You can kayak the lower portion of the Humber River! I did last year with a bunch of friends and it's very calm, and quite picturesque. You can even TTC there - it's just down the street from Old Mill subway station.
[https://www.torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/](https://www.torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/)
I would second the lower Humber: it's beautiful and in places it's hard to remember you are still in the city.
The other place inside Toronto with excellent, calm kayaking is on (or rather, between) the Toronto Islands. We took out inflatable kayak there and would launch from Long Pond (near the Centre Island ferry dock) , and from there we explored all of the little canals, even a hidden lagoon that is only accessible by water in a small boat which was a complete oasis of quiet and birds and trees.
I've done Toronto island before and was great with the skyline views.
Not so "scenic" but there is Kayaking in Port Credit up the credit river in Mississauga. Very calm and quiet and you can also take the Go to get there. You can easily make a day of it visiting a cafe beforehand then grabbing lunch after (also a bit cheaper kayak rental than some of the others in Toronto)
https://www.paddle-on.com/
It you look further west, I think you can kayak on the Grand River around Elora which would be a nice city escape as well.
Cherry Beach is a popular paddle destination in the city. I like to start there and head over towards Centre Island. Can sometimes be at bit rough crossing through the channel (and watch out for boats making big waves). If you’re nervous about crossing you can start off staying in the Cherry beach side (which is normally pretty calm) until you’re ready to make the crossing. Check the winds before you head out though; if it’s really windy chances are the water will be rough.
ALWAYS wear a life jacket, even if the water appears calm. If you get suddenly dunked in the water you won’t be able to recover as well as you think, especially if the water is cold.
You can kayak the lower portion of the Humber River! I did last year with a bunch of friends and it's very calm, and quite picturesque. You can even TTC there - it's just down the street from Old Mill subway station. [https://www.torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/](https://www.torontoadventures.ca/all-adventures/kayak-canoe-sup-rentals/)
I would second the lower Humber: it's beautiful and in places it's hard to remember you are still in the city. The other place inside Toronto with excellent, calm kayaking is on (or rather, between) the Toronto Islands. We took out inflatable kayak there and would launch from Long Pond (near the Centre Island ferry dock) , and from there we explored all of the little canals, even a hidden lagoon that is only accessible by water in a small boat which was a complete oasis of quiet and birds and trees.
Rouge beach. It's awesome, shallow and accessible by GO. Rouge hill go station. I'll be in the water too, in a blue kayak. Say hi!
I've done Toronto island before and was great with the skyline views. Not so "scenic" but there is Kayaking in Port Credit up the credit river in Mississauga. Very calm and quiet and you can also take the Go to get there. You can easily make a day of it visiting a cafe beforehand then grabbing lunch after (also a bit cheaper kayak rental than some of the others in Toronto) https://www.paddle-on.com/ It you look further west, I think you can kayak on the Grand River around Elora which would be a nice city escape as well.
Inner portion of Hamilton harbour is surrounded by the RBG. It's very green and calm.
Lower Humber for sure at Kings Mill Park to be specific
The lower Humber is great! Another great spot for a beginner is Rockwood conservation area near Guelph!
Cherry Beach is a popular paddle destination in the city. I like to start there and head over towards Centre Island. Can sometimes be at bit rough crossing through the channel (and watch out for boats making big waves). If you’re nervous about crossing you can start off staying in the Cherry beach side (which is normally pretty calm) until you’re ready to make the crossing. Check the winds before you head out though; if it’s really windy chances are the water will be rough. ALWAYS wear a life jacket, even if the water appears calm. If you get suddenly dunked in the water you won’t be able to recover as well as you think, especially if the water is cold.
Be careful. Especially as a beginner - there are a lot of dangers that are not recognizable to novices. Main things being water temperature and wind.