Kayaking the Gauja River, paddling the City Canal, and ATV rides through the forest outside Riga — real, bookable ways to get outside the Old Town.
For a half-day taste of the city, rent a kayak on Riga's own City Canal. For a proper full-day trip, the Gauja River Valley kayaking trip near Sigulda is the standout. If paddling isn't your thing, a guided ATV/quad safari covers similar ground on wheels instead.
A full day on the Gauja River near Sigulda — steep sandstone cliffs, dense forest, and one of the most scenic paddles in the Baltics. Pairs naturally with a Sigulda castle visit.
Check AvailabilityA self-guided rental to explore Riga's City Canal and the Daugava at your own pace — no tour, no schedule, just a different angle on the city you've been walking around.
Check AvailabilityA 2-hour guided ATV ride across a forest and field track outside Riga, with a safety briefing and full induction included — no experience needed.
Check AvailabilityViator also lists self-guided kayaking and outdoor activity options for Riga, if you'd rather compare or already have a Viator account.
Riga Outdoor Activities on Viator →Combining this with a wider day out? See our Sigulda & Gauja Valley guide or the full 6 best day trips from Riga roundup. Visiting in winter instead? Our winter activities guide covers snowmobiling and husky sledding — the cold-weather equivalents of these trips.
Yes, two ways: a self-guided rental on Riga's own City Canal and Daugava River, or a full-day guided trip on the scenic Gauja River near Sigulda, about an hour outside the city.
Yes — guided ATV/quad tours run on forest and field tracks just outside the city, typically 2 hours with a full safety briefing, no experience required.
Late spring through early autumn (May-September) is the practical window for both — the Gauja River kayaking trip in particular is a warm-weather activity. For winter, see our guide to Riga's cold-weather activities instead.
No — both the ATV safari and guided kayaking trips include a safety briefing and instruction for beginners. The self-guided kayak rental is easiest if you have some paddling experience already.
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Last updated: July 2026. Tour availability, pricing and exact routes are set by the operator and may change — check current details before booking.