River tubing offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation—just sit back, float, and let the current guide you through scenic landscapes. Whether you’re looking to drift past forests, soak up the sun in the open countryside, or enjoy mountain views from your inflatable tube, river tubing can take you there.
If you’re planning your next tubing getaway, here are some of the best destinations around the world that offer unique, fun, and scenic tubing adventures.
1. Green Mountains, Quebec – Canada
Nestled in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, this region is a top tubing destination for nature lovers. It combines gentle rivers with beautiful forested surroundings. One standout location is Au Diable Vert, where tubing routes are available seasonally depending on water levels. The tubing here is perfect for families and beginners thanks to the calm, manageable currents and pristine environment.
A unique feature of this location is its ability to combine water and sky adventures. After a day of floating, visitors can enjoy the Au Diable Vert spectacle d’astronomie, a nighttime astronomy show set against the backdrop of the Appalachian mountains. It’s a perfect mix of day-time activity and night-time wonder.
2. Guadalupe River – Texas, USA
The Guadalupe River in Texas is famous for its lively tubing culture. With plenty of outfitters, designated float routes, and even riverside bars, this spot is ideal for those looking to combine outdoor activity with social fun. It’s common to see groups of friends connecting their tubes and enjoying the river together on warm weekends.
3. Ichetucknee Springs – Florida, USA
This protected state park offers crystal-clear waters fed by natural springs, making it one of the cleanest and most refreshing tubing destinations in North America. The float takes around 2 to 3 hours and winds through shaded woods and serene wildlife habitats. It’s especially popular among families and nature enthusiasts.
4. Vang Vieng – Laos
For international adventurers, tubing in Vang Vieng offers a tropical twist. Floating down the Nam Song River, you’ll pass jungle scenery, limestone cliffs, and even riverside bars that welcome tubers with snacks and refreshments. It’s a bucket-list experience for travelers exploring Southeast Asia.
5. Salt River – Arizona, USA
The Salt River offers a desert tubing experience like no other. With mountainous views, cacti-dotted landscapes, and the occasional wild horse sighting, this float is best enjoyed during early summer when water levels are just right. It’s also a great escape from Arizona’s scorching temperatures.
6. French Broad River – North Carolina, USA
Flowing through Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, the French Broad River offers a more relaxed tubing experience paired with beautiful mountain backdrops. The river is wide and calm, with plenty of access points and family-friendly outfitters.
7. Ottawa River – Ontario, Canada
While the Ottawa River is known for its white-water rafting, it also offers calm stretches that are perfect for river tubing. Ideal for groups and solo floaters alike, this spot combines outdoor adventure with accessibility and plenty of camping options nearby.
8. Missisquoi River – Vermont, USA
Just across the border from Quebec, the Missisquoi River offers peaceful tubing surrounded by small-town charm. It’s a lesser-known but rewarding location with scenic bridges, gentle currents, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
After an active day of tubing in Quebec’s rivers, visitors often return to unique accommodations and evening events. For those staying near Sutton or Glen Sutton, the Au Diable Vert spectacle d’astronomie is a rare opportunity to stargaze through high-powered projectors in a mountain setting—perfect for rounding out your tubing adventure with celestial exploration.
Conclusion
The best river tubing spots combine natural beauty, easy access, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re floating past canyons in the U.S., drifting through forests in Canada, or tubing along tropical rivers in Asia, there’s an adventure waiting for every traveler. And if you want to elevate your day on the water, find a destination that offers more than just a float—like an astronomy show under the stars.