Native Canadians perfected the canoe to maneuver around the country’s vast system of waterways for food and survival; today canoeing is a largely recreational pursuit. In provincial or national parks with many lakes and rivers, canoeists can portage (or trek) to the backwaters, getting away from the most populated areas at a gentle pace.

Over 250,000 lakes and 35,000 km (20,000 miles) of waterways in Ontario make this the most accessible canoeing destination. Rivers and lakes making up more than 25,000 km (16,000 miles) of canoe routes run through the Algonquin, Killarney, and Quetico parks. The Rideau Canal, which travels 190 km (120 miles) from Ottawa to Kingston is a favorite route through the province, taking in the capital, the sprinkling of tiny islands near the historic town of Kingston, and acres of fruit orchards by the fertile waterway. While traveling through the islands, be careful of the other marine traffic. The Canal connects with the St. Lawrence Seaway, the world’s largest draft inland waterway, and shipping regulations are tight. Smaller craft may have to make way for tankers.

Most towns near canoeing routes will rent boats by the day, week, or month, and wetsuits, oars, and life jackets are usually available. Because of the popularity of watersports, Canada is an extremely reasonable place to buy fishing and canoeing equipment; many outfitters offer goodquality products at almost half European and US prices.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

Whitewater rafting may be attempted in the national parks of British Columbia. The Mackenzie River system, which runs from BC backwaters through the Northwest Territories, provides occasionally hair-raising rafting and canoeing.

Most routes in the far north are for the experienced only. The toughest trek of all is the 300-km (180-mile) run of the South Nahanni River near Fort Simpson in the Northwest Territories. New roads here and in the Yukon have boosted the number of visitors to yet another grueling set of waterways, the Yukon River system.

Inexperienced boaters and rafters can take advantage of two-week basic training courses offered all over the country. Lake canoeing in Wells Gray Provincial Park is popular throughout the province for those seeking a more relaxing alternative.

OTHER WATERSPORTS

Although the season may be short, sailing has always been a popular summer pastime. Canada contains a large proportion of the world’s fresh water, and there are allegedly more boats per head here than anywhere else in the world.

The Great Lakes are the prime sailing and windsurfing areas, as are both east and west coastal regions from May to September. Swimming is also a favorite in warm weather; beaches on Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton off the east coast offer warm waters and sandy beaches, while lakes in Ontario, such as Lake Huron, provide inland swims.

Torontonians sometimes swim in Lake Ontario in the summer.