Everything You Need For A Successful Canoe Trip

August 19, 2026

Written by: Sarah (@adventures.of.blondie )

If you are hoping to start spending some time out on the water, I’ve compiled everything you need for a successful canoe trip. Whether you are heading out for a relaxing paddle for a few hours or planning a multi day canoe trip, we are here to help you navigate what you need and what gear will make your trip more enjoyable.

For me, getting out on the water in my canoe is always a great time, from a quiet evening paddle on Two Jack Lake to multi day canoe trips like the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit.

What You Need To Go Canoeing

The Basics

You will need a boat! There are lots of different options for canoes on the market. While plastic canoes are typically lower cost and highly durable, they are heavy (trust me when I say, getting one of these on the roof of a vehicle can be a tough task). Meanwhile Kevlar and carbon fibre canoes are very light, perfect for portaging, however they are typically more expensive.

Paddles are also a must! They typically come in popular wood or a plastic metal combination. While wood paddles are typically more comfortable for longer trips, plastic paddles are more hard wearing and require little maintenance. Personally I prefer wood paddles as they are really comfortable to use. The other thing you need to consider is paddle length, a good rule of thumb is your paddle should stop somewhere between your nose and chin, although it comes down to personal preference.

Don’t want to buy a boat to get on the water? Many popular spots rent them. For many of the larger multi day canoe trips there are outfitters close by who can get you geared up with the basics for a rental fee.

Safety First

If you are thinking of heading out on the water, there are a few things you need to have. Transport Canada requires certain safety items to be carried with you while out on the water.

The first thing you need is a PFD or lifejacket for everyone. You want to make sure it’s a good fit, it should feel snug but comfortable. Check buckles and zippers regularly for any damage. You don’t want it to come off when you need it!

Along with a PFD, all canoes need a floating throw rope of at least 15 meters in length, a bailing device, either manual or a pump and lastly a sound horn. Without these you may get fined if you get inspected.

It is also worth having a dry bag to put essentials in, I like the Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag. A 5l bag is the perfect size to fit your essentials in, like your phone and a communication device. I personally always take my Garmin InReach Mini 2 with me when I go out of cell reception paddling.

Comfort Additions

If I’m using a canoe with a plastic seat, I never leave home without a seat pad like the Z Seat Sol, this allows me to be comfortable for longer periods on the water. I can also put it on the floor of the boat if I decide to kneel while I’m paddling, to save my knees!

On multi-day trips, especially when the weather is looking a little cooler or wetter, I always take a pair of neoprene gloves with me to help keep my hands warm when I’m paddling. The NRS Canada Hydroskin Gloves provide the perfect combination of warmth and movement.

For portaging, getting a good canoe cart can be a real added bonus for trips with well maintained portage routes. If you hope to take on the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit with your own boat, I’d definitely make sure to get one but they have strict rules so check before you buy.

What To Wear Canoeing

Personally I like to wear loose and stretchy layers! This allows me to sit in the boat comfortably for long periods of time. A sun shirt is a must to protect me while I’m out on the water, the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun Hoody is one of my favourites. Lightweight pants like the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pant are my go to for bottoms.

I also always pack a full set of thermal layers, especially in cooler months when the mornings and evening can be chilly. The Smartwool Classic All Season Base Layers are my go to.

A synthetic insulated jacket is a must for water adventures as they still keep you warm even if they get wet. My go to is the Patagonia Nano Puff. It packs small and has lasted me for years!

Footwear can be difficult. For casual days on the water I usually wear my Teva Universal sandals. I don’t lose them in the water by accident and they are really comfortable. If I have lots of extended portages, I pack a pair of lightweight trail runners, my favourites are the La Sportiva Bushido shoes, they are lightweight with good grippy soles.

Additions For Multi Day Trips

If you are doing multi day canoe camping trips, you’ll need some camping essentials, including a backcountry tent like the Big Agnes Copper Spur. As well as a sleep system and camp kitchen items. The joy of canoe camping is you can bring a small cooler if space allows.

I also always take a packable chair for camp when I go canoe camping, like the Helinox One. Plus a tarp is a great addition in case you get stuck in a rain storm.

All of my overnight gear, I store in larger dry bags, like the SealLine Discovery 50L Dry Bag. These fit perfectly across the width of my canoe, maximizing space and protecting my gear from rain and splashed up water which might linger in the bottom of the canoe. If I’m doing a lot of portaging, a backpack dry bag like the NRS Canada Bills 65L dry bag allows me to easily carry my gear. This was particularly important for Bowron Lakes where you aren’t allowed to portage using a cart with all your gear in the canoe.