Ghent is a city you only truly understand when you see it from the water. The facades of the Graslei rising straight out of the canal. The quiet side canals where no tourists walk. The Gravensteen castle that suddenly looks a lot more imposing when you paddle past it at eye level. With the Urban Packraft tour, you experience that Ghent — 5.5 kilometers on the water, followed by 8.5 kilometers on foot through the city. These are the ten spots you don’t want to miss from the water.
1. The Graslei and Korenlei
The two most photographed quays in Ghent look completely different from a packraft than from the shore. You see the medieval gables from below, the water reflects the yellow-brown stones, and you are part of the scene instead of a spectator. Most tourists stand here with a camera. You paddle right through it.
2. The Gravensteen
Ghent’s medieval castle of the counts stands on the edge of the Leie. From the water, you see the fortification walls in their full width, something you can never oversee from the Kraanlei. The moat that once served as a defensive line is now your route.
3. The Visserij and Veldstraat Bridge
One of the quietest parts of the route runs along the Visserij, a branch that winds through a forgotten part of the city center. There are no terraces here, no crowds. Just water, brick, and the sounds of the city in the distance. One of the most surprising parts of the tour.
4. The Lieve
The Lieve is a historic canal dug in the 13th century as a trade route to Bruges. Some of Ghent’s oldest city buildings stand along its banks. From the water, you see arches, wrought-iron bridges, and courtyards that remain completely hidden from the street.
5. The Great Butchers’ Hall
The 15th-century covered meat hall stands directly on the water. The long row of Gothic windows reflects in the Leie, and if you pass by in the early morning — when the light hits at an angle — this is one of the most photogenic spots on the entire route.
6. The Coupure
The Coupure is a longer straight stretch of canal with trees along the bank and stately townhouses. Quieter than the center, but equally impressive. Here you paddle to catch your breath — literally and figuratively — before entering the heart of the city again.
7. St. Michael’s Bridge
Paddling under St. Michael’s Bridge gives you a unique perspective on three of Ghent’s iconic towers at once: St. Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. This is the shot every photographer wants, but you only see it like this when you’re on the water.
8. The hidden courtyards along the Nederschelde
The Nederschelde runs along the edge of the city center and passes backyards, private jetties, and sections of wall that are hundreds of years old. This is the Ghent that isn’t in the guidebooks. Accessible only by water.
9. The Muinkschelde
The southern part of the route takes you along the Muinkschelde, a canal branch with a very different character than the busy center. Greener, quieter, with small parks on the bank. An ideal place to stop, get out, and recover before the walking part begins.
10. The Brugse Vaart
The end point of the water section borders the Brugse Vaart, a straight waterway that once served for goods transport between Ghent and Bruges. Here you switch from boat to foot and begin the second part of the tour: 8.5 kilometers through the streets of Ghent, guided by the app.
The tour in short
The Urban Packraft tour starts at Madam Bakster at Brabantdam 142. You paddle 5.5 kilometers over the Ghent waterways, then step ashore and walk 8.5 kilometers through the center. The app tells you what you’re seeing along the way, the story behind each building, and where you should take a break. The tour takes about 4.5 hours in total and costs 49 euros per person, all-inclusive.
Ready to discover Ghent from the water? Book your Urban Packraft tour at urbanpackraft.com. Available from April to October.
Prefer to map out your own route?
Want to explore the Ghent waterways at your own pace without a fixed route? Via rentapackraft.com you can rent a packraft with home delivery in the Netherlands and Belgium. You decide where you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to sail on the Ghent canals?
The Urban Packraft tour handles everything for you. You don’t need to apply for a permit yourself. The route is fully permitted for small non-motorized boats.
Is the route suitable for children?
Children from 12 years old can participate under the supervision of an adult. The route is calm and safe for all ages above the minimum age.
At what times can I start the tour?
The tour is available between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Allow 4 to 5 hours for the full experience including the walk.
Can I stop along the way for something to eat?
Yes. There are several stopping points along the route where you can go ashore. There is also a meal option available when booking for an extra 22.50 euros per person.
Want to rent a packraft for your own route? It can be delivered to your home in the Netherlands and Belgium via rentapackraft.com.
Looking for a multi-day packraft expedition in nature? Check out packrafttravel.com.
