These two are very confusing; you might find it challenging to differentiate them; the only feature they share is that they are lightweight and controlled by a human with the use of peddles. When distinguishing between the two, here are a few key differences to guide you.

Purpose

Their difference is on purpose; kayaks are more of sports cars while a canoe, on the other hand, acts as a pickup truck. Kayaks do carry few people and are a bit faster than canoes. That is why they are the best, especially when the water condition is not good.

While a canoe, on the other hand, it is easy to manage and more practical. They are considered best for leisure since it carries a lot of people and families can travel together.

Classification

Kayaks and canoes are classified according to numbers and letters. There are different types of kayaks and canoes, and each one of them does a specific activity. For instance, a certain kayak or boat is meant for certain weather conditions and water activity.

The letters and numbers in canoes and kayaks are used to identify the kind you are using; for instance, a canoe with two paddlers is classified as C2 while one is C1.

Design

There is a major difference when it comes to how both are designed because the decks of a kayak are closed while those of canoes are open. And when we talk about open deck S, it simply means the top and inside part of the boat is exposed.

Paddles

The paddles of this two are the same because kayaks use double-blade paddles while canoes use a single-blade paddle. At the same time, the paddles of a kayak are lower compared to those of canoes.

Those are the major differences between the two things; they both tend to do the same thing, yet they are a bit different when it comes to features.