Part of the Las Colinas Urban Center, these canals were made to mimic the canals of Venice. They connect with Lake Carolyn and snake their way through shops, hotels, homes, and restaurants, and feature stunning views of waterfalls and charming bridges.
Here are a few fun ways to explore this beautiful feature of the city.
Kayak
Enjoy an upper-body workout and explore the canals in a kayak. You can rent one- or two-seat kayaks from Stand Up Paddle North Texas. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the beauty of the canals.
Water Trike
If you haven’t tried a water trike, you are in for a treat. You can rent one of these from Aqua-Cycle Water Trike Rentals. These tricycles sit high above the water, giving you a great view. You don’t have to have any experience with them – they’re incredibly easy to ride and maneuver. And if you’re a little nervous on the water, have no fear, for these trikes are remarkably stable. You can go it alone or take a friend with you and enjoy the trikes for 55 minutes at a time. It’s well worth the $40 rental fee.
Stand-Up Paddleboard
Stand-up paddleboarding is fun in any area, but is extra exciting on the Mandalay Canals. If you’ve never paddleboarded before, have no fear – Stand Up Paddle North Texas will provide lessons for beginners to make sure you have the safest, most enjoyable experience possible. And believe it or not, there’s a lot of techniques to learn when it comes to paddleboarding. Enjoy a three-hour sunset tour with SUPNTX that will take you around the lake and through the canals, for an unbeatable way to end a Saturday.
Gondola
Enjoy a bit of Italy right here in Texas by taking a gondola ride through the canals. These are available year-round, and all throughout the day. The most popular is the sunset ride, but you can also enjoy the gondolas in the beautiful morning light, and at midday, when you can have a picnic during your ride. Bring a buddy or a date, sit back, relax, and enjoy the views.
Walk
Take a stroll on the 3-mile cobblestone trail that stretches out alongside the canals and the lake for a stunning stroll.
For more ideas on adventures in and around Irving, follow the Olympus Las Colinas blog.