Kayaking in Syracuse

Kayaking at Hiawatha Lake

Locations

Enjoy a leisurely paddle on city waterways, from two designated launch sites in the city!  Bring your own kayak, or rent one from us (during designated times, see schedule on https://syracuse.recdesk.com when available)

Inner Harbor: This new, accessible Boardsafe kayak launch is located on the west shore of the Inner Harbor, with a parking lot located off of Van Rensselaer Street, near the Bear Street intersection. Please note, there are no bathrooms onsite. 

Hiawatha Lake: Entry point on the south shore, next to the bathhouse.  NOTE: Kayaking and rentals will NOT be available this summer at Hiawatha Lake in Onondaga Park, due to the maintenance of the lake wall.  

Rental Information

Single or double kayaks are available to be reserved for 45-minute sessions are syracuse.recdesk.com. All rentals include a life jacket, whistle, paddle and the specific open-top kayak reserved (single or double).  Smoking, alcohol, littering and swimming off the kayaks are prohibited. Rental kayaks may be used only in the inner harbor waterway. Rental kayaks may not be taken beyond the Hiawatha Blvd. bridge into Onondaga Lake. Kayaks are $5 per reservation. / See rental schedule at https://syracuse.recdesk.com when available. 

Rental Ages

  • The person renting the kayak must be age 18 and older and must be with the group using the kayak at all times and assume responsibility for everyone in their party.
  • Must be age 14 and older to operate a single kayak and must be accompanied on the water by a parent or guardian age 18 or older. 

Rental Registration

Interested in trying it? Register and learn more at syracuse.recdesk.com. Registration opens the Monday before the weekend at 8 a.m. Cancellations will be posted on our cancellation page.

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