Ship Canal Paddling

The Lake Washington Ship Canal runs 8 miles from Puget Sound through the Ballard Locks, across Lake Union, through Portage Bay, and into Lake Washington via the Montlake Cut. Paddling any section of it puts you in an urban waterway with real maritime traffic — commercial barges, sailboats heading offshore, rowing shells from UW. It is the most working-waterway feeling you can get on a SUP board in Seattle.

📍 Get Directions to Gas Works Park (main launch)  |  Get Directions to Ballard Locks

The Best Sections to Paddle

Fremont Cut (Lake Union to the Locks): The 1.5-mile stretch from Gas Works Park west to the Ballard Locks. Industrial north Seattle on both sides, the Fremont Bridge overhead, and a steady parade of boats transiting to and from the sound. Launch from Gas Works Park (2101 N Northlake Way) or from Fremont’s small waterfront access points.

Portage Bay (Lake Union to Lake Washington): The eastern segment — quieter, with the houseboat community and UW campus. More protected water than the Fremont Cut. Best for exploratory paddling rather than transiting.

The full canal: Experienced paddlers sometimes do the complete 8-mile transit, requiring either a shuttle or the Ballard Locks portage. The Locks transit (putting your board in the lock chamber with other small vessels) is a memorable experience if you have never done it.

Practical Notes

• Right of way: Commercial vessels and motorboats have priority in the canal. Stay to the right side of the channel and out of the center whenever possible.
• Bridges: The Fremont, Ballard, and Montlake bridges open on schedule for boat traffic — check the bridge schedule if your route involves waiting for an opening.
• Locks transit: Small watercraft (kayaks, SUPs) can transit the Ballard Locks by waiting for the next lock cycle. There is no fee. Signal the lockmaster by waving — staff will direct you to the small boat lock chamber on the north side.
• Current: Minimal in the canal proper. The Montlake Cut can have perceptible current depending on the water level differential between Lake Union and Lake Washington.
• Best time: Early weekday mornings for lightest traffic in the canal.