Paddle the Chicago River in a single or double kayak, from the Wild Mile toward downtown
1 hour
Kayak rental, river access
Explore the Chicago River at your own pace in a single or double kayak. Paddle past Goose Island and the Wild Mile, then head toward downtown, Lake Shore Drive, the South Loop, or Chinatown.
Cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled time for a refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are not refundable and can be rescheduled for a $25 per-person fee.
Product ID: QUT9W9
No prior experience is required for recreational kayaks. Sea kayaks require previous kayaking experience plus equivalent rescue skills or completion of sea kayaking courses.
Arrive 15 minutes early for orientation and safety instructions. Complete the required waiver before arrival.
Children under 12 must ride with an adult in a double kayak.
North Ave Beach, 1603 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
Kayaking through downtown Chicago with this crew is genuinely hard to beat. Guides like Adam, Matt, and Antonio consistently earn praise for being knowledgeable, funny, and attentive, and the routes themselves are spectacular, whether you're paddling through calm wake-free zones around Goose Island or catching the river turn green on a seasonal tour. First-timers especially seem to feel well looked after, with solid instruction before hitting the water and staff who go out of their way to make sure everyone's comfortable. The experience itself is the star here. Calm water options make it approachable for beginners, while more adventurous paddlers can venture into the busier stretches of the Chicago River. A couple of negative reviews flag some concerning situations around safety response and customer service, so it's worth keeping that in mind. That said, those experiences appear to be outliers in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive track record. Overall, this is a well-run operation with genuinely passionate guides and a product that delivers a pretty unforgettable perspective on the city.
Meet Farm Animals and Native Wildlife Across Five Acres
Paddle the Chicago River past the Wild Mile and downtown skyline
Taste international dough-based treats while exploring Wynwood’s art district
See Art Institute Masterpieces With an Art Historian
Taste five Chicago specialties while exploring River North’s history and architecture
Taste four pizza styles on a 3-hour downtown Chicago walk