Canal Walk Guided Kayak Tour

Canal Walk guided kayak tour.

Explore the Canal Walk from the water! Our knowledgeable tour guides will lead a group of no more than 12 kayaks out on a paddle adventure. Riders will learn about local history, museums, local points of interest, see art murals and so much more! Scroll below to see some of the highlights you’ll see and hear about on your tour.

KAYAK TOURS: Wednesdays from June 7th  – August 9th
(All dates are weather permitting. Kayak tours not available June 21st or July 12th)

PROGRAM IS APPROX 2 HOURS: Please plan to arrive at your scheduled start time or earlier. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, then you cannot go out on the tour, and no refund will be given. 

Minute 0 – 14: Check In/Waiver/Life Jacket Fit

Minute 15 – 30: Meet your tour guide, safety orientation, and paddling instructions

Minute 30 – 120 (1.5 HR duration): Guided Kayak Tour on the Canal

Starting at $29

Skill Level

Approx. Time

2 Hours Total (1.5 Hours Out on the Water)

THINGS TO KNOW

  • Reservations are required and limited to 18 participants (6 single kayaks and 6 double kayaks).

 

  • Age Requirements:
    • Single Kayak – 16 years of age or older. (Minors must be accompanied on the water by parent or guardian 18 years of age or older.)
    • Double Kayak – 6 years of age or older, and any minor must be accompanied on-board  the boat by parent or guardian 18yrs or older.
  • Due to safety protocols, and the overall experience for others guests, animals are not allowed on Guided Paddle Programs
  • If you arrive 10 minutes late, you may not be permitted to participate in the tour.
  • Registrants must be present for the entire safety instructions/orientation to be eligible to participate in program.
  • General questions or inquiries please email Tourguide@317outfitters.com or call (317) 363-9353.

 

  • REFUND POLICY: To reschedule or request a refund please email Tourguide@317outfitters.com or call us at (317) 363-9353 (leave message). You must contact us 24 hours prior to your tour time to cancel or reschedule. No refund or rescheduling will be processed if you fail to contact us in advance or miss your reservation time. However, if we have to cancel last minute due to weather or other unforeseen circumstance you will be notified immediately and have the right to a full refund or to reschedule.

You'll Learn History of Canal Walk

Canal Walk’s construction began in 1836, intended for trade and travel from the Wabash and Erie Canal to the Ohio River. However, because of funds the construction failed. Over the years the canal sat empty and uncompleted. A beautification project started in 1992 and was completed in 2001 which gives us the full 3 mile loop of beautiful history. Along the canal you can view multiple historic buildings, art, memorials, and multiple museums.

Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center

  • One of the oldest and largest historical societies began in Indiana, building the History Center in 1999. The Indiana Historical Society built by the canal in place of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
  • The Indiana Historical Society has housed and preserved the states history since 1830.
  • While publishing books, hosting teacher workshops, educating the general public, they also help assist the local museums and other history groups.
  • You will be able to see more historical buildings like this along the way! Including a multitude of museums.

Memorials to be Seen

  • The Indianapolis 9/11 Memorial was established in 2010 in remembrance of all who were lost. The memorial displays two large beams from the Twin Towers with a life size bald eagle facing towards New York.
  • The Metal of Honor Memorial built in 1999 by Eric Fulford and Anne Reed was designed to pay tribute to all Medal of Honor recipients. The 7 to 10 foot tall curved glass structors include every recipients name along with their stories. Every day at sunset the Memorial plays recoded stories of the Medal of Honor recipients stories.
  • The USS Indianapolis CA 35 Memorial was dedicated in 1995 to to the lost crew from the sunken cruiser in 1945. The cruiser was used to deliver atomic bomb parts to Tinian Islands, on the return home the cruiser sunk leaving only 316 survivors out of the 1,195 men aboard. Engraved on the cruiser shaped memorial is all of the crew names and the cruisers story.

Local Art and Murals

  • The Arts Coucil of Indianapolis created an arts awareness campaign for the Super Bowl XLVI. This campaign is known as The 46 FOR XLVI, where local artists created 46 Murals in Marion County.
  • During your kayak tour you will be able to see 10 of those beautiful 46 murals all located along the canal.

Museums Along the Canal

There are a variety of museums along the canal including-

  • NCAA Hall of Champions is a museum full of collegiate sports history and exhibits. The National Collegiate Athletic Association has multiple interactive exhibits and simulators to create an understanding of what it takes to be a professional athlete.
  • Indiana State Museum offers the past, present, and future in art, science, and culture from all 92 counties in Indiana. The building has been built with all local in state supplies including glass, steel, limestone, and sandstone. See the beautiful work of art while you float on by on the canal.
  • Eiteljorg Museum opened in 1989 featuring Native American art and Western art. It is one out two museums located east of the Mississippi River that include Native American and the American West Art. The museum has created such programs like the Indian Market Festival, Eiteljiog Contemporary Art Fellowship, and Quest for the West Art Show.

