Canoe Kentucky
Canoe Kentucky
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
The bluegrass states premier Paddlesports provider. Whether your looking to try canoeing for the first time, wanting to learn how to whitewater kayak, deciding to buy your first fishing kayak, determined to send your kids to the beat outdoor camp in the area or hoping to lead a school or chur h group on a multi day leadership adventure retreat, we've got you covered. For 36 plus years we ha e been helping make outdoor memories and experiences for 10' of thousands of people. What are you waiting for? In a virtual world, let us make your outdoor dreams a reality!
Frankfort, Kentucky
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
171 reviews
Excellent
150
Very good
10
Average
3
Poor
6
Terrible
2
adjourney
Bardstown, KY48 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Despite the river being too high for the Bourbon Paddle, we still had a memorable experience at Buffalo Trace. This was our 2nd trip with Canoe Kentucky and we highly recommend them for the value, professionalism, and ability to deliver. Looking forward to our next trip, see you on the water!
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for letting us know we were still able to "make lemonade from lemons". We appreciate hearing when things go right on days its more challenging to do so. We are already looking forward to your next trip!
Written July 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Danphibian
Lexington, KY78 contributions
Apr 2020
We took a paddle down the river this week, during the peak of sheltering at home for Coronavirus. Canoe KY did a great job at making the canoe trip enjoyable while still following all recommended social distancing guidelines. We selected and handled all equipment ourselves, and saw all our equipment immediately sanitized and bleached after we were done with it.
This is our second time canoeing and had great experiences both times. The staff is friendly with us and our kids; answered all our questions, and were patient with getting us into the water. We will be back!
This is our second time canoeing and had great experiences both times. The staff is friendly with us and our kids; answered all our questions, and were patient with getting us into the water. We will be back!
Written April 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the kind words. We are doing all we can to keep people safe while still providing a means of getting outside..It means a lot to hear our deeds ate not going unnoticed!
Written April 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James C
Lexington, KY18 contributions
Jul 2020
My Boy Scout Troop (T41 from Lexington) rented canoes from Canoe Ky this past weekend. it was the 3rd time in as many years that we rented boats as a "take away" in order to do an outing that we planned ourselves. Worked with Chad, who took really good care of us. Boats, paddles and life jackets were in excellent condition (clean without defects). Covid-19 protocols were followed inside of the business. I would recommend to any group that this is a great value - cost and experience. These guys are ALWAYS great to work with!
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon H
5 contributions
May 2021
Our trip was fun and the Elkhorn was beautiful. However Canoe KY left a lot to be desired. Our family has our own watercraft but we had a guest in town. My wife wanted to rent a kayak as well. So we spent $90 on two kayak rentals and my two daughters (age 12 and 10) and I used our stand up paddle boards.
Canoe KY wouldn't let us use the private launch they have for the Elkhorn creek tour, which wasn't a big deal because there was a public launch less than 100 yards away. However when it came to the getting out of the water at the end of the trip, it was a different story. We were told in advance that the people who didn't rent from Canoe KY couldn't use the shop's launch to exit the water. Not sure why, since we spent $90 plus tax, but ok.
What was extremely disappointing was the application of this rule. My 10 year old daughter had a rough trip because of a close encounter with a copperhead snake. It freaked her out - as it would many people - and she was dying to get her feet on dry land after 2+ hours of paddling. A teenaged employee who looked like he wasn't old enough to drive told us that she couldn't leave the water at the shop's launch. She started bawling but, but nope, no dry land for you. Apparently $90 doesn't buy an inch of sympathy at Canoe KY.
But not to worry! Only a quarter of a mile downstream is a public launch we could use, they said. So we kept paddling. A full 3/4 of a mile later (we measured with my odometer afterwards), the public launch finally appeared. How the shop employees don't know the difference between .25 and .75 miles is remarkable. My 10 year old now knows the difference, intimately.
