Things to do in Michigan, United States: The Best Kayaking & Canoeing

December 20, 2021 Karren Gelb

Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
Restaurants in Michigan

1. Borchers Canoe & Kayak

Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 157 reviews

Borchers Canoe & Kayak

Borchers Canoe & Kayak is family owned, operated, and oriented. We provide canoe & kayak rental on the beautiful AuSable River. Trips ranges in length from 2 1/2 - 5 1/2 hour daytrips to overnight camping trips. Our bed & breakfast provides riverfront accommodations year round. Six guest rooms, full breakfast, and a casual atmosphere allow our guests to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

2. Boyne Watersports

Excellent
93%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Boyne Watersports

We give you brand new pontoon rentals, tritoon rentals, ski boat rentals, jet ski rentals, stand up paddleboard rentals, and kayak rentals. Come explore Lake Charlevoix with family and friends on what was Voted BEST LAKE in America East of Lake Tahoe. There are so many places to discover including beaches, restaurants, and shopping all reachable by water. Let us spoil you with GREAT ADVENTURE and make a full day on the water with one of our BRAND NEW luxury boats.

3. Campbell's Canoe Livery

Excellent
92%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Campbell's Canoe Livery

Since 1958, Campbell’s has been a family owned and operated livery offering canoe, kayak and tube rentals on one of Northern Michigan's most scenic rivers; The South Branch of the Au Sable. While the company has transitioned ownership over the years, one thing has remained consistent; providing excellence and fun on and off the river.

4. Keweenaw Adventure Company

Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 240 reviews

Keweenaw Adventure Company

Established in 1994, Keweenaw Adventure Company (KAC) is a guide and outfitter specializing in Lake Superior sea kayak adventures and mountain biking on Copper Harbor's internationally recognized trail system. With over twenty-five years' experience and an excellent safety record, we provide state-of-the-art rental equipment, essential goods and exceptional customer service. We offer a variety of guided day trips, as well as multi-day kayak tours on Isle Royale National Park and along the Keweenaw Water Trail. We have lodging available and have a small retail shop where we host a supply of essential bike parts and kayak accessories, bicycle, canoe & SUP rentals, bicycle service (mechanics), interpretive guided eco-hikes and a shuttle service, too. More than just a shop, we have also built our reputation as advocates, trail builders, community organizers and folks who like to have a good time.

5. Great Turtle Kayak Tours

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 462 reviews

Great Turtle Kayak Tours

Kayak and stand up paddle board rentals with 2 locations: one on Mackinac Island, MI and one in Mackinaw City, MI. For beginners we offer basic instruction and guided tours in the calm waters of the marina, and for our more experienced paddlers, we lead tours to Arch Rock, Devil's Kitchen, the Mackinac Bridge, Round Island, and Bois Blanc Island, on the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron. Our summer tours are popular, and they book up fast, so reserve on our website now to secure your time!

6. Woods & Waters

Excellent
95%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 56 reviews

Woods & Waters

Woods & Waters has been taking people like you on nature-filled adventures since 2002. Our fun and informative guided tours in the Les Cheneaux Islands, the Eastern UP, and Isle Royale National Park will immerse your senses with the rustic and still wild northern Great Lakes. Whether you just want an easy paddle to explore our cedar shores and catch a sunset, or days of quality time off the grid, our team of trained guides will be with you for every dip of the paddle or step along the trail. Our outdoor activities include kayaking and hiking — something for everyone! We believe that everyone has the most fun when they’re in the middle of nature, so come have an adventure with us. We also rental Rocky Mountain fat tire, mountain, and gravel bikes, kayaks (sea and sit-on-top), and paddle boards (SUPs). And our quaint retail shop can either help outfit many adventures or find a unique gift.

7. GR Paddling - Tours

Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 86 reviews

GR Paddling - Tours

The mission of GR Paddling, LLC is to provide kayak and canoe excursions in and around the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area, utilizing local waterways as a way to increase appreciation by educating the public in the protection and value of our natural resources, and to promote area tourism through healthy, safe and responsible adventure activities.

8. Riverside Kayak Connection

Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 108 reviews

Riverside Kayak Connection

Riverside Kayak Connection is a retail kayak shop. We also offer kayak rentals at Elizabeth Park in Trenton and on Belle Isle Park in Detroit as well as tours and classes in the metro Detroit area.

9. Penrod's AuSable Canoe and Kayak Rentals

Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 411 reviews

Penrod's AuSable Canoe and Kayak Rentals

Penrod's is a family owned, operated and oriented business that caters to family fun! Our popular one-day trips are perfect for a family getaway or a scouting, school, or religious group outing. A day with Penrod's will be a day to be remembered. Penrod's has the largest selection of rental kayaks in the state.

10. All About Water

Excellent
95%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 121 reviews

All About Water

Thank you for your interest. We've got the best rates on Crystal River ($25/person!), and we've got the best kayaks, too. All About Water also provides guided kayak tours along Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. All About Water rents kayaks and stand up paddle boards with free delivery and pickup throughout the area. All About Water provides everything you need to start your next adventure: life jackets, paddles, seat backs, and dry bags. We deliver all the equipment so you can focus on your vacation and having fun. We can suggest great places that are easy to reach, with water conducive to beginners and experts, too. We would love to recommend a destination for your next adventure so please give us a call.

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