CHICAGO KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Two Hours on the Chicago River: Skyline Canyons, Goose Island & the Wild Mile
A two-hour, hour-by-hour kayak rental on the north branch of the Chicago River — this guide explains the route, logistics, and who the outing suits.
Two Hours on the Chicago River: Skyline Canyons, Goose Island & the Wild Mile.
Paddle through Chicago’s iconic skyline on the north branch of the Chicago River, threading past Goose Island, the Wild Mile and the confluence at Wolf Point. The operator runs Chicago’s original kayak outfitter with the largest fleet of single and double kayaks in the city, and the outing is pitched at beginners and families while allowing experienced paddlers to choose sea kayaks if they meet course or skill requirements.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Chicago’s largest single & double kayak fleet
Launch from a shop that stocks a big fleet of recreational single and double kayaks — ideal for finding the craft that fits your party and skill level.
Goose Island to Wolf Point via the Wild Mile
The river route takes paddlers past urban wildlife and into the steel-and-glass canyons of downtown, visiting notable river sections such as Goose Island, the Wild Mile and the Wolf Point confluence.
Skyline views and hidden river sections
From historic bridges to tucked-away stretches of river, expect skyline panoramas and close-up architecture that change as you paddle east toward Lake Shore Drive or south toward the South Loop and Chinatown.
What the day feels like
What the two-hour rental feels like
The rental is designed as an accessible urban paddle: some athletic ability is recommended but no experience is required for recreational kayaks. You’ll leave from the north branch, work through quieter wildlife-rich sections known as the Wild Mile, pass Goose Island, and arrive at the confluence at Wolf Point before choosing to head east or south along the river.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits and what to know before you go.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The official listing is a 2-hour rental; rentals are by the hour and are pro-rated after the first hour by the quarter hour.
The outfitter maintains a large fleet of single and double kayaks and states their kayak shops have everything you need for an urban paddle.
The launch is on the north branch of the Chicago River, just off North Avenue; you must check out in the office with staff when you return so they know you are off the water.
Some athletic ability is recommended though no prior experience is required for recreational kayaks; sea kayaks are available only to paddlers with prior experience and completed sea-kayaking course equivalency.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a typical rental?
The advertised duration is 2 hours; rentals are charged by the hour and are pro-rated after the first hour by the quarter hour.
Do I need previous kayaking experience?
Some athletic ability is recommended, but no prior experience is required for recreational kayaks. Sea kayaks are reserved for those with prior experience and course equivalency.
Can children join the rental?
Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult on a double kayak.
What if I want to stay out longer than my booked hour?
Rentals are pro-rated after the first hour by the quarter hour; you may extend your rental simply by staying out, but return by the operator’s normal closing hours.
Where do I check out when I finish?
You must check out in the office with staff when you return so the operator knows you are off the water.
Is there an online booking discount?
The operator advertises a $2 savings per rental when you reserve online.