Best Inflatable Kayaks in Canada

For years, we have thoroughly researched products across numerous categories to ensure we provide you with the best options available. From household items to lifestyle trends, we have carefully studied the available options to make sure we recommend the very best possibilities.

To ensure we provide you with the best and most relevant options, we perform tests and studies in various lab evaluations. After careful testing in these evaluations, we then send the products to our specially selected testers. They provide further feedback on each product, which helps us narrow down the recommendations we have to offer you. The final result is a carefully curated guide for each type of product and trend.

When researching inflatable kayaks in Canada, we carefully selected these options based on the following features:

• Inflated Size. The dimensions of the inflated kayak are important details to know. The exact measurements will help determine whether the kayak is the correct size for you and your needs. The exact dimensions of the inflated size will also let you know how it maneuvers and the speed it can achieve.
• Kayak Weight. This is an important aspect when it comes to portability. The kayak weight will help you determine whether you can carry the kayak for a longer distance or whether you need to park close to the water. It will also impact where you store it and how you transport it, especially if you are a solo kayaker. Inflatable kayaks tend to be much lighter than regular ones, but you may still want a lighter or heavier option.
• Weight Capacity. The weight capacity of the inflatable kayak is a necessary detail to know. It lets you know exactly how much weight the inflatable kayak can sustain, especially if you are looking to go on the water with more than one person. Many kayakers also prefer to bring dogs or children along with their gear and will have to know exactly how much the kayak can withstand.
• Accessories. This is one of the most important aspects when it comes to deciding on an inflatable kayak. Knowing the accessories included with the purchase will help you get the most out of the experience, especially if you are looking for any particular adjustable or customizable options. 

Why Use an Inflatable Kayak in Canada?

Inflatable kayaks can offer various advantages when compared to hardshell ones. The usual lightweight construction associated with inflatable kayaks makes them great for beginners or for those looking for a transition kayak before investing in a professional hardshell one. They are also much easier to transport and store, which makes them great choices for recreational kayaking.

Inflatable kayaks are very versatile, allowing you to discover the Canadian waterways at your leisure. They are generally cheaper than hardshell kayaks and suitable for kayakers of all levels. Those looking for comfort and practicality over huge speed and professional performance can find what they seek in an inflatable kayak.

Many of these options can be used without effort in lakes, rivers, and even open waters as long as the conditions aren’t too choppy. Our research has uncovered the most resilient and durable ones, to make sure you have everything you need in your inflatable kayak.

The versatility and convenience of these kayaks are huge draws, as is their efficiency. Enjoying these kayaks through the seasons can get you to enjoy the water in Canada, either by yourself or accompanied by friends, family, and even pets.

Each inflatable kayak has specific features to offer, from customizable accessories to cutting-edge designs. Once you pick the right one, you will be able to enjoy the water with ease. You can even experiment with a few different ones and take advantage of more features before settling for one model.

How to Choose an Inflatable Kayak for Canadians

Once you decide to invest in an inflatable kayak, you will want to look at the most relevant options before making a purchase. The best way to ensure that you end up buying the inflatable kayak that suits your needs is to do some research.

This guide is here to help you with this adventure. We will let you know in detail what to look out for when researching kayaks, and how these characteristics can help you find the right inflatable kayak.

Inflated Size

Inflated size is one of the most important aspects to know about an inflatable kayak. It lets you know exactly what to expect when it comes to dimensions once the kayak has been inflated. This will help you determine whether a particular kayak is the right fit for Canadian waters.

Recreational kayaks like inflatable ones are usually shorter and wider than their hardshell counterparts. This is why they are better suited to beginners or kayakers who wish to enjoy a casual time on the water.

The usual size of an inflatable kayak explains its stability and easy handling. It also requires no prior experience in handling a kayak. The increased maneuverability afforded by the size of inflatable kayaks is a good fit for various waterways, so it allows more options when it comes to planning kayaking trips.

When picking an inflatable kayak, look at the size to determine what you should expect when on the water. If you are used to hard shells, you may be taken aback by the different dimensions of the inflatable kayak, but once you get to experience them, you’ll understand the reasoning behind the size.

In general, a shorter kayak will be easier to handle, while a longer one will give you more speed. A wider kayak will give you more stability, while a narrower one will give you more agility.

Kayak Weight

The kayak’s weight will determine how portable it is. This is why inflatable kayaks are generally much lighter than hard shells, and why it is an influencing factor. The lighter the kayak, the easier it will be for you to carry around and store.

A heavier kayak can also be harder to steer. The heavier a kayak is, the slower it will accelerate, and the harder it will be to keep it on course. Most inflatable kayaks featured in this guide are between 9 and 21 kg. Hardshell alternatives can go up to 30 kg and beyond. When you are ready to purchase an inflatable kayak, you should always look at the weight of the kayak.

