The UW Waterfront Activities Center (WAC) at the University of Washington in Seattle is located directly behind Husky Stadium. From spring through fall, they rent kayaks and canoes to paddle around the Union Bay Natural Area and Montlake Cut to admire the wildlife: bald eagles, osprey (also known as seahawks), and various types of waterfowl. Continue to the Washington Arboretum and enjoy the protected waterways and hiking trails that provide spectacular animal and people watching.
UW WAC Boat Rental FAQ
No reservations are accepted. Boats are rented on a first come, first served system, accommodating all walk-ups as boat availability allows.
Who can rent: Must be 18 years of age or older with valid ID to rent boats. Who can ride along: Children must weigh at least 25 pounds and be able to walk on their own.
Boat occupancy: Single Kayak 1 Person. Double Kayak 2 Persons. Canoe 2 Persons; 3rd and 4th persons if 90 lbs or less (Total passenger max: 525lbs).
Location: On the shore of Lake Washington, within a short walk of the UW Lightrail station, on the southeast side of Husky Football stadium parking lot. Waterfront Activities Center (WAC), 3900 Montlake Blvd. NE, Seattle, WA 98195.
Parking is available in the WAC Center lot or Stadium E-12 lot (subject to stadium events). Hourly parking is $3; free parking is available from noon Saturday until 6:00AM Monday. More info: Self-serve parking | Transportation Services (uw.edu)
What to wear: Boaters and personal items onboard will get wet, so plan and dress accordingly. Lockers or dry bags are available for rent to protect valuables such as phones and wallets from splash damage. Dry bags do not float and will not protect items in the event of a capsize.
Life jackets (aka Personal Flotation Device or PFD) must be worn and buckled at all times. You are encouraged to bring your own PFD (Type I, II, or III). More info: Life Jackets, Vests & PFDs | REI Co-op
Rental rates (see current rates below).
Hours vary throughout the season (see hours below)
A couple enjoys a canoe ride (iStockPhotos.com)
2023 UW WAC boat rental hours
Rental rates: Canoes $16/hour. Single Kayak $19/hours. Double kayak $23. UW students, faculty, and staff can receive discount rental rates with valid ID.
Hours: and are weather dependent! Check their website for updates and closures or call 206.543.9433 during open hours to listen to recorded rental information.
- April-May: Thurs-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Closed for Windermere Cup May 5-6.
- Jun-Jul: Wed-Fri 10am-8pm. Sat-Sun 9am-8pm
- Aug: Thu-Fri 10am-7pm, Sun 9am-7pm.
- Sep: Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Closed for home Husky football games on September 2, 9, and 23.
- Closed for winter: typically, October-March.
More info: Canoe & Kayak Rentals | Recreation (washington.edu) and Waterfront Activities Center | Recreation (washington.edu)
You might also like:
- Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle and Camano Island – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
- Free water safety guides & Washington boating laws – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
- Our big list of boat shows & waterfront festivals – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
- Seattle metro area sports teams (pro & college) – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
Calendar of boating and water sports
Listed below are upcoming boating and water sports events on our calendar. Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a photo. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
Friday, June 9, 2023
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