Explore St. Marys’ Waterways with Free Kayak Bookings at the Now-Open Yak Shack 

St. Marys’ free kayak borrowing service, the Yak Shack, has returned. Kayaks must once again be pre-booked online. New this season, bookings must be made through ActiveNet at discoverstmarys.ca.  

Reservations can be made at least one day in advance, but no more than seven days ahead. Timeslots are available in two-hour increments. 

The Yak Shack allows the public to book single-person kayaks for use on St. Marys waterways. Paddlers can explore up to five kilometres of river routes, offering views of St. Marys’ historic downtown, the Sarnia Bridge, and surrounding countryside. Kayaking is recommended for children aged eight and older. Youth under the age of eighteen must be accompanied by an adult. A maximum of six single-person kayaks are available. Photo ID is required when checking out a kayak at the Library, and all users must be present at checkout. 

The Yak Shack is a free, community-driven program that removes barriers to participation while relying on donations and a shared commitment from users to care for and respect the equipment so it can remain accessible for everyone. 

After completing your online reservation, keys, paddles, and life jackets can be picked up at the St. Marys Public Library (15 Church St. N.) prior to your timeslot. The Yak Shack, where the kayaks are stored, is located at Milt Dunnell Field by the Lions Park Pavilion. Please note that wearing a life jacket is mandatory when using the kayaks. Kayakers are encouraged to bring their own; however, a limited quantity is available. 

The Town of St. Marys would like to thank Andrew Hodges and Andrea Macko-Hodges for donating a new kayak for the 2026 season. New life jackets were also generously donated by James Lapointe. Other sponsors and founding partners that the Yak Shack program would not be possible without include Gord Barnett, the St. Marys Kinsmen Club, Canadian Tire, Grason International Sourcing Inc., St. Marys Home Hardware, and Stratford Perth Community Foundation.  

For full details, visit discoverstmarys.ca/yakshack. 

 
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For media inquiries:  
Kelly Deeks-Johnson, Tourism and Economic Development Manager 
519-284-2340, ext. 272 | kdeeks@town.stmarys.on.ca