CHICAGO KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddle the Wild Mile: One-Hour Kayak & SUP Rentals from Montrose Beach
One-hour single and double kayak or SUP rentals on the Chicago River—reserve online to save $2 and explore Goose Island, the Wild Mile and Wolf Point with Chicago’s original outfitters.
Paddle the Wild Mile: One-Hour Kayak & SUP Rentals from Montrose Beach.
Launch into an urban waterway where wildlife and skyscrapers share the same horizon: this one-hour rental from Kayak Chicago puts paddlers on the north branch of the Chicago River to glide the Wild Mile, circle Goose Island and approach the confluence at Wolf Point, all with options to extend your time by the quarter hour.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Chicago’s largest lineup of single & double kayaks
Kayak Chicago operates the city’s largest fleet of recreational single and double kayaks—and short-hour rentals mean you can get on the water for a focused urban paddle without a big time commitment.
From river wildlife to canyons of glass and steel
Paddlers pass habitats where ducks, turtles and beaver may appear in the Wild Mile before entering downtown stretches of historic bridges and towering architecture en route to Wolf Point and beyond.
Beginner-friendly, family-ready urban paddling
Recreational kayaks welcome all experience levels—families and first-timers can feel comfortable launching for a short outing while staff support small-group adventures.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
The hour unfolds as a compact but varied urban excursion: steady paddling through the Wild Mile’s quieter water and wildlife pockets, a loop around Goose Island, and a run toward Wolf Point where the river meets and opens the choices of heading east toward Lake Shore Drive or continuing south toward the South Loop and Chinatown—returning to shore is managed through staff checkout so you only pay for the time you use.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
All rentals are booked by the hour (one hour is the initial booking). Rentals are pro-rated after the first hour by the quarter hour; you may stay out longer and charges are updated on return, with staff checkout required when you finish.
Kayak Chicago’s shops provide the equipment you need for an urban paddle—single and double recreational kayaks, SUPs, and staff support; some athletic ability is recommended for paddling.
Recreational kayaks accept paddlers of all experience levels; sea kayaks are available only to those who have completed sea kayaking courses or demonstrate equivalent rescue skills.
You must check out in the office with staff when you return so the operator knows you are off the water; typical closing hours are 7pm in summer and 6pm in September—returns are accepted up to those times.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rental?
Rentals are booked by the hour; your reservation covers the first hour, and time beyond that is pro-rated by the quarter hour.
Can I extend my rental if I stay out longer?
Yes—if you stay out past your first hour the operator will add the additional pro-rated time to your booking when you return; just be back before normal closing hours.
Are children allowed?
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on a double kayak.
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No experience is required for recreational kayaks, though some athletic ability is recommended; sea kayaks require prior training or equivalent rescue skills.
How do I save money when booking?
Reserve online to save $2 per rental.
Do I need to check in with staff?
Yes—you must check out in the office with staff when you return so the operator knows you are off the water.