Canoes

We feature 16'9" Old Town "Discovery" Canoes, made of tough, high-density polyethylene. Dependable, stable, maneuverable, and well suited to the technical demands of the Sturgeon River. Added bonus: they're quiet, glide easily over objects, and have comfortable, contoured seats! Ask about our Tandem Kayaks! Recommended for: Paddlers with experience and an adventurous attitude! (Not young children—especially on longer trips) Canoe Rates: are per person, based on double occupancy, with a maximum of 3 people. Middle Riders are an additional $7.00

Challenging Mid-Section Trip

We offer a "Mid-Section" trip for those who want the faster, most challenging part of the river, but don't necessarily want or have the time to do the Wolverine (5 hr.) trip, and/or wouldn't mind skipping the last 1 1/2 hrs. of the river (which is the easier section, has more homes/cottages, and at peak times more congested with rafts and tubes). This trip ends at N. White Rd, which is the most commonly used put-in point (and which we own). This trip is definitely for more advanced paddlers!

(Click a question to view the answer)

• How many people can fit in a canoe?

  Our Old Town Discovery canoes are 16'9" ft long, and can only seat a maximum of 3 people (2 people have seats and are supplied with paddles, the 3rd person sits on a seat cushion on the floor of the boat). If you have children with you, we recommend taking a raft or Green (an inflatable canoe). Please see above for rates.

• Do canoes/kayaks tip over easily?

  Canoes and kayaks are 2 very exciting and challenging boats. The tip-over rate is affected by many factors including section of river, water levels, skill of paddlers, weight in the boat, presence of middle riders/pets. These boats are MUCH more prone to capsizing than our inflatable boats, and are NOT recommended for children. (Inexperienced paddlers, groups with small children, &/or families are strongly encouraged to consider rafting. The rafts are BY FAR our most stable watercraft, and we have never had one tip over).

• Who would you recommend to take a canoe?

  Canoes are a great option for experienced paddlers who are up for a challenge! The Sturgeon River is very narrow and winding, and is filled with natural navigational elements that make steering a canoe quite exciting. Canoes are not recommended for young children or inexperienced paddlers, especially on longer trips.

• Can I fish on the trip?

  The Sturgeon River has a swift current that descends approximately 14 feet per mile. While fishing is a sport that you can enjoy on the Sturgeon, it is NOT recommended to do while paddling. There are many tight, narrow bends, overhanging trees/branches, and a swift current that will occupy you while paddling, and not leave you with time to fish. Also, there is a lot of private property along the river, and we must respect private landowners by remaining off their property. (Absolutely NO fishing allowed in rafts, tubes, cats, or other inflatables).

• Can I bring a dog?

  We do not recommend bringing a dog on the river. Depending on the size of the dog and their ability to sit still, they frequently increase the risk of capsizing because they throw off the center of gravity in the boat. This is not recommended for inexperienced paddlers, or animals that are not used to sitting still in a canoe. With that said, we do occasionally allow dogs in canoes provided that the owner has complete control of the animal in all equipment and vehicles! (Absolutely NO dogs allowed in rafts, tubes, cats, or other inflatables).