Canoeing in the Ardèche with a dog on board
With your dog · suitable routes

Canoeing in the Ardèche with your dog: the complete guide

Your dog is welcome on the water, as long as you pick the right route. Here is everything to know before you book: where dogs are allowed, how to prepare yours, getting on board, safety and managing the heat.

Can you canoe with your dog in the Ardèche? Yes, on the routes upstream of the gorges (from 5 to 12 km). As animals are not allowed in the nature reserve, the long trips through the gorges are off-limits with a dog. Your dog doesn't take a paid seat, and we lend a dog life jacket on request.

Can you canoe with your dog?

Important: the nature reserve Animals are not allowed in the nature reserve of the Ardèche gorges. The long trips that cross the gorges (24 to 36 km) are therefore off-limits with a dog. The routes upstream, outside the reserve, are open.

Which dog can come aboard?

Most dogs can come aboard, up to about 30 kg. Beyond size, what matters most is temperament: a calm dog, at ease in the water and used to following you, will enjoy the trip far more than a stressed one.

Which routes can you take your dog on?

RouteDurationFor which dog
Mini Aventure Toboggan · 5 kmabout 1 hr 30A nervous, older or first-time dog
Petite Aventure · 7 kmabout 2 hrsMost dogs, with the family
Aventure Signature · 12 kmabout 3 hrsA dog already used to water and canoes
Gorges / nature reserve · 24 to 36 km1 to 2 daysDogs not allowed (nature reserve)

See the details of these formats on our half-day trips.

Preparing your dog before the trip

A child and a dog on board a canoe in the Ardèche
A dog used to the canoe means a calmer trip for everyone.

Get it used to the water and the canoe

A few days before, have your dog climb into the canoe while it's still, with treats, then do one or two swims in calm water. The goal: that it associates the boat and the water with something positive.

What to bring for your dog

  • A life jacket with a top handle (we lend one on request).
  • Water and a collapsible bowl.
  • A non-slip mat so it settles well at the bottom of the canoe.
  • A lead or leash, kept in hand (never tied to the canoe).
  • Poop bags and a few treats.

Safety and boarding: the trip step by step

Canoe trip down the Ardèche with a dog on board
In the middle of the canoe and lying flat: the right spot for your dog.

The dog life jacket

It is strongly recommended, especially if your dog is not a strong swimmer. We lend a dog life jacket free of charge, on request: remember to book it ahead by calling us or messaging us on WhatsApp. Choose a model with a top handle, which makes it easy to lift your dog back in if it falls.

Boarding in 5 steps

  1. Steady the canoe against the bank before your dog gets in.
  2. Have it get in at the centre of the canoe, lying flat.
  3. Let it find its position, preferably lying down.
  4. Never tie it to the canoe.
  5. In the rapids and slides, stay calm and hold your line: your dog takes its cue from you.

Take breaks on the pebble beaches so it can drink and stretch its legs. For the rest, the same rules as a standard trip apply: see our canoeing safety guide.

Managing the heat and your dog's wellbeing

  • Set off in the morning where possible, when it's cooler.
  • Watch out for sun-baked pebbles: they can hurt paw pads.
  • Offer water regularly, wet its belly and paws, and take breaks in the shade.
  • Watch for warning signs: heavy panting, a very red tongue, lethargy. At the slightest doubt, stop and cool your dog down.

Frequently asked questions

Does the dog count as a seat in the canoe?
No, your dog doesn't take a paid seat. It settles in the middle of the canoe, at the paddlers' feet. See our prices for the per-person rates.
Can you do a 2-day trip with a bivouac with your dog?
No: the 2-day trips cross the nature reserve, where animals are not allowed. To come with your dog, choose the routes upstream, from 5 to 12 km.
Do you need to book in advance to come with your dog?
Yes, it's advised, especially in summer. Mention it when you book so we can prepare a life jacket in your dog's size.
What happens if my dog falls in the water?
With a life jacket that has a top handle, you lift it back on board easily. Stay calm, head for a calm stretch of water and let it settle again.
Can you take several dogs in the same canoe?
It's possible depending on the dogs' size and the canoe's stability. The best thing is to contact us beforehand so we can talk it through and pick the right route.
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