Kayaking on Niagara River from Grand Island: Land on Strawberry Island

Paddle past restored marshes and island rookeries where bald eagles nest

Kayak the Niagara River from Grand Island's southern tip on a 3-hour guided paddle through marshes and around islands that shaped the region's settlement. You choose a single or tandem kayak, wear a lifejacket, and land on Strawberry Island for a break on the pebble beach. The guide leads you along historic canoe trails while pointing out great blue herons, egrets, ospreys and the bald eagles that live there. Light snack and bottled water are included.

The experience

You start at the southern tip of Grand Island, about 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, where your guide briefs you on the day's paddle and helps you into either a single or tandem kayak fitted to your size. All paddlers wear a lifejacket with a whistle. The river here flows calm and wide before it cascades over the falls 15 miles downstream, so the water you paddle is tranquil enough to let you absorb what the guide is telling you about the geology, history and ecology of the Niagara Frontier.

You'll paddle past the restored East River Marsh, an active heron rookery on Motor Island, and follow some of the same canoe routes early settlers used. The birdlife is dense: great blue herons, great egrets, black crowned night herons, ospreys and spotted sandpipers are common, and bald eagles are in residence on Strawberry Island where you'll land for a rest. Bring a camera: the mix of water, islands and nesting birds makes for steady sightings.

The landing on Strawberry Island gives you time to lounge on the pebble beach or wade into the river water before paddling back. The whole outing runs three hours, and a light snack and bottled water keep you fueled. Children from age 8 are welcome and can paddle tandem with a parent.

What’s included

• 3-hour guided kayak paddle on the Niagara River.
• choice of single or tandem kayak fitted to your size.
• lifejacket and paddle.
• light snack and bottled water.
• landing on Strawberry Island for a beach break.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blue Water Marina

Is this one for you?You paddle the kayak yourself with the guide leading the route, so this suits anyone who wants to be on the water and moving rather than watching from a boat. The calm river and fixed 3-hour length work for families with children from age 8, and the tandem kayak lets kids paddle with a parent.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I kayak on the Niagara River if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The guide leads the paddle and the water is calm, so beginners manage well. The guide briefs you on technique and safety before you leave the launch point, and you wear a lifejacket the whole time. The tour suits all fitness levels.

What birds and wildlife will I see on the Niagara River?

Bald eagles nest on Strawberry Island where you land, and you'll likely see great blue herons, great egrets, ospreys and spotted sandpipers throughout the paddle. The East River Marsh is an active heron rookery, and gulls and terns are common. Bring a camera: sightings are frequent enough that most paddlers get shots.

Do I get to choose between a single kayak and a tandem kayak?

Yes. You pick either a single or tandem kayak when you meet your guide, and it's adjusted to fit you comfortably. Children paddling with an adult use the tandem.

How far is the launch point from Niagara Falls?

Grand Island, where the kayak tour begins at the southern tip, is about 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, NY.

What should I bring or wear for a kayak paddle on the Niagara River?

Wear loose light clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. A bathing suit is optional but practical since you'll wade at Strawberry Island. The guide provides the kayak, lifejacket and paddle. Bring a camera for the birds and wildlife.