Kayaking

For water-babies, wildlife lovers, thrill-seekers and anybody who wants toned arms and abs, kayaking is the perfect choice of holiday activity. This ancient paddling sport, invented by the Inuit to assist in their seal hunting, is the perfect way to explore lakes, rivers and even seas (though make sure you’re in a proper sea kayak before you breast those waves!) And it can be as rugged or as restful as you like. Dip your paddle leisurely into the glass-smooth waters of Coniston Water in the English Lake District, or sport with whales and dolphins in the swell off Vancouver Island. You could even try out kayaking as it’s supposed to be done, exploring the frozen waters off the coast of Nunavut with a local Inuit guide.