The idiotic and unreasonable policing of the shop's launch against paying customers is bloody outrageous. I wouldn't have minded that much had my daughter not CLEARLY been in distress and an actual adult been present. I could have easily made a stink about it right there, but didn't want to intimidate the child employee and make a scene that would upset my daughter even more.
I will not be patronizing this business ever again, nor will I recommend anyone use this shop. I would have gladly paid a nominal fee to use the launch, even though I thought our kayak rentals were already overpriced. Dumb doesn't begin to describe this experience. I'm giving two stars instead of one because the scenery and paddling was excellent, not that Canoe KY had anything to do with that.
Canoe KY wouldn't let us use the private launch they have for the Elkhorn creek tour, which wasn't a big deal because there was a public launch less than 100 yards away. However when it came to the getting out of the water at the end of the trip, it was a different story. We were told in advance that the people who didn't rent from Canoe KY couldn't use the shop's launch to exit the water. Not sure why, since we spent $90 plus tax, but ok.
What was extremely disappointing was the application of this rule. My 10 year old daughter had a rough trip because of a close encounter with a copperhead snake. It freaked her out - as it would many people - and she was dying to get her feet on dry land after 2+ hours of paddling. A teenaged employee who looked like he wasn't old enough to drive told us that she couldn't leave the water at the shop's launch. She started bawling but, but nope, no dry land for you. Apparently $90 doesn't buy an inch of sympathy at Canoe KY.
But not to worry! Only a quarter of a mile downstream is a public launch we could use, they said. So we kept paddling. A full 3/4 of a mile later (we measured with my odometer afterwards), the public launch finally appeared. How the shop employees don't know the difference between .25 and .75 miles is remarkable. My 10 year old now knows the difference, intimately.
The idiotic and unreasonable policing of the shop's launch against paying customers is bloody outrageous. I wouldn't have minded that much had my daughter not CLEARLY been in distress and an actual adult been present. I could have easily made a stink about it right there, but didn't want to intimidate the child employee and make a scene that would upset my daughter even more.
I will not be patronizing this business ever again, nor will I recommend anyone use this shop. I would have gladly paid a nominal fee to use the launch, even though I thought our kayak rentals were already overpriced. Dumb doesn't begin to describe this experience. I'm giving two stars instead of one because the scenery and paddling was excellent, not that Canoe KY had anything to do with that.
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathon,
I want to sincerely apologize for the experience you had with us. I am so sorry! As a 40 year old family business that prides itself on phenomenal customer service, this review BREAKS MY HEART! We failed you and there is no excuse for that. I cannot say, that as the owner, I would have changed our "private boat take out" policy, as that is a legal policy that we are required to enforce...I would be happy to explain more if you would give me the courtesy of giving me a call...BUT, I surely would have handled it differently, as I am sure our Team Leaders would have if they had been informed. Nothing I can offer you makes up for this, so I will simply apologize and assure you that I am personally looking in to it and will use it as a learning lesson we train from.
If you would like to discuss the issue, please feel free to call and speak with me. You can call the shop, ask for the manager on duty, refer to this review, and ask for the owners direct number. I am happy to talk with you on it. Again, we are VERY SORRY! No excuses!
Written June 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steven T
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Friends
Before I get into the issues let me start of by saying the trip itself was amazing and I would absolutely do it again. However, the staff was not willing to work with fellow kayakers. We had offered to pay full price for 2 people to get a ride with them and she made it very clear that it was non negotiable due to us having our own kayaks. We were willing to sign any waiver but again it was a hard NO. We made the trip work with no help from them, (Canoe Kentucky). Once we were done with our beautiful float down the river and came to the end, we then found out we were not allowed to take our kayaks out at their landing
Written July 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris
Lexington, KY8 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
Our extended family from Mississippi came to visit, and kayaking with Canoe Kentucky was the perfect way to have fun, while practicing social distancing. The website sign up process was a breeze, and so was check-in. Our guide and driver was very friendly and professional. The time down Elkhorn Creek was a blast. There are many spots to stop along the way, and we enjoyed a good lunch stop. We’ll kayak at Canoe Kentucky again!
