Common Rental Questions

Reserving Your Rental

How do I reserve a rental?

BOOK ONLINE NOW

What boats do you have and how do I know which one I should rent?

We have the most diverse rental fleet in the city, and our boat models change each year to accommodate the most up-to-date materials. If you are not sure which boat best suits your needs, feel free to give us a call. Our staff will be happy to discuss your plans and recommend which of our boats would be the best fit for you.

When can I pick up my rental / when do I need to bring it back?

Use our online booking to determine which options are available for pickup and return times.

Currently, pick-ups and drop-offs are not available on:

  • Sundays in Thunder Bay
  • Statutory holidays

Cancelling Rentals

Can I cancel my rental?

We require at least 48 hours notice to cancel an existing booking and to issue any refunds. Any bookings cancelled within 48 hours of pick-up will not receive any refund.

What if I don’t show up to collect?

If you do not cancel your booking within 48 hours of pick up, you will not receive any refund.

What's Included, and What should I bring?

What’s included with my rental?

  • Our canoe and tandem kayak rentals include x2 PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) and x2 paddles.
  • Our single kayak and SUP rentals include x1 PFD and x1 paddle.
  • All rentals include the straps and foams to load your boat onto your bare roof, roof rack or trailer.
  • Required safety equipment (see below) available upon request if needed. Please enquire at pick up.

What items are required by law to have in our boat?

All kayaks, SUPs and Canoes less than 18 feet long require:

  • 1 Coast Guard-approves PFD per person in the boat
  • At least one paddle
  • 1 sound-signaling device (such as a whistle)
  • 1 bailing device
  • At least 15m of buoyant heaving line

All our rentals leave our shop with enough PFDs and paddles to meet all Canadian Coast Guard requirements. Safety kits are not included in all rentals, but can be provided upon request.

What items should I bring along?

If you are planning a day trip you may want to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellant and drinking water. If you plan on bringing a cell phone or other electronics you should bring a waterproof container or drybag – if you need to purchase either they are available at all our store locations.

What should I wear?

You should dress comfortably in clothes you do not mind getting a bit wet. Even if you do not end up in the water, you may get splashed or have to wade into the water during your trip. Be sure to dress for the weather – including a fleece sweater and rain coat if necessary. Sandals or water shoes are recommended over sneakers in case your feet get damp. We suggest keeping a dry change of clothes and towel stored in your vehicle for after you finish your paddle.

Pickup and Drop-off

Can I return my equipment dirty?

All rental equipment should be returned in clean and usable condition. If your equipment requires repair or cleaning you will be charged a cleaning fee (See current policies provided to you upon rental).

Can I keep my rental for a few extra days?

As our rentals are in high demand through the summer season, we are generally not able to provide extra days on short notice. If you think there is a chance you will want to extend your trip or need a safety buffer for weather, please book extra days initially.

If you do not return your boat on time without warning you will be charged double the 1 Day Rental Rate charge for each day that you are late.

What if I return my rental early?

No refunds will be issued for any rentals returned early.

Can I access the water directly from the store?

We do not have direct water access from our stores – but Winnipeg and Thunder Bay have lots of put-in options only a short drive away!

For a comprehensive list of Winnipeg access points, check out Charles Burchill’s "Winnipeg Canoe Destinations and Access Points" map.

Transporting Rentals

How do I transport my rental without a roof rack?

We will be happy to assist you in loading your rental onto your vehicle's bare roof using our foam blocks and straps. Please speak with our staff regarding the proper way to tie down your boat when you load it to bring back to our store

  • we are not responsible for damage to either your vehicle or our rentals using this method
  • we are unable to load more than one boat on your vehicle without a proper roof rack
  • we are only able to load 1 boat / board maximum per vehicle without a proper roof rack
  • if you have a factor roof rack with bar width < 50", we may only be able to load 1 kayak per vehicle. We will only load 1 canoe per vehicle with roof rack bar width <78".

Staying Safe on the Water

Do I have to wear my life jacket?

Yes! PFDs are crucial pieces of safety gear, and you can’t always predict when you'll need one. Since it's difficult to put on your PFD once you’re already in the water (if you're even able to reach it) it is always better to be safe than sorry.

I can always call for help on my cell phone, right?

Many popular paddling locations are out of cell phone range – and it is always possible your phone may run out of batteries or become wet if proper precautions are not taken. If you are planning a trip in a remote area, we recommending renting a SPOT unit which allows you to send 'help' message to friends or the authorities even in areas with no cell coverage.

Policy on Damaged or Stolen Items

What if I Damage my Rental?

We expect that rental boats will see some wear and tear through the season along with some bumps and bruises. All rentals will be sent out in working, floating condition. This is what we will be looking for upon your return.

Rental items returned in conditions where they are no longer seaworthy will be assessed a repair or replacement charge and you will be billed for this amount. Broken parts such due to misuse will be assessed upon return. Please remember that if you damage your rental due to careless use or transport, you may be seriously affecting the plans of a number of people who have booked this item after you. It is your responsibility as the renter to bring the item back in as like condition as you rented it.

What if my Rental is Stolen?

Yes, unfortunately this happens. While the item is in your possession, you must ensure that it is secured and safe at all times. If you lose the item while it is in your possession, you will be required to pay for the item that needs to be replaced.

Please remember that if the item you rented is stolen, it may also seriously affect the plans of a number of people who have booked the item after you so it is important to keep the item safe and secure.