Canoe, kayak or Canadian canoe?

February 03, 2025

Two people paddling a Canadian canoe on a misty lake against the light

Canoe or kayak – which should you choose?

Want to start paddling but confused by the terms? In Swedish, kanot (canoe), kajak (kayak) and kanadensare (Canadian canoe) are often mixed up. Here we explain the difference and help you pick the right craft for how and where you want to paddle – whether you are visiting Stockholm or living in Sweden.

“Canoe” is an umbrella term

Canoe is a general term for small, narrow boats propelled by muscle power and a paddle (sometimes a sail). A canoe has a pointed bow and stern and can be open or have a closed deck with one or more cockpits. The word comes from the Caribbean canoa, meaning boat. In Swedish, kanot covers both main types: kayaks and Canadian canoes.

Kayak or Canadian canoe – what is the difference?

The open canoes of North America’s indigenous peoples are called kanadensare in Sweden – in English usually just “canoe” or “Canadian canoe”. They were originally made of birch bark or skin; today they are built in wood, aluminium, durable plastic or as inflatables. A Canadian canoe is paddled with a single-blade paddle and is best on calm lakes and rivers where the wind has less effect.

The kayak comes from the Arctic and traditionally has a closed deck. The first kayaks had a frame of driftwood or bone covered with skin. Modern kayaks are made of polyethylene (plastic), fibreglass or as drop-stitch inflatables. There are also sit-on-top kayaks, where you sit on top instead of inside a cockpit. Kayaks are paddled with a double-blade paddle and handle open water and changing weather better.

Pros of kayaks and canoes

Pros of a kayak

Stable and built for open water.
Protected cockpit – with a spray deck, no water gets in.
Easy to steer and keep on course, especially with a rudder or skeg.
Good storage with waterproof hatches.
Fast and efficient with a double-blade paddle.

See our kayaks, sea kayaks and double kayaks.

Pros of a Canadian canoe

Open design with lots of room for gear.
Great for families and groups – several people can paddle together.
Stable on calm lakes and rivers.
Easy to load and unload, good for longer trips with overnight stays.

Explore our canoes, for example Havspaddeln Kanada.

Inflatable – when storage and transport matter

No room for a hard-shell kayak or canoe, or want to take it by car, train or to a summer house? An inflatable kayak or an inflatable canoe packs into a backpack and inflates in minutes.

Which one suits you?

Where will you paddle – lakes, archipelago or open sea?
How much gear do you need to bring?
Will you paddle alone or with someone?
Do you prefer stability or speed?
Where will you store it, and how will you transport it?

Try before you buy – in Stockholm

Not sure yet? Rent a kayak or a Canadian canoe at our base on Långholmen in central Stockholm and feel the difference for yourself. You are also welcome to our shop on Hornsgatan to see the boats and get advice.

Find your kayak or canoe

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, there is a model for you. Don’t forget a life jacket and a paddle – or choose a ready-made accessory pack.