4 kayaking day trips in and around Toronto

From paddling the harbour and exploring the city to heading out of town to explore the wilderness, this list of kayaking day trips has something for everyone.

With the expansive waters of the Great Lakes so close, kayaking on Lake Ontario is a great way to explore the waterfront of Toronto. Put in at Cherry Beach Park, just east of the city, and head out into the open water from there. There is a great 10.5-km loop that takes you out past islands you can explore on foot, through the harbour in the centre of town, and back to Cherry Beach Park where you can load back up and grab a well deserved beer.

If you'd like to get some river paddling in, look no further than the Humber River. Its mellow demeanour makes it a great option for both experienced and new kayakers alike, and its central location between Toronto and Mississauga is an easy drive for a quick trip. Put in at King's Mill Park and take the two hour trip down to the lake. You'll get the chance to see plenty of wildlife, which will make you feel as if you're much further from town than you really are.

Located about an hour and a half outside of the city, you'll find this trio of lakes with thousands of acres of water to explore. You can easily access Lake Chemung just past Peterborough, and paddling from lake to lake, while time intensive, offers you endless options for wildlife viewing, island exploring and beach camping in the warmer summer months. Due to the amount of available paddling, this is a trifecta of lakes you'll never tire of coming back to.

Heading north from Toronto, you'll drive for about two hours before getting to Georgian Bay, and you'll never want to go back. The gorgeous green waters of Lake Huron beckon for you to dip your paddle in, while the thousands of tiny islands that dot the bay invite you and your friends to play an epic game of kayaking hide-and-seek.

With so much water surrounding the amazing city of Toronto, there is no shortage of great places to paddle, and these are just a few suggestions. Whether you're looking for something in the city or a place to feel like you've managed the great escape, this area has plenty to offer.