Please call the store location you wish to pick up from to place your rental. *We cannot accept rental requests via email.
We have the most diverse rental fleet in the city, and our boat models change each year to accommodate the most up-to-date materials. We have over 8 different types of canoes, 14 different types of kayaks and 5 different types of SUP available in a wide variety of sizes and options. If you aren’t sure what boat best suits your needs, feel free to give us a call. Our staff will be happy to discuss your plans and recommend which of our boats would be the best fit for you.
Kevlar boats are fast and lightweight, and perfect for trips on large open rivers or across lakes. When you need high efficiency and low weight for easier portages, a Kevlar model is the best rental option. Kevlar hulls are not designed to take hard impact, so it’s best not to expose them to rocks, rapids, or carless handling. If your trip includes rocky conditions, fast moving water, or low water levels where the boat may be dragged across the bottom we suggest going for our ‘standard’ plastic models. Though it will be heavier and less efficient, these boats are far more durable and better suited for rough conditions.
TuffStuff canoes are very durable, while still being much stiffer, faster and lighter than plastic models. Though slightly heavier than Kevlar, TuffStuff boats are an excellent choice for trips where weight and efficiency are important, but the boat needs to be able to take more wear and impact than a Kevlar model could handle. For more information on the difference between boat materials check out our article "Choosing a Canoe: Canoe Materials"
Your boat can be picked up any time during store hours starting 12 noon the day before your first paid day. Your boat is due back no later than 12 noon the day following your last paid day. Pickups and drop-offs are not available Sundays or during statutory holidays.
We require at least a week notice to cancel an existing booking.
In the case of cancellation your deposit will not be returned and is nonrefundable. However we can switch your rental to a day that works for you.
If you do not contact us and fail to collect your boat, your card will be charged for the full amount of your rental. So please contact us with 48 hours notice if at all possible - however we are pretty rad people and are understanding if your schedule changes :)
All kayaks, SUPs and Canoes less than 18 feet long require:
All our rentals leave our shop with enough PFDs and paddles to meet all Canadian Coast Guard requirements. Safety kits are not included in all rentals, but can be provided upon request.
If you are planning a day trip you may want to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellant and drinking water. If you plan on bringing a cell phone or other electronics you should bring a waterproof container or drybag – if you need to purchase either they are available at all our store locations.
You should dress comfortably in clothes you do not mind getting a bit wet. Even if you do not end up in the water, you may get splashed or have to wade into the water during your trip. Be sure to dress for the weather – including a fleece sweater and rain coat if necessary. Sandals or water shoes are recommended over sneakers in case your feet get damp. We suggest keeping a dry change of clothes and towel stored in your vehicle for after you finish your paddle.
All rental equipment should be returned in clean and usable condition. If your equipment requires repair or cleaning you will be charged a fee.
Usually this isn't a problem – but please give us a call at the store beforehand to check, as your boat may be scheduled for another booking. If you do not return your boat on time without warning you will be charged for the extra time, plus a late-return fee.
We do not have direct water access from our stores – but Winnipeg and Thunder Bay have lots of put-in options only a short drive away! For a comprehensive list of Winnipeg access points, check out Charles Burchill’s "Winnipeg Canoe Destinations and Access Points" map.
We will be happy to assist you in loading your rental onto your vehicle's bare roof using our foam blocks and straps. Please speak with our staff regarding the proper way to tie down your boat when you load it to bring back to our store – we are not responsible for damage to either your vehicle or our rentals from improper loading techniques.
We strongly recommend wearing your PFD at all times when paddling. PFDs are crucial pieces of safety gear, and you can’t always predict when you'll need one. Since it's difficult to put on your PFD once you’re already in the water (if you're even able to reach it) it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Many popular paddling locations are out of cell phone range – and it is always possible your phone may run out of batteries or become wet if proper precautions are not taken. If you are planning a trip in a remote area, we recommending renting a SPOT unit which allows you to send 'help' message to friends or the authorities even in areas with no cell coverage.
