Whats the difference between a kayak and a canoe ?

So much incorrect information in many of the above answers. Both kayaks and canoes have been used by native people for a very, very long time. The difference between a canoe and a kayak is that in a kayak you sit near the bottom with your feet out in front of you and use a double bladed paddled. In a canoe, while you can sit you are up higher in a more kneeling like position and use a single bladed paddle. Both craft can be decked or open. Both craft can be solo, tandem or have more paddlers. Both craft can be small with little carrying capacity or larger with more carrying capacity. Both can be designed for white water playing. Both can be designed with long expedition trips in mind. Both can have good or poor primary or secondary stability. Typically, (but not necessarily), most kayaks tend to be decked while most canoes tend to be open. Many kayaks are solo boats, while canoes are more frequently tandem boats, but again, either can be tandem or solo, decked or not. Since you are lower in a kayak, you tend to be more stable, but again, this can vary drastically with design. I think the suitability of each can be seen when one looks at their history. Canoes were used for centuries by the Native Americans of Canada and the U.S as well as the Voyageurs on inland lakes and rivers to carry huge cargos. Kayaks were used in open, cold water, usually for shorter periods of time by the Eskimo. Kayaks are generally built to handle a lot of water being thrown a them. Canoes are easy to get in and out of and tend to carry loads well. Again this all depends on design. Personally, I find going solo it is easier to paddle a kayak. With a double bladed paddle, and seated lower, you have good balance and the strokes you need to know are simpler and fewer. Going tandem, and for lakes and rivers, I prefer a canoe. For sea or really big lake touring I like kayaks. For long trips on lakes and rivers, I prefer a canoe. Kayaks generally have less freeboard and have less windage. Update - I absolutely agree with C Kayak below that a decked kayak would be a good choice for solo paddeling on the relatively cold and exposed lochs of Scotland.

Kayak has a lower center of gravity and hence it is more stable.Kayaks tend to be more efficient, you use a double bladed paddle, handles rougher water and open water conditions better, has a skirt option for keeping water out of the cockpit. Canoes can hold more than one person.Canoes use one paddle. Getting inside a canoe is much easier than getting in and out of a kayak. Both are similar to some extent but it depends on what you will be best able to handle and also on your needs. Have a nice trip !

Kayaks are a new thing, canoes have been used on many occasions throughout history. Canoes can carry multiple people, a kayak can only be used by an individual. Canoes are stronger, but a kayak is more fun to be in.

A canoe is a larger version of a kayak only its more open and you cant fit up to 3 people in it. A kayak is smaller and you can get only get one person in it. Apart from a double kayak which obviusly fits two. Type them in google for images

David (above) is absolutely right. The only thing I would add to his excellent and comprehensive answer is that I would highly recommend a kayak over a canoe for cruising in a Scottish sea loch. You will be warmer and more protected from cold water waves and wind tucked into a kayak (which will make you more comfortable and make it much easier to paddle.) I find sea kayaking far less tiring than canoeing and much more versatile in open water.

Hi A canoe is open (like a rowing boat) whereas a kayak is (usually) closed with a hole you sit in. Also Paddles are single blade for a canor and double-ended for kayak.

canoe is easier, the difference mostly is the paddles. one is double sided, (the kayak) one is just a single paddle (canoe)

Kayaks can tip over more easily than a canoe. If you're a beginner, it would be better to start with a row boat and then work your way up to a canoe.

if you look at a native American canoe and then a kayak as used by the inuits, you will see the difference.