Top Ten Urban Kayaking Cities - Plus Fireworks Paddles

Kayaking during the Fourth of July celebration in Pittsburgh.  Photo courtesy of Cara Rufenacht, Venture Outdoors.

If you live in a waterfront city or are visiting one this weekend for Independence Day festivities, chances are you’ve seen at least one stranger navigating your metropolis in a kayak and wondered, Could that actually be . . . fun? “People ask me that all the time,” says Ted Choi, owner of San Francisco’s City Kayak. “They basically assume that kayaking in a natural setting is the best thing—but urban kayaking is amazingly beautiful.” And easy. Many U.S. cities have local paddling outfitters (we found three in Manhattan) that offer equipment rentals and tours, DIY or guided. It’s convenient, low cost, and yes, fun. You can even catch a fireworks 4th of July paddle in some cities. Text by Catherine Price, Laura Buckley, Annie Hay, Alyson Sheppard

San Francisco

Chicago

Washington, D.C.

Pittsburgh

Portland, Maine

Boston

New York City

Portland, Oregon

Seattle

Toronto

Continue reading for complete city reviews >>

Comments

[Ian Edlind]

I'll second the nomination of DC and Jack's Boathouse. This article was well-timed - Jack's does a special fireworks kayak tour on the 4th. Fletcher's Boathouse, a couple miles upstream of Georgetown, is another great place to rent.

[Andy]

Hello, where's Minneapolis, the 'City of Lakes?'

[Luxury Adventure Travel]

Some people would definitely prefer to kayak in a more natural environment but if it's not possible, it's a good thing urban kayaking is an available option.

[Ahmet]

Hi,

I ride an electric scooter to work and I bought mine from www.elecbikeco.com I absolutely love it... once I get to work I recharge it and ride home.

Thanks
Ahmet

[WDOphoto]

Pittsburgh is an amazing place to kayak but is also an amazing place to do a ton of other outdoor things. From trail running groups and hashers to the numerous cycling clubs like the grungy critical mass folks or the more mainstream Bike Pgh people. Plus there is a very large rollerblading club - Three Rivers Inline Club that skate up and down the many hills. There is even a man known as "Unicycle Guy" who makes his way all around the city on one wheel. We've got great rock climbing locations and groups.

We have so many great ways to see this amazing city we should have our own issue of Adventure!

[Laura Cococcia]

I can definitely vouch for Kayak Chicago and their customized tours, both for events and for groups. It's such a beautiful city to see from the water and this expert group of kayakers have all the inside scoop, facts and trivia on the landmarks. Definitely something to consider if you're out in Chicagoland. I go about 1ce a month.