Open Canadian Canoes from Howtown: Ullswater by Paddle

HOWTOWN CANOE FIELD GUIDE

Open Canadian Canoes from Howtown: Ullswater by Paddle

Waterside Canoe Hire from Ullswater Wake and Surf outfits Canadian-style open canoes for 1–8 hour sessions; this guide explains what to expect, who it suits and what to bring.

Open Canadian Canoes from Howtown: Ullswater by Paddle.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Howtown
Operator
Ullswater Wake and Surf
Category
Canoe
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Waterside Canoe Hire in Howtown outfits spacious Canadian-style open canoes for exploring Ullswater, offering a flexible hire from one to eight hours and all essential kit supplied so groups and families can get straight onto the water.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CRAFT

Spacious Canadian-style open canoes

These are open, Canadian-style canoes with a front seat, rear seat and a central bench that can take two children; each craft holds up to three adults or two adults and two small children and has a 280kg maximum capacity.

THE OFFERING

Everything supplied and ready to go

Paddles, buoyancy aids and a brief instruction are included in the hire price so you receive basic coaching and safety kit before you leave shore; buoyancy aids must be worn throughout the session.

THE TIMING

Flexible hire from short taster to full day

Hire options range from a one-hour taster to an eight-hour outing, allowing you to tailor a half-day or full-day paddle on Ullswater with rates set per canoe.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

You’ll launch from Howtown into open water in a stable, roomy canoe that seats people and even a small dog; with two paddlers you can cover quiet stretches of Ullswater at a relaxed pace, returning to shore within the timeframe you’ve booked.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this hire suits — and who should take care

1
Active FamiliesWell suited: roomy canoes accommodate two adults and two small children, with buoyancy aids provided; minimum age is 4 and there must always be one adult onboard.
2
Small Groups & FriendsIdeal for groups of up to three adults sharing a single canoe, or pairs who prefer to split over multiple canoes; the operator recommends at least two people able to paddle per canoe.
3
Novice PaddlersAccessible to novices because a brief instruction is provided and buoyancy aids are supplied, but everyone taking part must be able to swim and follow safety guidance.
4
Families with Young ChildrenPossible but with constraints: minimum child age is 4, and weight/space limits mean a canoe can carry a maximum of three adults or two adults and two small children (280kg limit).

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Pricing & Duration

Hire is charged per canoe: 1 hour £30, 2 hours £45, 4 hours £55, 8 hours £75. Sessions are sold by duration per canoe.

What’s Provided

The operator supplies the canoe, paddles, buoyancy aids and a brief instruction before launch; buoyancy aids must be worn at all times.

What to Bring

Bring clothing and footwear you don’t mind getting wet, sun protection and water in warm weather, layers and a change of clothes in cold weather; a mobile phone for emergencies and waterproofs are recommended; dry bags are available to buy.

Meeting & Launch

The hire operates from Howtown on Ullswater; briefing and kit issue occur at the launch prior to departure.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How many people can ride in one canoe?

Each canoe holds up to three adults, or two adults and two small children, with a maximum craft capacity of 280kg.

What are the hire durations and prices?

Open canoe hire is priced per canoe: 1 hour £30, 2 hours £45, 4 hours £55 and 8 hours £75.

Is any equipment provided?

Yes: the canoe, paddles and buoyancy aids are included, and staff provide a brief instruction before hire.

Do children need to meet an age requirement?

Minimum age is 4 years; there must always be at least one adult on board.

Do I have to be able to swim?

Yes. For all water activities you must be able to swim.

Can I bring a dog?

Open canoes have room for people and possibly a small dog, but space and the craft’s capacity limits should be respected.