Haulover Canal is a man-made waterway in Brevard County, Florida, completed in 1887 to connect Mosquito Lagoon on the east with the Indian River Lagoon on the west. Located north of Merritt Island near the former site of Allenhurst, this historic canal eliminated the need for boats to navigate around the northern end of the island, becoming an integral part of the Intracoastal Waterway. The Old Haulover Canal site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 19, 1978, recognizing its significance to Florida's maritime history.

The canal spans approximately 200 to 300 feet in width and flows through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, creating exceptional paddling opportunities for kayakers and canoeists of all skill levels. The waterway is designated as flatwater suitable for beginners, with tree-lined banks providing shelter from wind. Paddlers launch from the NW Haulover Canal Access on the Indian River Lagoon side, accessible via a dirt road off North Courtenay Parkway just north of the drawbridge. This launch features a wide sandy beach area with easy water access, parking, and portable facilities. The route passes eastward under the drawbridge and continues to Mosquito Lagoon, making it ideal for day trips.

Wildlife viewing stands as the canal's primary attraction. Manatees frequent the area year-round, particularly between the Bairs Cove boat launch and the drawbridge along the southern shoreline. A dedicated Manatee Observation Deck on the north side of the canal provides viewing opportunities. Dolphins patrol the waters regularly, while brown pelicans, cormorants, osprey, great blue herons, and ibis populate the shoreline. Alligators inhabit the area, and the canal has gained popularity for nighttime bioluminescence kayaking tours due to minimal light pollution in this remote location.

The canal operates as a manatee zone with no-wake restrictions, though paddlers should anticipate mild wake from slow-moving motorboats and some tidal influence. Early morning paddling before 8:30 AM offers the calmest conditions and best wildlife viewing before motorboat traffic increases. The location's proximity to Kennedy Space Center provides unique opportunities to witness rocket launches from the water.

Access from Titusville involves taking Kennedy Parkway/SR3 south for approximately 8.5 miles to the Haulover Canal drawbridge. The canal is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and permits kayaks, canoes, and airboats, though motors are restricted or limited in horsepower. Cell service is minimal to nonexistent in this remote area, requiring advance planning. The canal serves recreational paddlers and permitted tour operators alike, offering a distinctive combination of natural Florida habitat and space-age history within a beginner-friendly paddling environment.