N
The Daily Insight

Can you kayak on the Thames in London Ontario?

Author

Daniel Martin

Updated on March 15, 2026

Grab your paddles for a rip on the Thames River

With nearly 400 km of waterways navigable by canoe or kayak, the Thames River is a great paddling adventure through the heart of Ontario's Southwest.

Keeping this in view, can you kayak on the Thames in London?

Yes you can canoe or kayak on the Thames or use any type of craft on the non-tidal River Thames between Cricklade Bridge and Teddington Lock, and the short section of the tidal River Thames between Teddington Lock and the Port of London Authority's boundary, including backwaters and marinas.

Subsequently, question is, where can I kayak in London Ontario? These are the best places for budget-friendly kayaking & canoeing in London: London Kayak Company. Moo Canoes Ltd. Lee Valley Canoe & Cycle.

These places are best for kayaking & canoeing in London:

  • Trips & Trade UK Limited.
  • Maskontravel.
  • Explora Expeditions.
  • Secret Dates.
  • Secret Adventures.

Similarly one may ask, can you kayak on the Thames?

Many barges, piers and boats are moored along the River Thames. Kayakers can generally avoid the busy, central channel and can paddle on the quieter water on the side of the river. Other river traffic may not see you. Small craft such as kayaks and canoes are not common on the river.

How long does it take to kayak the Thames?

Some groups can manage this in 6 days, however many people feel it's better over 7 or 8 to make it more managable / relaxed. Days range from around 10 miles to 15/20 depending on how experienced or fit you are and the type of boat you are using.

Related Question Answers

Can you row on the Thames?

If you own a rowing boat, be sure you are experienced and confident before taking to the water. If you own a rowing boat, once you have registered it, you can take it anywhere on the River Thames.

Can I Kayak anywhere in the UK?

In England & Wales, you can kayak anywhere you like, free of charge, on tidal waters except those which are off limits as above. The general rule is that if a river was once a highway for commercial traffic, it is still a highway and can be used by kayakers.

What do I need to kayak in UK?

You will need a licence to paddle on the inland waterways. These can be purchased as part of British Canoe Union (BCU) membership, or from one of the three organisations which runs Britain's waterways. British Waterways manages most of the canals and rivers including the Severn, Trent and Yorkshire Ouse.

What side of the river do you kayak on?

The best rule is whoever is most able to give way, should, or the upstream paddler has right of way.

Do you need a license to paddle board on Rivers?

If you're paddling on the sea, estuaries or tidal water, or on a river or canal which doesn't require a licence, then that's fine, you don't need one!

Is canoeing harder than kayaking?

While a canoe is undoubtedly harder to capsize than a kayak — though they're both pretty stable, honestly — a kayak has the advantage of being able to be righted in the event of a rollover. In general, canoes are wider and more stable than kayaks, but kayaks are faster and easier to maneuver.

How far can you navigate up the Thames?

Answer: In total, the River Thames is 344 km (215 miles) long from its source to the sea and is navigable for 306 km (191 miles) from Lechlade, which is the practical limit of navigation (the official limit of navigation is Cricklade some 18 km (11 miles) upstream).

Where can I paddleboard in London?

Where to go paddleboarding: London and beyond
  • Paddleboarding London.
  • The London Stand Up Paddle Company.
  • Active360.
  • Wet'n'Dry SUP.
  • Back of Beyond Adventures.
  • Lee Valley White Water Centre.

Do you need insurance for a kayak?

Although you may not be required to have insurance for your canoe, it is a good idea. If your canoe accidentally damages someone's boat or personal property, your finances can be protected with this insurance in a covered loss.

Do I need a Licence for a boat on the Thames?

You do need a licence before you're allowed to boat on any inland waterways in the UK, such as the Thames or the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. To get a boat licence, all you need is boat insurance and a boat safety scheme certificate (BSSC).

Can I canoe on rivers?

As long as you hold a licence, you can paddle on any of the 2,200 miles of canals and rivers administered by the Canal & River Trust. An additional licence allows you to paddle on other rivers which are maintained by the Environment Agency, including the non-tidal Thames west of London.

Can you take a boat on the Thames?

All boats kept, used or let for hire on the river must be registered. If you have a boat and you keep it afloat and/or use it on the River Thames, you need to register it, even if you do not use it.

Where can you kayak in Ontario?

8 Places To Add To Your Kayaking Bucket List
  • Kingston. Ahoy Rentals.
  • Frontenac County. Frontenac Outfitters.
  • Cornwall & SDG Counties. Crysler Park Marina.
  • Prince Edward County. Sandbanks Provincial Park – Westlake Watersports.
  • Brockville. Paddling Trails.
  • Rideau Canal. Rideau Tours.
  • 1000 Islands Gananoque. 1000 Islands Kayaking.
  • Bay of Quinte. Cruising Canoes.

Where can I kayak in southwestern Ontario?

Routes suggested by Explore editor David Webb.
  • Beaverhouse Ranger Station. Quetico Provincial Park.
  • Falls Chain Loop. Quetico Provincial Park.
  • Lady Evelyn River. Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park.
  • Lake Temagami/Obabika Lake Loop.
  • Sturgeon River/Wawiagama Lake.
  • Maple Mountain Route.
  • Kopka River.
  • Ogoki River.

Where can you paddle in Ontario?

Ontario's Best Day-Tripping Rivers
  • French River. Fall colours reward late season paddlers on the French River.
  • Goulais River. Choose from calm meanders or thrilling rapids on the Goulais River.
  • Thames River.
  • Grand River.
  • Black River.
  • Moon River.
  • Humber River.
  • Rouge River.