Canoeing Jackson Lake – Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park boasts some of the most incredible mountain views in the US National Park system, and one of the best way to enjoy these views is from the water. If you only have one day in the Grand Tetons, we would highly recommend spending a couple hours canoeing on Jackson Lake.

Colter Bay Marina

You can rent canoes, kayaks, and motorboats at the Colter Bay Marina located in Colter Bay Village. Colter Bay Village is located in the national park on the eastern side of Jackson Lake and is about an hour drive from Jackson. It’s also only a 30 minute drive from the south entrance to Yellowstone if you’re coming from that direction. Canoe rentals at Colter Bay Marina cost $23/hour (2-hour minimum) and they’re worth every penny.







National Parks (especially the most popular ones) tend to get very crowded in the summer, and getting out on the lake is the perfect way to escape the crowds. While the parking lot at Colter Bay Village may be bustling with tourists, once you paddle out to the middle of the lake it’s a completely different story.

The tallest peaks of the Teton Range tower above the lake to the west. They’re some of the most impressive mountains in the lower-48, and they provide a stunning backdrop while you paddle.

Heading south from Colter Bay Marina, there are several small islands and inlets to explore. We parked the canoe on a few of these islands along the way. It’s important to note that this is grizzly country, so it’s wise to pack bear spray if you plan on disembarking at any point. Someone in the office at Colter Bay made a point to remind us that grizzlies can swim, so we should keep our eyes open even on the islands.

There are plenty of ways to experience the mountainous scenery in the Tetons, but canoeing (or kayaking) on Jackson Lake provides a unique perspective of one of the country’s greatest mountain ranges.

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