Sometimes, it’s refreshing to escape the daily grind and plan something special—a chance to spend quality time together. Having previously walked the Kaņieris Reed Trail and loved it, I knew I had to return and take you with me. However, since the trail itself is quite short, let’s spice things up. Here’s a simple yet delightful plan: we’ll start with a boat or SUP adventure on Lake Kaņieris, follow it with a walk along the Kaņieris reed trail, and end the day with a cozy picnic on the bench near the bird watching tower. It’s a fantastic idea for an active date or even a fun family outing.
Location: Kaņieris lake boat rental
Cost: Trail is free, but boat / sup rental costs mondey. Prices & contacts
How to get there: Public transport or driving. We parked in paid parking close to Old town.
Similar experiences: Paddleboarding in Cena bog; Kazdnagas overgrown lake
Paddleboarding or Boating on Lake Kaņieris
The Logistics of Water Activities on Lake Kaņieris
Given the popularity of Lake Kaņieris and the limited number of paddleboards available, making a reservation for paddleboarding is essential. Fortunately, there are more boats than paddleboards, so securing one of those is generally easier—but it’s still a good idea to check availability in advance.
The staff here are exceptionally helpful, and the paddleboards are in great condition, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable start to our adventure.
The Paddleboarding Experience on Lake Kaņieris
The reason you choose to paddleboard on Lake Kaņieris is undoubtedly for the stunning views. The lake stretches out far beyond what the eye can see, its vastness offering a thrilling sense of freedom, or perhaps a bit of intimidation, depending on your perspective. Regardless, an hour is far from enough to explore it all.
So we stay closer to the clusters of reeds near the boat house, where we play little games of hide and seek among them. It’s surprisingly fun to weave between the reeds, racing to see who can circle the next cluster the fastest. But a word of caution—keep an eye out for swans who may be enjoying their own quiet, secluded spots here! I’ve heard they can get quite dangerous if threatened.
Observation Platform of the Lake Kaņieris Boathouse
The boat rental house doubles as a small viewing tower. So, before we head to the birdwatching tower at the trail’s end, don’t forget to climb up here for a view. You can tell me which observation tower you liked the best afterwards. I think the sight of docked boats lined up at the pier adds to the picturesque charm.
A Scenic Walk Along the Kaņieris Reed Trail
This trail is a photographer’s dream. The narrow wooden boardwalk is flanked by towering reeds, gently swaying in the breeze and sheltering you from the outside world. In summer, the reeds are a vibrant green, but in autumn, they dry to a striking grey-brown, transforming the atmosphere entirely.
The floating boardwalk shifts slightly with each step, and the reeds tickle you as you go, adding a whimsical touch to the experience. The only place I can compare this to is Kazdanga Lake, though the reeds there aren’t as tall. Kaņieris’ reed trail really sets the bar high!
The trail is narrow, so walking side-by-side isn’t possible, and passing others can be tricky. A one-way system would make things easier, although I didn’t notice any signs indicating the “correct” direction—perhaps I just missed them.
The only real downside is that the trail isn’t a loop, meaning we’ll have to retrace our steps to return.
The Lake Kaņieris Bird Watching Tower
Lake Kaņieris is home to many bird species, and an observant visitor can easily witness their daily activities from the birdwatching tower.
However, even if you’re not a bird watching enthusiast, the tower is still worth a climb for a fresh perspective on the expansive, overgrown lake. While the tower isn’t particularly tall, it offers a wonderful view of the lake’s vastness.
Afterward, you can wrap up your adventure with a relaxing picnic on the spacious benches at the base of the tower.
Drone View of Lake Kaņieris
Miks has kindly shared a drone eye video of the Lake Kaņieris, so you could witness it from a perspective of a bird. Enjoy!
Thoughts?
A day at Lake Kaņieris is a simple yet exciting way to enjoy the great outdoors in a beautiful setting. It’s a perfect mix of activity and conversation, making it ideal for a date or family outing. While there are plenty of lakes in Latvia for boating or SUP adventures, Kaņieris stands out for its unique reed trail, which is worth visiting at least once. Even if water activities aren’t your thing, the trail alone makes the trip worthwhile.
Other attractions near Lake Kaņieris
Lāčupīte Arboretum (~14km)
Kemeri Bog walk (~12km)
Other things to see and do in Latvia