The Greening of the Canal

Every year The Hoosier Lottery and The Athletic Club Foundation come together to celebrate St. Patricks Day by dying the canal green. This tradition was started 24 years ago to have the people of Indiana come together. The celebration includes parades, Irish music, special guest stars, and food trucks.

Stopwatch Icon

Included with this

Guided Tour


  • Knowledgeable Tour Guide
  • Paddling Instruction
  • Single or Double Kayak
  • Lifejacket
  • Paddle

The views were breathtaking and Jeff was a great guide!

- Sara Neman

Sarah was a great tour guide! We learned so much about the Canal!

- Mike McIntyre

Canal Walk Guided Kayak Tour

Departure Location


How To Find Us

We are located in downtown of Indianapolis next to the Indianapolis Fire Department Station 13 building. Right on the Canal Walk.

429 W Ohio Street Firehouse #13, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

Checklist of

What to bring & wear

  • Dress for the weather. Lightweight, synthetic clothing.
  • Towel/extra clothes (keep in your car)
  • Sandals or water shoes.
  • Camera
  • Water Bottle(s)
  • Cash (Gratuity at end of tour appreciated).

Gratuity

Gratuity is not mandatory but greatly appreciated if you enjoyed your guide and his/her services.

Cancellation Policy

• To request a refund please call us at (317) 363-9353 (leave message) or email Tourguide@317outfitters.com. You must contact us 24 hours prior to your tour time to cancel or reschedule. No refund or rescheduling will be processed if you fail to contact us in advance or miss your reservation time. • If we have to cancel last minute due to weather or other unforeseen circumstance you will be notified immediately and have the right to a full refund or to reschedule. • We will happily reschedule to a different date if there is space available, but you must contact us before your reservation date. • We can only refund the cost you paid us, we are unable to refund any parking or gas costs you may have incurred to get to the location. • We reserve the right to cancel any events that does not meet minimum enrollment requirements. Should this occur, we will reschedule registered participants. If the alternative date is not convenient for you, a refund will be issued. • We reserve the right to cancel any tours that do not meet minimum weather conditions. Should this occur, we will reschedule registered participants. If the alternative date is not convenient for you, a refund will be issued.

Rain Checks

We will usually hold off cancelling events due to weather conditions until the day of the scheduled event. Registrants will be notified promptly if we need to cancel an event due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Rescheduling will be offered; you would also have the right to to a refund if you prefer that.

View complete

Tour FAQs

What is the cost?

Single Kayaks $29 Double Kayaks $58 Gratuity is greatly appreciated by our tour guides.

How many people are on each tour?

Reservations required and limited to 6 single kayaks and 6 double kayaks. (18 people)

What ages can go?

AGE REQUIREMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: SINGLE KAYAK – 16 years of age or older. (Minors must be accompanied on the water by parent or guardian 18 years of age or older.) DOUBLE KAYAK – 6 years of age or older, and any minor must be accompanied on-board same boat by parent or guardian 18yrs or older.

What if I'm running late?

Registrants must be present for the entire safety instructions/orientation to be eligible to participate in program. Please plan ahead and arrive early. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you may not be able to participate in tour.

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

To reschedule or request a refund please call us at (317) 363-9353 or email Tourguide@317outfitters.com. You must contact us by 8am the Friday prior to your tour time to cancel or reschedule. No refund or rescheduling will be processed if you fail to contact us in advance or miss your reservation time. However, if we have to cancel last minute due to weather or other unforeseen circumstance you will be notified immediately and have the right to a full refund or to reschedule. • We will happily reschedule to a different date if there is space available, but you must contact us before your reservation date. • We can only refund the cost you paid us, we are unable to refund any entrance/parking fee you may have paid to the park.

Do I have to wear a life jacket?

Yes all kayakers must wear a life jacket at all times while out on the water. You must obey all posted rental and tour rules, and follow instruction from your tour guide. Failure to comply will result in termination of your rental/tour with no refund.

Gift Certificate Icon

Share the fun!

Give a Gift Certificate


Give the gift of fun! Gift certificates make great gifts for birthdays, graduations, holidays, anniversaries, and more. When you give a Wheel Fun Rentals gift certificate, you’re actually giving someone a memorable experience with the people closest to them — an experience that’s not only fun now but also memorable for years to come.