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Canoeing in Michigan

Canoeing Trips in Michigan

There are over 3,000 miles of water trails on the Great Lakes, inland lakes, and rivers that await you. Find canoeing trips in Michigan for every level of canoeist. Whether you're looking for a guided trip, canoe rentals, self-guided, day trip, multi-day trip, or anything in between, there's a canoe trip in Michigan for you. If you've paddled here before, be sure to share your trip with the rest of us!

Planning the trip of a lifetime? Check out these safe paddling tips and always wear your life jacket


- Brought to you by the Water Sports Foundation and the SFRBTF administered by the U.S. Coast Guard -

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Guide to Canoeing in Michigan

Home of the Great Lakes and a plethora of other lakes, rivers, and scenery, there are plenty of waters and destinations to seek out for a paddling trip in Michigan. Some of the most popular destinations in Michigan include:

  • 4 out of the 5 Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Superior, Lake Huron)
  • 2 National Lakeshores (Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks)
  • Over 26,000 inland lakes
  • Numerous river trails, river camping, and fishing spots

Read on for guides to planning your own trip to Michigan, seeking out an outfitted trip, connecting with other Michigan paddlers, and many other resources!

Canoeing Locations in Michigan

If you want to plot your own route, check out all paddling locations in Michigan! Search thousands of put-in and take-out locations on our Paddling Locations Map and be sure to download the Go Paddling app where you can save favorites or create and share a float plan!

Plan a Canoeing Trip in MIchigan

Over the years, many of our paddlers have paddled throughout Michigan and were so generous to share their paddling experiences with us in a community trip report. Read a few examples of Michigan community trip reports below:

Have you paddled in Michigan? Post Your Trip and share with the community!

Connect with Canoers in Michigan

Looking to connect with other paddlers in Michigan? Below are a number of resources to help get you started:

Articles about Paddling in MIchigan

The Great Lakes: A Little Slice of the Sea

Deep in the heart of North America, surrounded by forest and field, there is an ocean. A vast inland sea containing nearly a quarter of the world's fresh water — enough to flood the lower 48 states to a depth of almost ten feet — the Great Lakes contain upwards of 35,000 islands, and their 10,000 miles of shore rival that of the US ocean coastlines.