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much! We really appreciate kind words...especially when it is sometimes easier not to be.
Written June 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amber Lee D
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
If you are new to kayaking, the wonderful folks at Canoe Kentucky will provide you with all you need to know. Every member of staff we spoke with provided the best customer service. They even helped us with finding the best possible life vests for our intended activities.
After a quick demo of several different styles of kayaks my husband and I both decided that we liked the sit in style best. We were able to rent our favorite options for a day on the Kentucky river. An employee, Boone, was ready and waiting for us when we arrived at the launch site. He carried both kayaks down to the water for us and gave us a run down of the river features. It was better than we could have hoped for. Very flat water that was perfect for us as beginners.
Excellent customer service and a beautiful place to paddle. What more could you ask for?
After a quick demo of several different styles of kayaks my husband and I both decided that we liked the sit in style best. We were able to rent our favorite options for a day on the Kentucky river. An employee, Boone, was ready and waiting for us when we arrived at the launch site. He carried both kayaks down to the water for us and gave us a run down of the river features. It was better than we could have hoped for. Very flat water that was perfect for us as beginners.
Excellent customer service and a beautiful place to paddle. What more could you ask for?
Written September 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daphne m
Louisville, KY8 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
This was our first time on kayaks for us and our young adult kids. We rented two tandem kayaks. We appreciated the information that was given to us on how to get in and out of, and things like that. We brought with us a bag that is suppose to keep everything dry that’s inside. It worked perfectly as we had a few snacks and things like that we took with us. We went on the Kentucky River rather than the Elkhorn Creek option.
This option had one drop off and return location, as it’s not really a rushing creek. It was easy to navigate and the water level was perfect. It was more of a leisure paddling experience and it was great for us beginners!
We will definitely want to try the Elkhorn Creek next time. It was a great experience and we will definitely come back!
This option had one drop off and return location, as it’s not really a rushing creek. It was easy to navigate and the water level was perfect. It was more of a leisure paddling experience and it was great for us beginners!
We will definitely want to try the Elkhorn Creek next time. It was a great experience and we will definitely come back!
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J. J. Marrs
2 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Although the water levels on the Elkhorn were too low for canoeing, Canoe Kentucky provided a wonderful alternative on the Kentucky River. My daughter and I enjoyed a fun trip paddling up Benson Creek, and we were later guided through the Lock at Dam #4. Our guide (Lilly R.) did a fantastic job describing how the lock worked, and mentioning some of the history and adventure options on the river. She deserves an A+++ rating for helping to make the experience informative and enjoyable!
Written September 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christinabgrimm
Lexington, KY2 contributions
May 2020
Friendly, knowledgeable staff with great, clean equipment. It was such a great activity during the Coronavirus pandemic and the staff did a phenomenal job at making you feel safe. I didn't have to get within 6 feet of one staff member. I would definitely go back again and bring friends. I have already recommended others.
Written June 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drake J
Georgetown, Kentucky
What are the weight limits of the different kayaks/canoes?
Written July 10, 2018
We have two types of kayaks, one can go up to around 250, one to 300. If we are talking bigger than that, we have kayaks that can hold 450 comfortably. We would just want to know at the time of reservation so we could plan, as those are not our normal rental boats but readily available. Canoes hold up to 600 pounds, but capacity is not the big deal as much as room to sit for bigger people. They tend to be fairly narrow vessels.
Does this help? Feel free to call is to discuss further.
502 227 4492 Ext. 8
Written July 11, 2018
JimCR
Waco, Kentucky
Where do I go to find the boat ride through the lock and dam?
Written September 24, 2015
Unfortunately we are unable to offer lock and dam tours at this tie. WE hope to be able to open them up again soon, so check back to the CKY: Canoe Kentucky website, the operators of the boat, for updates.
Written May 28, 2016
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