This can mark the difference between your options. Depending on the type of recreational kayaking you want to do, you may want to opt for a lighter or heavier option. Lighter kayaks will be very easy to handle and carry, but you may want to opt for something with more weight for increased stability.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of a kayak will determine how much gear you can bring on it, as well as how many people. It isn’t just a matter of how much space there is in the kayak, but how much it can withstand. The best inflatable kayaks in Canada can lead you on many adventures, and knowing the right weight capacity for you will help you choose the right one.

Knowing the weight capacity can help you in more than one way. If you intend to use your inflatable kayak in Canada’s waterways by yourself, you might want to opt for one with a lower weight capacity. A kayak with a lower weight capacity will have less volume, which will make it much easier to handle on your own, especially if you have a smaller build and if you don’t plan on bringing much gear with you.

If you do intend to have more gear or to bring a child, a friend, or a pet, you should opt for an inflatable kayak with a larger weight capacity. This will come with increased volume and may require extra handling and steering. As long as you are aware of what you need and how this might affect performance, you will be ready to make the best decision when it comes to the perfect inflatable kayak for your adventures.

Accessories 

The accessories that come with an inflatable kayak can help you make the right decision when purchasing one by narrowing the selection. Some kayakers prefer lots of accessories, while others prefer the bare minimum. Depending on what you want, knowing what’s included in the package can help steer you the right way.

Most of the selections featured in this guide include the essentials for a successful kayaking experience. A high-output hand or foot pump will usually be included, as well as at least one oar, depending on the type of kayak. Many inflatable kayaks will also come with a carry bag for extra convenience, as well as with a repair patch.

Those looking for more extras can opt for inflatable kayaks with drink holders, deluxe seats with comfortable backrests, and adjustable mounts for cameras or phones. Choosing the right kayak for you will involve knowing exactly what you would like your kayak to include, and investing in that option.

Beginners can start with the basics and then explore other options. Reading up on everything included with the kayak can lead to having the most successful personalized adventures in Canada’s many bodies of water.

Water Conditions

Inflatable kayaks are a great choice for Canadian waterways, but you should always know what conditions they can face. For the more casual kayakers, an inflatable option that is wider and shorter will provide more stability. That type of inflatable kayak will help you get used to the activity, and will generally be easier to handle. A shorter kayak is ideal for quick-moving streams, and for areas where you might have to dodge submerged objects. This increased maneuverability can be a great plus for kayakers at any level of experience.

If you are looking for better tracking, a longer inflatable kayak can be the right choice. Longer kayaks will have more streamlined movement and usually increased speed. If you plan on spending a longer time on the water, you can choose a kayak with scupper holes or self-bailing valves. These additions can help drain water from inside the inflatable kayak, which is great for wavy conditions too. 

Pump Types

Most inflatable kayaks you get in Canada will come with an included manual hand or foot pump. If you want to have a more effortless experience when inflating or deflating a kayak, you can opt for a different pump. Here are the most popular pump types for kayaking Canadians.

• Electric pumps. These are the quickest pumps available, but you will usually have to purchase them as an extra. While the electric pumps are very convenient, they are also noisy and you will usually need to power them up somewhere while inflating.
• Hand pumps. These are the most common pumps, and will usually be included in the package with your inflatable kayak. Hand pumps take a bit more time and effort, but can frequently be the most practical choice overall.
• Foot pumps. Like hand pumps, foot pumps are manual pumps that can be used anywhere. These pumps can be more convenient for some kayakers, especially those with back problems. 

How to Safely Use an Inflatable Kayak in Canada

Inflatable kayaks provide safe adventures in Canadian waterways, but it’s always good to err on the side of caution. Here are some tips on how to ensure to get the safest experience with an inflatable kayak in Canada.

• Make sure to wear safety gear at all times while you’re in the kayak. This may seem like redundant advice, but it is an essential priority. No matter your kayaking expertise, you and everyone else in the kayak should wear a life jacket.
• Be aware of what your inflatable kayak can handle. Due to their usual build, inflatable kayaks are best suited to calm waters. Some can withstand waves and windy conditions, but you will have to make sure that the one you have can face choppier waters. 
• Keep the correct inflation levels. Some inflatable kayaks come with a pressure gauge to help with this, but you should always make sure that you have the right inflation. This may take some experience with the kayak to establish how the right pressure feels. The instruction manual that comes with the 
• Know how to react to punctures. While most inflatable kayaks are puncture-resistant, you should be aware of how to react in case a puncture happens when you’re out on the water. The easiest solution is to always have the included repair patch on hand. Read the instruction manual to find out more options.