Soak up the sun and enjoy kayaking and paddling through Boise's multiple water destinations.  You'll be rewarded with a fun experience and beautiful surroundings that aren't too far from your backyard. Here is where our real estate agents recommend going.

Esther Simplot Park

Esther Ponds are a great place for families to paddle, swim and spend an afternoon with over 55 acres and 23 ponds. Calm, flat water make a great opportunity for beginners.

Bernadine Quinn's Riverside Pond

Experience the vibrant allure of Quinn's Park and Pond, located adjacent to the beloved Esther Simplot Park and Pond. This expansive 31-acre park is a local gem, featuring the stunning 21-acre Quinn's Pond. Paddle to your heart's content on this picturesque pond, embracing a variety of watercraft options such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. Nestled along the greenbelt, the park offers convenient access, complete with canoe docks and kayak rentals (through Idaho River Sport) for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

Boise Whitewater Park

Located alongside Quinn's Pond, you'll find the exhilarating Boise Whitewater Park. This dynamic park is divided into two phases. Phase 1 boasts an adjustable wave, inviting all surfing and paddling enthusiasts to enjoy the thrilling water experience. The park operates on a schedule, with four days dedicated to green wave surfing and three days designed for kayaking on the wave/hole section.

Boise River

Escape the summer heat with an unforgettable float down the Boise River. While floating lazily on inflatable tubes is a popular option, many adventurous souls, choose to paddle kayaks and SUPs along the river. Embark from Barber Park and navigate approximately 6 miles to the Ann Morrison Park pull-out, enjoying a 2-3 hour paddle. Immerse yourself in the heart of Boise as you pass iconic landmarks like the Idaho Shakespeare Festival grounds, Downtown Boise, and Boise State University. The floating and paddle season only last through the summer. You can rent a kayak at Boise River Raft and Tube at Barber Park, near the put in.

Lucky Peak Reservoir

There are 2 options, Discovery Park and Sandy Point

Discover the tranquil beauty of Discovery Park, nestled where the Boise River meets the waters of Lucky Peak. With its charming picnic spots and refreshing shade, the park offers a serene setting for a day of paddling. Launch your paddle adventure from the west point of Discovery Park and explore the scenic route towards Sandy Point and the Boise River Diversion Dam.

At Sandy Point, located at the base of the dam, you'll find a delightful 34-acre area that caters to all your lakeside needs. Enjoy a pristine beach, convenient water access, picnic areas, and even sand volleyball courts. Families will especially love paddling here, as the calm waters and visible bay ensure the safety of younger children. Please note that only inflatable kayaks are allowed at Sandy Point, making it perfect for families with such watercraft. If you have a hardshell kayak, head down to Discovery Park instead, they aren't allowed in Sandy Point.

You can rent kayaks and SUPs at Paddleboard Idaho at Sandy Beach point.

Eagle Island State Park

Eagle Island State Park is a 545-acre park west of Boise. Bordered on the north and south by the Boise River, Eagle Island features a swimming beach, grassy picnic area and a lake with calm water to paddle on. There is a fee to enter the park, and day use hours are 7 am to 10 pm.

Lake Lowell

Outside of Nampa and located in the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Lowell offers the perfect place to bring out your kayak. Because it is also a destination for wildlife, watch for fishing osprey and bald eagles, surface-nesting Western and Clark's grebes, to name a few.

Load up from docks at North Lake Lowell park on Upper Embankment Rd.

Non-motorized boating are allowed April 15 to September 30. The rest of the year is reserved for wildlife to enjoy their habitat.

Have fun on the water this summer! Stay safe and always wear a life jacket.