What is the Best National Parks for Canoeing?

Updated May 3rd, 2022
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The best National Park for canoeing is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota. This park is a popular destination for canoeists of all levels of experience, as it offers over 2,000 miles of canoe routes to explore. The Boundary Waters is also adjacent to Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, which offers even more canoeing opportunities.

Another great National Park for canoeing is the paddling paradise of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin. This park is made up of 21 islands in Lake Superior, and features over 50 miles of canoe trails. The Apostle Islands are also a popular destination for kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders.

1. Voyageurs National Park

When canoeing in Voyageurs National Park, you can expect a wide variety of scenery and wildlife. The park is home to more than 100 species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and waterfowl. You can also expect to see moose, beaver, and other mammals in the park. The rapids in the park are some of the most challenging in North America, so be prepared for a thrilling adventure. Voyageurs National Park is the best park for canoeing because of its wide variety of scenery, wildlife, and challenging rapids.

2. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Canoeing in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is one of the best ways to experience the park. The scenery is stunning and the water is clear and calm. There are a variety of trails to explore, so you can find the perfect one for your skills and interests.

3. Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is the best park for canoeing because of its remote location and the vastness of the park's waterways. The park's waterways are filled with tall, rugged granite cliffs, deep canyons, and fast-flowing streams. This makes for a peaceful and scenic experience, and the park's waterways are also well-maintained.

4. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the most popular canoeing destinations in the United States. The wilderness is located in northern Minnesota and contains over 1.3 million acres of pristine waters. The wilderness is home to over 100 streams and rivers, making it a great place to canoe all year long. The wilderness is also known for its stunning vistas of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest. The park is managed by the National Park Service and is one of the most popular National Parks in the United States.

A fisherman's canoe on rocky shore in northern Minnesota lake
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5. Quetico Provincial Park

If you are looking for a wilderness experience, Quetico Provincial Park is the place for you. This park is located in the Canadian Shield, and contains over 2,700 km of waterways. You will experience a number of different types of landscapes while canoeing in Quetico Provincial Park, including rolling hills, narrow canals, and pristine lakes. The best time to visit Quetico Provincial Park is during the summer, when the weather is warm and the water is clear.

Campsite in the Great North Woods
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6. Algonquin Provincial Park

When canoeing in Algonquin Provincial Park, you will experience a wide variety of waterways with stunning views. The park is well-maintained and features numerous campsites and portages that make it easy to explore. The rapids are challenging but will provide plenty of entertainment for those who enjoy a good challenge.

7. Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a great place to canoe because it has a variety of different waterways, including a number of rivers and streams. The park also has a number of undeveloped areas, which makes it a great place to explore by canoe.

Shenandoah
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8. Everglades National Park

Canoeing in the Everglades National Park is an amazing experience. The scenery is stunning, the wildlife is abundant, and the water is clear and cool. The best time to canoe in the Everglades is during the summer months, when the water is warm but not too hot.

Everglades Florida wetland, Airboat excursion tour at Everglades National Park at sunset. Nature landscape. USA destination for tourism.
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9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the best park for canoeing because the scenery is amazing. The canoes are easy to operate and the park provides plenty of safe and scenic waterways. The lakes and rivers in the park are well stocked with fish, so visitors can enjoy fishing during their trip.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park