Kayaking, Canoeing & River Tubing in Michigan: 17 Unbeatable Places to Paddle on MI’s West Side

Kayaking, Canoeing & River Tubing Destinations – West MI

West Michigan summer is here! Wondering where to go kayaking, canoeing, river tubing, or find a boat launch around Grand Rapids, Michigan? 

Paddling or floating down a river is the perfect way to spend a summer day, so we’ve put together a list of popular places for water sports, from the Grand Rapids area to the Lakeshore and even up north near Traverse City.

Whether it’s your first time out or you’re ready for river rapids, this list will help you find the perfect water trail for you.

(Looking for more of a beach vibe? Try one of these amazing Lake Michigan beaches.)

Types of Water Floating Devices

Here’s a rundown of the water float options available in West Michigan. You can also rent motor boats and pontoon boats around Grand Rapids!

River Tubing – Float on an inner tube down a meandering river. It’s popular to float coolers down the river while tubing, too. Often, groups will rope tubes together. Choose a river that is shallow and sandy for this type of activity.

Kayaking – A sport growing in popularity, kayaks are found at most rental outlets and are easier to navigate and control than an canoe. Choose a double kayak if you’re taking a young child along. You can get sit-on-top kayaks or sit-inside kayaks. The latter usually makes for a drier trip – that is – unless you tip over.

Canoeing – Canoeing is an iconic water paddling activity and is alive and well in Michigan. If you’re a beginner to canoeing, be sure to choose a river or body of water suited to that level. Rivers get challenging when the water moves more quickly (often the case in springtime) or there are obstacles, tight turns, or rapids.

Rafting – A few locales offer river rafting trips where one or more people can paddle a raft down a river.

Stand Up Paddle Boards – Also known as SUPs, Stand Up Paddle Boards are also growing in popularity in the region. Find them for rent near lakes in West Michigan and around Grand Rapids.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is a trend that’s taking over West Michigan. I’ve spotted people paddle boarding all over the Grand Rapids area and I’m eager to try it for myself.

There are plenty of places around Grand Rapids where you can rent SUP equipment. Inland lakes are a safe bet for trying SUP because they tend to have less wave action. Reed’s Lake is a popular spot (you can event try SUP yoga!) as is Millennium Park (you can rent equipment right there at the DeVos Boathouse).

While it might seem like Lake Michigan is a natural spot to SUP, the big waves in the lake make it tough to master (and easier to tip).

Please, always wear a life jacket when enjoying water sports – whether adult or child.

Grand Rapids Kayaking, Canoe & SUP Rentals

Finding an outfitter to rent canoes or kayaks is the first step to having a great day on the water.

Many rental places will accommodate walk-ins, but during the busy season, you’ll want to make a reservation for your equipment.

Expect to arrive early at your outfitter for safety lessons and to sign waivers.

Up North Kayak, Canoeing & Tubing Rentals

Tell Us Where You Paddle!

Do you have a spot great for families that we didn’t list? Please leave a comment below… we’d love to find out about more places for family floating adventures!

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