Toddlers and Canoes: Our First Multi-Night Paddling Trip with Lane

I’ll be honest, taking a 17-month-old on a multi-day canoe and camping trip was something we talked about for a long time before actually committing. Not because we didn’t think it was possible, but because we really wanted it to be enjoyable. For everyone. Including us.

Last weekend, we finally did it: packed up our gear, our toddler Lane, and joined a crew of friends for a two-day, two-night paddle on Alberta’s Red Deer River. It was beautiful, chaotic, and at times hilariously unpredictable - but most importantly, it worked. Lane had a blast, we learned a ton, and we’re already scheming for the next trip.

For other parents wondering whether this kind of thing is doable: it is. Here’s what it looked like for us - what helped, what we learned, and what we’d tell anyone else thinking of doing the same.

The Plan: Keep It Simple, Keep It Flexible

We picked a mellow stretch of the Red Deer River for its gentle current, amazing scenery, and plenty of easy pull-out points if we needed to cut things short. The plan was two nights on the river, with an option to extend depending on how things went.

Spoiler: we tapped out after night two, and it was the best call we could’ve made. Ending while everyone was still smiling felt like a huge parenting win.

Packing Like a Parent (Not a Minimalist)

This was May in the Rockies, which meant temperatures swung from just above freezing at night to 25°C in the sun. Overpacking for Lane felt excessive, but also 100% necessary. Fleece onesies, rain suits, mittens, sun hats, her trusty winter puffy... we used it all.

And when we didn’t? Still worth it for my peace of mind.

We also packed one very accessible dry bagjust with Lane essentials: snacks, sunscreen, diapers, wipes, floating toys, gloves, and her sunglasses. Having that within arm’s reach in the canoe was a game-changer. There’s always an option to pull over if you need anything, but it’s infinitely easier to have the essentials on hand for easy access.

Meals, or: How Lane Snacked Her Way Down the River

We had meal plans (breakfast wraps in the morning, sandwiches for lunch, sausages and salads for dinner) but Lane? Lane had plans to “thnack.” A lot.

She grazed her way through the weekend, way more interested in rocks, birds, and bubbles than sitting down for a full meal. And honestly? That was fine. We let go of routine and just made sure we had lots of options available when she (and I) were hungry.

Also: three kinds of cheese. Non-negotiable.

The Crib That Saved Sleep

Nighttime temps dipped to 2°C, and yet Lane slept totally fine in her Orea Adventure Crib, bundled in her fleece jammies, Morrison Outdoors sleeping bag, and hat. We’d worried about the cold, the unfamiliar setting, the late bedtimes. Having a crib she already knew and loved made a massive difference. It kept her warm, contained, and comforted in a way that translated directly into great sleep (and a much more rested mom and dad).

Canoeing with a Toddler: Expect the Unexpected

We honestly didn’t think she’d nap in the canoe. Too much going on, too much to see. To our surprise, with her sound machine, soother, and a Z-pad under her bum, she conked out three separate timesin the boat. We improvised a little canopy by draping a rain jacket over the gunnels for sun and rain protection, and suddenly, the canoe was a rocking sleep oasis.

The rest of the time, she was fully engaged, pointing at birds, splashing at the edge of the boat, and deeply invested in the bubble situation on the river’s surface.

The Magic of Extra Hands (and Hearts)

Though Lane was the only kid on the trip, she was far from alone. Our friends were all in: sharing snacks, pointing out wildlife, helping keep her entertained, and collecting rocks with the enthusiasm of seasoned toddlers themselves. That support was invaluable.

Could we have managed alone? Maybe. That said, the extra eyes, arms, and company made everything more relaxed and way more fun for all of us.

What We’d Tell Other Parents

• Downsize your ambitions. This was a shorter and less rowdy route than we might’ve done pre-kid, and we ended early when the timing felt right. That choice made the experience a win, not a slog.
• Plan for all weather. Layers on layers. Especially in shoulder seasons.
• Easy access is everything. One dry bag for kid essentials can prevent a meltdown. Or at least make it shorter.
• Don’t expect routines to hold. They won’t. That’s okay. What helped us was keeping a few key elements from home (like our bedtime routine, sound machine and her familiar Orea crib) to give Lane consistency in a new place.
• Lean on your people. Even if they don’t have kids. Especially if they love yours.
• Build in a way out. Knowing we could safely and easily exit the river if something changed made it easier to relax into the trip.

Final Thoughts

Was this trip restful? Not exactly. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

We got to watch Lane discover the river, the shores, and the joy of throwing rocks into water with zero consequences. We shared laughs with friends, weathered a bit of rain, and built up our own confidence as parents.

So if you're on the fence about taking your toddler paddling, here’s our honest pitch: you can totally do this. Start small. Be flexible. Pack too much. And remember that if nothing else, the memories are going to stick.

Our Packing List (Lane + Parents Edition)

Canoe & Camping Gear:

• Canoe (17 ft Clipper Prospector)

• 3 x paddles + Lane’s mini paddle

• Bailer, sponge, painters, throw bags

• Dry bags (x4)

• Food barrel + 2 coolers (food + drinks)

• Tent (6-man North Face)

• Sleeping pads (x2), sleeping bags (x2)

• Pillows, tarp, camp chairs, camp table, camp chair for Lane

• Headlamps (x2), phone charger, portable battery

• Whisperlite stove, butane, MSR pots/pans

• Mesh bag with dishes, cutlery, lighter

• Water jug & water bottles

• Biodegradable dish soap & brush

Lane Essentials:

• Orea Adventure Crib (Pack and Play)

• Lane sleeping bag (Morrison Outdoors Little Mo)

• Sleep sack, white noise machine, soothers (x2)

• Patagonia Hi-Loft Bunting, fleece onesie, fleece-lined rainsuit, rain boots, sandals

• Bathing suit, sun shirt, swim diaper (all ambitious and definitely not touched)

• Mitts (x2), toque with chinstrap, sun hats (x2)

• Water shoes, sunglasses

• Formula in tupperware, bottles (x2), sippy cup with water

• 10 diapers, 1 pack wipes, dog poop bags (for used diapers)

• Sunscreen (infant-safe)

• Accessible dry bag with snacks, wipes, diapers, toys, gloves, sunglasses

Food Highlights:

• Pre-packed breakfast burritos (eggs, cheese, tater tots, sausage)

• Sandwiches, wraps, sausages for dinner

• Chopped veggies, hummus, apples, crackers

• 3 types of cheese (including Boursin, because we’re not animals)

• Instant coffee, tea, milk, Baileys

Safety & First Aid:

• Life jacket (Stohlquist Infant Life Vest)

• We loved this one because it’s Coast Guard and Transport Canada, has minimal back restriction and allows for a ton of movement for Lane. 

• Backcountry first aid kit with additional:

• Kid-specific bandaids

• Infant Tylenol

• Hot paws

• Tick remover

Pack smart, prep well, and bring the Adventure Crib. You’ve got this.