River Tubing on Cape Breton Island

Margaree River Tubing

About Tubing

Take a break and relax on the world-famous Margaree River. Let the currents carry you downstream as you dip your toes in the river. Keep your eyes peeled for salmon, bald eagles, and the occasional otter.

River tubing has quickly become one of our most popular activities since it launched in 2018. A perfect way to spend the day on the river!

  • Tubing w/ Transport (2024 rates are listed below)

  • Our tubing season is as follows:

    • Regular Tubing Season is from July 1st to Labor Day Weekend.

      • Daily schedule is 11 am - 3 pm .

    • June & September tubing is by request only and weather dependant.

    • All tubes are single-rider tubes.

    • Min age requirement of 6 years of age.

    • This is not a guided tour.

    • Must have a basic level of fitness for this activity.

    • Distance on the river is approx 5km and takes about 1.5 - 2hrs average. This time may vary depending on group size and weather conditions.

    • Please pay attention to the weather before your departure and pack water, sunblock, and any other items accordingly.

    • We do not allow any non-backing footwear on the river. Footwear is recommended but not required.

    • Each group is required to bring a cell phone with them. This is for emergency purposes. We sell phone cases at our shop for $13.99+hst however feel free to bring your own, as we do not supply these for you.

    • Lastly, you will be on a river and there are risks associated with being on any body of water. You will get wet and may have to maneuver the tubes to stay in the current. We do not recommend this activity if you have mobility issues or cannot safely get in and out of the tube by yourself.

    • Individuals should consider their fitness level and medical history before planning participation in this tour. Tubing is not recommended for guests with cardiac conditions, epilepsy, heart or respiratory problems, physical disabilities, or any other medical conditions.

Margaree River Tubing, Cape Breton Island

How to book.

  • Please select which date you’re interested in tubing on and pick from one of the start times listed.

    Please note: if the time you’re looking for is sold out OR there is not enough inventory for your entire group, please select a different time or date.

  • Once you select your preferred date, please adjust the number of people/tubes you’re looking to book.

    You can then choose from various add-ons such as dry bags, waterproof phone cases, coolers, refreshments, and more!

  • Once your booking is confirmed we’ll send you a welcome email with all the info you need to prepare for your trip and a link to where to sign the waivers.

    We ask that all participants please digitally sign our waiver before arrival.

    If you would like to add things anytime after booking, just let us know!

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FAQs

  • While the overwhelming majority of our guests thoroughly enjoy the experience with ease, it’s important to note that our tour is physical in nature, and requires a certain level of fitness and mobility. Most people who lead an active lifestyle and have a reasonable level of fitness will have no issues participating in our tour.

    What you’ll need to be able to do:

    Paddling – Our tubes are controlled by paddling. While you don’t need to be a professional athlete, you should have enough upper body strength and endurance to paddle for short periods. This is a key part of navigating certain sections of the river, and enjoying the full experience.

    Carrying equipment – Each guest will be responsible for their own tube, which weighs approximately 3 kg. You’ll need to be able to carry this equipment over short distances, but luckily they have convenient handles to make this easier.

    Navigating uneven terrain – The section of the Margaree River you'll be floating is mostly made up of round, loose rocks. This requires balance, stability, and the ability to walk on irregular surfaces. If you’ve ever walked along a pebbly beach or walked along the uneven surfaces of a dry creek bed, you’ll understand the kind of mobility required. This ability to adapt to changing and uneven surfaces is crucial for safely navigating the river.

    Exiting the river – At the end of the tour, you will need to exit the river by walking a footpath along the river bank. This can sometimes be slippery, so it requires some lower body strength, balance, and stability.

    Self-Assessment

    Your safety is our top priority, and we rely on you to assess your abilities honestly. It’s crucial to understand that overestimating your abilities can not only impact the overall experience for the group but also create a safety risk.

  • The route is approximately 5 km, which can take anywhere from 1.5-2 h depending on weather, water levels, and the size of your group.

    We generally tell groups to allot 3-4 h for the whole experience taking into consideration transport, the safety briefings, and getting everyone on the river.

  • It is strongly recommended that you know how to swim when doing any water-based activity. This doesn’t mean you need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you should be able to handle yourself confidently in a water environment.

    If you’re unsure about your water confidence, consider how you feel when you’re in a swimming pool or at the beach. Can you enter the water without fear, move around comfortably, and exit without assistance? If so, you’re likely to be just fine on our tour.

    PFDs are provided and must be worn during the float; however, they are not a replacement for knowing how to swim.

  • No, this is a tube rental not a guided tour. We provide a shuttle service for your groups ease.

  • No, we do not allow any pets to accompany you on river or in the tube.

  • This activity is not recommended for individuals weighing over 350 lbs, if you cannot safely enter or exit the tube without assistance, or walk in a river.

    The heavier the person, the more their tube can be weighed down, causing river navigation to be more challenging. Low water levels also contribute to this difficulty navigating as you may naturally get slowed down in some rapids, requiring you to get out of your tube on slippery rocks.

  • Small soft coolers or backpacks are allowed on river with you. We highly recommend that each person brings a water bottle with them, which can be stored in the tube.

    We ask all guests to pay attention to the current weather conditions and plan to bring extra water accordingly.

    As mentioned above, there is a zero-tolerance policy regarding bringing alcoholic beverages on the river & we will not be renting extra tubes to carry belongings.

  • We do not recommend tying tubes as you will go much slower and have much less control.

    The only exception is if it is a child being tied to their parent’s tube.

  • Yes, you are outside on a river. There are bugs and the potential to see other wildlife as well.

  • Yes, you will get wet.

  • There is always a risk of overturning your tube when on river.

  • In the event it does rain, we will give your group the option to continue with the activity, cancel or reschedule.

    We understand that a lot of groups plan their holiday around this adventure, which is why we will give you the option.

    If the conditions are not safe for tubing, we reserve the right to cancel and will provide a full refund.

  • As of 2023, our shuttle will be departing the shop every 30 mins and picking up at the end of the run on the way back to our shop.

    If you arrive at the end point in between shuttle rides, feel free to walk back to the shop via our walking trail or wait for the next shuttle.

  • Tubes can be maneuvered by using your hands or feet to paddle the tubes away from shallow parts of the river.

    Majority of the river is, at most, 1 m deep so you can easily get out of the tube and walk it to deeper water.

  • Tubing deposits are fully refundable up to 48 h prior to booking.

    If canceled prior to arrival, the deposit will be non-refundable and will be kept on as a credit on your account.

    If you do not notify us of a cancellation or change of group size before the activity start time, YOU WILL BE BILLED THE FULL BALANCE OF THE BOOKING.


River Tubing | Things To Do In Cape Breton