CHICAGO KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddle the Wild Mile to Wolf Point — Two Hours of Kayaking from Montrose Beach
A two-hour single- or double-kayak rental on the Chicago River that covers the Wild Mile, Goose Island and the Wolf Point confluence; this guide explains what to expect, how rentals work, and who it’s best for.
Paddle the Wild Mile to Wolf Point — Two Hours of Kayaking from Montrose Beach.
Kayak Chicago runs two-hour single and double kayak rentals from Montrose Beach on the north branch of the Chicago River, offering paddlers access to the city’s largest kayak fleet and an urban route that threads the Wild Mile, Goose Island and the downtown confluence at Wolf Point.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Chicago’s Largest Kayak Fleet
Kayak Chicago maintains the largest fleet of single and double kayaks in the city, with outfitting and gear available from their shops—making it easy to get on the water without bringing your own equipment.
Wild Mile, Goose Island and Downtown Canals
The typical paddle takes you through the Wild Mile—home to ducks, turtles, beaver and birds—around Goose Island and toward the confluence at Wolf Point before options to continue toward Lake Shore Drive or head south toward the South Loop and Chinatown.
Beginner-Friendly, Family-Ready
The rentals are geared to a broad range of paddlers: recreational kayaks welcome first-timers and families (with children under 12 required to ride with an adult in a double), while sea kayaks are available only for paddlers with prior sea-kayaking training or equivalent rescue skills.
What the day feels like
What the Two Hours Feel Like
Expect an urban paddle that alternates quiet, wildlife-rich stretches of the Wild Mile with the dramatic, close-up geometry of Chicago’s bridges and downtown ‘canyons’ of glass and steel; rentals are hourly, making a focused two-hour outing an easy way to sample the river and skyline.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
All rentals are billed by the hour. When you reserve you book your first hour; rentals are then pro-rated after that in quarter-hour increments. You can extend your time by staying out longer, with charges updated on return. Book online to save $2 per rental.
You must check out in the office with staff when you return so the operator knows you are off the water; returns must be completed by normal closing hours (7pm in summer, 6pm in September).
Kayak Chicago’s shops provide the necessary gear and outfitting for the rental fleet so you do not need to bring your own kayak or paddle.
The advertised rental block for this offering is two hours, with pricing managed through the hourly and pro-rated system described above.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a standard rental?
The offering is structured around a two-hour rental block; all rentals are billed by the hour and pro-rated after the first hour.
Where do I launch or check in?
Kayak Chicago operates from Montrose Beach on the north branch of the Chicago River, with a location conveniently located just off North Avenue where you check out and return your rental.
Can I extend my rental if I stay out longer?
Yes — rentals are pro-rated after the first hour by the quarter hour; if you stay out past your booked hour additional time will be added to your booking when you return.
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No prior experience is required for recreational kayaks and the outing is beginner-friendly, though some athletic ability is recommended; sea kayaks require prior sea-kayaking course completion or equivalent rescue skills.
Are children allowed?
Children are welcome, but those under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult on a double kayak.
How do I save on booking?
Reserve online to save $2 per rental.