The Dania Cut-Off Canal is a man-made tidal canal in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, forming a key link in an 18-mile paddling loop popularized by local paddlers. This loop connects the canal to the Intracoastal Waterway and the New River. The canal itself offers straightforward, beginner-friendly flatwater paddling in calm conditions. For access, several public launch points are available. The South Fork Canoe Launch is a free bank access on the canal's northeastern shore with three vehicle spaces, a dock, and restrooms, operating from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The I.T. Parker Boat Ramps at Harbour Towne Marina provide a multi-lane boat ramp with extensive parking, though paddlers should be aware this ramp is noted for being extremely slick. Another access is at the intersection of Dania Canal and 441, featuring four parking spaces with easy bank access but no facilities.

Tidal influence is significant, with a typical tidal range of 2-3 feet. The waterway experiences semi-diurnal tides, with two high and two low tides each day. Paddlers planning the larger loop must time their transit carefully to work with the currents, especially when crossing the busy Port Everglades inlet; one recommended strategy is a counter-clockwise route to cross the inlet early and avoid peak motorboat traffic. The canal connects directly to the Intracoastal Waterway, so paddlers should expect occasional boat traffic and need to navigate channel crossings. The surrounding area is largely urban and industrial, passing marine service yards and waterfront homes, with a small natural area at the Bill Keith Preserve near the junction with the New River's south fork. Wildlife sightings can include alligators, as one was reported in the canal. The paddling experience is defined by its role as a practical urban connector rather than a wilderness escape, with the water's character shaped by the daily tidal pulse and proximity to major infrastructure.