When the sun’s out and the water’s calling, there’s no better way to soak up Green Bay’s natural beauty than by grabbing a paddle and heading out for a kayak or canoe adventure. Even if you’re brand new to paddling, there are plenty of spots in and around Green Bay for a beginner to explore!
To get the inside scoop on kayaking and canoeing around Green Bay, we chatted with local paddling pro and owner of Scott’s Sports on Webster Avenue, Scott Carney. He’s basically the guy who knows every ripple and bend in the water, and he’s here to share it all with us!
DGB: Let’s get down to brass tacks. Where are the best places to kayak and canoe in the Green Bay area?
S: Some of the best places to paddle around the Green Bay area include the Bay of Green Bay, the Fox River, the East River, and the Duck Creek area. These locations offer a variety of settings, whether you’re in a wetland area or cruising along the shoreline of the lower Bay near the mouth of the Fox River. There's plenty of variety and opportunities for activities, such as stopping at the City Deck for a bite to eat and refreshments, with a kayak launch readily accessible.
DGB. What’s your personal favorite place to kayak or canoe?
S: As someone who utilizes various kayak launches and locations around town, my favorite place to paddle would be cruising by the ports and through downtown Green Bay. The view of the maritime commerce along the shoreline, alongside the industrial and other working facets of the port, is truly amazing.
DGB: Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots you'd recommend?
S: Lily Lake, the only lake in Brown County, is about a 15-minute drive outside of Green Bay. It offers some of the quietest and most protected waters for paddling on Brown County’s only inland lake!
DGB: What do you love most about paddling in the Green Bay area?
S: What I love most is the mixture of nature and urban environments. For example, you can cruise down the East River and enjoy a more wooded, confined shoreline or paddle downtown to grab a refreshment.
DGB: What advice do you have for people just getting into kayaking or canoeing?
Finding a kayak or canoe requires a little bit more thought than some other outdoor activities, just because of the added task at hand of transporting and storing a 10- to 14-foot canoe or kayak, so before rushing into it, there are a few things that I usually discuss with my customers.
Included in that would be where you’re going. For those looking to get into kayaking, it’s about determining where you want to go and what you want to get out of it—anything from sea kayaking to in-town adventures to fishing to wildlife photography.
DGB: Are there any spots that are especially beginner-friendly (or ones to avoid unless you're experienced)?
S: The majority of the East River is motor-free, and there are a multitude of put-in and take-out spots. Also, the East River doesn’t really have a current, so this is usually suitable for more novice paddlers. Another location would be the Duck Creek Quarry and Lily Lake—both are non-motorized and easily accessible bodies of water just around the Green Bay area.
DGB: What's the best time of year to paddle around Green Bay?
S: The best time to paddle around Green Bay depends on what you're feeling! Spring months usually have the clearest water, and then in peak summer, there are great events and concerts held where one could paddle. And we can’t forget about September through October when the air temps are still warm and the changing autumn colors are a sight to be had on the Fox River.
DGB: What kind of products and services do you offer at Scott’s Sports?
S: Scott Sports is a full-service specialty outdoor retail shop that provides seasonal products between the summer and winter months. Skis, snowboards, cross-country skis, snow shoes, apparel, all the accessories, plus a service and rentals. And come summer, we offer paddle sports, including kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, camping gear, technical clothing, and rentals.
DGB: What inspired you to open an outdoors shop, and how has it grown over the years?
S: My lifelong passion for the outdoors, whether it be snowboarding or kayaking, plus my years of experience working in outdoor shops, which gave me the ability to start my own venture. Ultimately, my goal was to be my own boss and own my own shop, and the specialty outdoor retail market is slowly shrinking.
DGB: Anything else you’d want people to know about kayaking or canoeing in the area or about Scott’s Sports?
S: If someone were looking to break outside of the Green Bay area within an hour drive of Green Bay, there is literally an infinite amount of options from county parks to slow-moving rivers like the Menomonee or Peshtigo. Then you also have the Fox Valley and the lakeshore along Two Rivers, with additional inland lakes just west. There is a great variety of kayaking and canoeing if you want to get outdoors!
Ready to hit the water?
From peaceful river stretches to wide-open waters, Green Bay is full of paddling adventures waiting to be discovered. And the best part? You don’t even need to own a kayak or canoe to join in on the fun. Local outfitters like Scott’s Sports, Zeller’s Ski & Sports, Fox River Kayaking Company, Kayak Wisconsin, Suamico Paddle, and Hang Loose Rentals make it easy to rent or buy gear so you can get out on the water whenever the mood strikes.
So grab a paddle, round up a few friends, and get ready to explore! To help you plan your perfect outing, don’t forget to check out our interactive map of all the best places to kayak and canoe in Green Bay.
LINK TO MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6uEQ9SjT5MCt5WDGA
