Three Routes. Your Pace. One Lake to Explore.
Pick Your Route. Pick Your Craft. Hit the Water.
Pick your route, pick your craft, hit the water. Local back bays depart from land. Manitou Island and the French River both include water taxi out and back. Backcountry bass fishing is included with UTV taxi to a remote lake.
South River, Hunter's Bay or Callander Bay
Paddle the Manitou Island
Backcountry Bass Adventure
Paddle the French River
All routes include the craft, paddles, life jackets, and a route briefing before you go. Call (705) 791-3573 to lock in a date or send a message with your route, group size, and craft preference.
South River to Chapman's Chute
Take a peaceful paddle along the South River, where calm waters lead you to the natural beauty of Chapman's Chute and beyond. Follow the river as it opens into Lake Nipissing for a true Northern experience. A great route for first-timers, families, and anyone looking for a quieter day on the water.
- Calm river water with protected shoreline
- Waterfalls at Chapman's Chute
- River opens into Lake Nipissing for extended paddling
- Ideal for first-timers and families
Hunters Bay Sheltered Islands
Explore the sheltered islands of Hunters Bay, with over 5 square kilometres of protected back bay paddling. This is where experience meets solitude. Calm water, scenic shorelines, and incredible fishing. Bring a rod or just bring the camera.
- Over 5 square kilometres of protected back bay
- Sheltered islands and calm water
- Scenic shorelines for photography
- Incredible fishing water (add fishing gear rentals)
Callander Bay: Lighthouse, Lookout & Village Views
Paddle through Callander Bay, where the lighthouse, lookout, sailboats, and village views create a one-of-a-kind experience on the water. A shorter, scenic route that combines open-water paddling with classic Northern Ontario village atmosphere right off the shoreline.
- Callander Bay lighthouse and lookout
- Sailboats and village shoreline views
- Shorter route, great for half-day paddles
- Classic Northern Ontario village atmosphere
Self-Guided Backcountry Largemouth Bass Adventure
Step off the beaten path and into a true backcountry fishing experience on Lake Nipissing. We drop you off by UTV at a remote, elevated backcountry lake overlooking Lake Nipissing. A secluded fishery with no boat traffic, just quiet water and natural surroundings.
Target largemouth bass in calm, protected waters that suit experienced anglers and first-time fishers alike. This is a catch-and-release only fishery, helping preserve the quality of this unique backcountry lake.
You will be set up with a 16-foot Legend wide-body aluminum fishing boat powered by an electric trolling motor. The lake is connected to Lake Nipissing but sits at a significantly higher elevation, creating a unique and rarely accessed fishing opportunity. Cast and explore at your own pace, then we return to pick you up.
- UTV taxi included (drop-off and pick-up)
- 16-foot Legend wide-body boat with electric trolling motor
- Catch and release only
- 4-hour trip, $325 per boat (up to 3 people)
- Multiple boats available for larger groups
- Safety equipment and life jackets provided
- Bring your own gear or rent a fully equipped setup
Kayak, Canoe, or Paddleboard
This is your time to explore, your time to unwind, and your time to experience the Nipissing region. Pick the craft that fits your group and your route.
Kayak
Solo or tandem. Stable, easy to learn, perfect for exploring shoreline, quiet coves, and longer-distance paddling.
Canoe
Classic Canadian. Room for groups, gear, and a cooler. Great for families and multi-hour paddles through back bays.
Stand-Up Paddleboard
Calm water, open views. Great for fitness, sightseeing, or an unhurried morning on sheltered bays.
Stack Your Paddle Day
Prefer a guide? Want to camp overnight? Pair your paddle with one of these.
Boat Rentals
All the paddle craft and fishing boats you need for self-guided or guided days on the water.
See rentals →
Guided Paddle Tours
Prefer a guide? Add a local who knows the water, picks the route, and handles the logistics.
Explore guided →
Camping Gear Packages
Paddle by day, camp by night. Basic and Comfort rental kits delivered to your campsite.
View packages →Self-Guided Paddle FAQs
What self-guided paddle routes does Lake Nipissing Outfitters offer?
Three main routes: the South River leading to the waterfalls at Chapman's Chute, Hunters Bay with over 5 square kilometres of sheltered islands and protected back bay paddling, and Callander Bay with views of the lighthouse, lookout, sailboats, and village.
Do I need a guide for these routes?
No. These are self-guided paddle adventures. We provide the equipment, a route overview, safety gear, and a briefing before you go. You paddle at your own pace. If you prefer a guide, see our guided adventures page for guided paddle tours.
What can I paddle: kayak, canoe, or paddleboard?
All three. Kayak for solo paddlers or couples, canoes for groups and gear-heavy trips, and stand-up paddleboards for calm water. Pick the craft that fits your group and the route you want to do. See our boat rentals page for the full fleet.
Are these routes good for beginners?
Yes. Hunters Bay and Callander Bay offer sheltered, calm water that works well for first-time paddlers. The South River is also calm and protected. If you are a complete beginner, ask about a guided paddle tour where an experienced local handles the route, safety, and pace.
How do I book a self-guided paddle adventure?
Call (705) 791-3573 or use our contact page. Tell us the route you want to paddle, the number of people, your experience level, and the craft you prefer. We will handle the rest and have the equipment ready when you arrive.
How much does a self-guided paddle adventure cost?
Pricing depends on the route. Local bays (South River, Hunter's Bay, or Callander Bay, departing from land, up to 6 hours): solo kayak or paddleboard $40 per person, 2-person canoe $75. Manitou Island (water taxi included, up to 6 hours): single kayaks from $300 for 2 people plus $100 per additional person up to 4, or double canoe from $300 for 2 people plus $50 per additional person up to 4. French River (up to 8 hours): single kayaks from $500 for 2 people plus $100 per additional person up to 4, or double canoe from $500 for 2 people plus $50 per additional person up to 4. Fishing equipment is an additional $20 per person on any route. See the full pricing breakdown above.
More Than a Rental. An Experience You Will Come Back For.
Three signature routes. Your pace. Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
Call us, pick a route, and we will have the gear ready.