Kayak vs canoe is a bit like (note “bit”) road vs mtb.
I love time in both but prefer kayaking myself for fun, canoes are a more mellow way to spend your time…until you get good and can start attacking the same water as kayakers!
Kayaks are convenient; smaller, easier to handle by yourself, easier to store.
Canoes are practical for trips away as they take big loads and more than one person. More comfy for long paddling as you can shift around in them, reach your packed lunch, pour tea out of your flask…
I got a slightly older playboat (Pyranha sub 7)with a composite paddle for £250 in my local classifieds!
Have a look to see if there’s a club you can join locally, many of them have boats for use by the members so you won’t need to buy one. This will also put you in touch with other paddlers!
Doing my level 1 coach in a couple of weeks, then joining my local club to sharpen my skills.
Check out the BCU here for more info from the national governing body.