazon River, Brazil
For an exotic and adventurous experience, the Amazon River offers canoeing through the world’s largest rainforest.
Highlights:
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Wildlife spotting: monkeys, caimans, exotic birds
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Remote jungle villages and indigenous communities
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Multi-day expeditions with guides
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Incredible biodiversity and unique scenery
National Geographic Adventure lists the Amazon River as one of the most adventurous canoe trips globally due to its biodiversity and cultural encounters.
5. Telemark Waterways, Norway
Norway’s Telemark region combines rivers, lakes, and canals, offering scenic canoeing through mountainous landscapes.
Highlights:
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Telemark Canal: historical locks and engineering marvels
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Fjords and mountains
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Wildlife: eagles, deer, and salmon rivers
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Mix of gentle paddling and moderate rapids
According to Condé Nast Traveler, Norway’s Telemark region provides a perfect mix of history, adventure, and natural beauty for paddlers.
6. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, USA
Located in northern Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a 1-million-acre wilderness with over 1,100 lakes.
Highlights:
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Multi-day trips through pristine forests and lakes
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Wildlife: moose, wolves, loons, and beavers
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Campsites along the water for overnight stays
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Canoe-only wilderness area ensures tranquility
National Park Service and travel guides recommend BWCAW for experienced paddlers seeking solitude and natural beauty.
7. Zambezi River, Africa
The Zambezi River in Zambia and Zimbabwe combines canoeing with adventure and wildlife.
Highlights:
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Paddle near Victoria Falls
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Wildlife spotting: hippos, elephants, crocodiles
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Gentle stretches and mild rapids
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Guided eco-tours for safety
Lonely Planet highlights Zambezi River canoe trips as an adventurous combination of paddling and African wildlife encounters.
Canoeing Tips for Travelers:
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Skill Level: Choose trips that match your paddling experience.
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Guides and Tours: Multi-day trips, especially in remote locations, are safer with guides.
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Equipment: Bring waterproof gear, life jackets, and appropriate clothing.
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Wildlife Safety: Respect animals and maintain a safe distance.
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Fitness Preparation: Long paddling trips require stamina and core strength.
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Permits: Some destinations like Bowron Lakes and BWCAW require permits.
Why Canoe Trips Are a Must-Do:
Canoe trips offer an unforgettable way to explore nature. From serene lakes in Finland to the wild Amazon River, paddling immerses travelers in landscapes inaccessible by car or foot.
According to National Geographic Adventure, canoeing allows you to connect with the environment, spot wildlife, and enjoy a sense of peace and adventure that few other activities can provide.
Canoeing also encourages sustainable travel, as paddlers leave minimal impact on natural habitats. It is suitable for families, solo travelers, couples, and adventure seekers, making it one of the most versatile travel experiences worldwide.
Take Away:
The world is full of extraordinary canoeing destinations.
If you prefer calm lakes, challenging rapids, cultural rivers, or remote wilderness, there’s a canoe trip for you.
Top destinations like Bowron Lakes, Whanganui River, Finnish Lakeland, Amazon River, Telemark, BWCAW, and Zambezi River provide unique experiences combining adventure, nature, and culture.
Canoe trips allow travelers to slow down, connect with nature, and create lifelong memories.
If you are an experienced paddler or a beginner, planning a canoe trip to one of these destinations guarantees a journey filled with breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable adventures.
