Beat the summer heat with a paddle trip: Travel enthusiasts recommend 4 top "canoeing" spots

▲Canoeing at Qingshui Cliff. (Photo/Netizen)esther.tuPlease do not reproduce photos without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Canoeing is one of the water activities that has gained popularity in Taiwan in recent years. Whether gliding across vast seas or calm lakes, paddling at a leisurely pace allows you to savor the beauty of summer, with a serene atmosphere that captivates many. ETNEWS Travel Cloud has handpicked the 4 most scenic canoeing spots. Don’t miss out on this fun experience this summer.(The trip duration is approximately 3–4 hours. For safety reasons, please sign up with a licensed travel agency.)

▲Elephant Trunk Rock. (Photo/Netizen IG) joeysomerhalder Please do not reproduce photos without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

1. New Taipei – Elephant Trunk Rock
Have you taken stunning photos in front of the popular Elephant Trunk Rock? Try experiencing its peculiar rock formations from a different angle. Paddling a canoe lets you quietly explore age-old mysterious caves while marveling at nature’s masterful craftsmanship.

▲Pink Bird Forest Secret Spot. (Photo/Netizen Zhou Wan-zhen, please do not reproduce photos without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. Yilan – Pink Bird Forest
The boundless azure waters of Dong’ao’s Pink Bird Forest in Yilan, along with the rugged rocks standing in the sea, make this hidden gem hard to miss. Many don’t know it’s also a secret canoeing spot. Paddling gently through mild waves makes it perfect for beginners.

▲Canoeing at Qingshui Cliff is quite popular. (Photo/Provided by Taroko Jimin)

3. Hualien – Qingshui Cliff
Most people admire Qingshui Cliff by car, but the section between Heping and Chongde is ideal for canoeing. Paddling on the sea, with a 1,000-meter-high cliff on one side and the endless ocean on the other, lets you leave all worries behind. Note that Qingshui Cliff is more challenging and suitable for those with above-average physical strength.

▲You can also go canoeing at Sun Moon Lake. (Illustration/Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration)

4. Nantou – Sun Moon Lake
Who would’ve thought? The famous Sun Moon Lake is also great for canoeing. If you’re worried about the physical demands, don’t fret—the lake’s calm, wave-free waters are very safe for all ages and offer the relaxing joy of being surrounded by mountains.