Chicago River Canoe & Kayak

Yes, you can canoe and kayak in Chicago. It may not compare to a fresh rapids area, but it is a very unique thing to do in Chicago. You can go quite a bit far north, and the water is much nicer with more sealife up there. It is of course great exercise, and a great thing to do with friends. All equipment is provided, and they charge $14/hour, and they only charge for the first 4 hours. Pricey, maybe, but worth it when the weather's nice, for the exercise, the sightseeing, and to tell people you kayaked in Chicago. Definitely a unique service.

PROS: very fun to do
CONS: pricey if you do it often

I am so glad they offer canoe and kayak rentals on the Chicago River these days. I know what you are thinking, "yuck, that water is so dirty." Well, if you go the north route up in Skokie it's really not that bad. You can paddle all the way to the Bahai Temple in Wilmette where there are locks and you have to turn around. Along the way you will be surprised to see that there are lots of large fish in the water, turtles and tons of beautiful herons and water birds sweeping around the riverfront.

The prices are pretty reasonable $14 an hour for a kayak and they stop charging after 4 hours. Lifevests are provided and the river is calm (except at Devon Ave. where they pump oxygen into the water, which creates swirls).