Urban Canoe Adventures
An outdoor adventure is closer than you think…
Why travel afar when you can experience rich wildlife and urban adventure in your own backyard? Friends of the Chicago River offers guided group tours of several sections of the Chicago River. Starting in May and going through October, experienced and knowledgeable river guides, paddling skills training, shuttle service (when needed), and equipment (canoes, paddles, personal flotation devices and dry bags) are provided by Friends of the Chicago River.
Canoeing Opportunities with Friends
“Friends did a fantastic job in arranging and guiding this Bubbly Creek adventure, which I know will be a most memorable experience for our students. I’ve taken college students on field trips in and around Chicago for 10+ years now, and today was definitely the best expedition we’ve ever had.” - Michael Bryson, professor, Roosevelt University
Friends’ Paddling Excursions
Celebrating our 20th Anniversary of the Paddling Program, Friends of the Chicago River will lead four fantastic canoe adventures this summer. No experience necessary. Our fun, knowledgeable guides will provide safety and paddling instruction plus all equipment. All you need to bring is water, snacks, sunscreen, and a willingness to explore the river! Minimum age: 8 years old. Children between 8 and 10 may ride as passengers between two able paddlers. $45 per person, $40 for Friends members (enter “member” when prompted for code).
Saturday, June 29th, 2013
Share the river with tour and recreational boats as you gaze up at our city’s magnificent architecture during the Downtown Canyons trip. We will meet at Lawrence Fisheries (2120 S Canal St, Chicago, IL) at 11am and paddle up the South Branch of the Chicago River towards the loop. At Wolf Point, we will turn east down the main stem and paddle underneath some of the city’s most iconic structures. Then we will turn around and return to our starting point, ending at 3pm. Total distance paddled: 4-5 miles.
Saturday, August 17th, 2013
Catch a glimpse of local wildlife, including herons, turtles, mink and deer on the Chicago River Wilderness trip. We will meet at Linne Woods (entrance just east of Dempster St. and Ferris Ave in Morton Grove) at 10am, shuttle up to the dam at Willow Road in Winnetka, and paddle down the North Branch of the Chicago River. We will stop for lunch (please bring your own!) during the trip, and will finish up around 4pm. Total distance paddled: 6 miles.
Saturday, September 7th, 2013
Share the river with tour and recreational boats as you gaze up at our city’s magnificent architecture during the Downtown Canyons trip. We will meet at Lawrence Fisheries (2120 S Canal St, Chicago, IL) at 11am and paddle up the South Branch of the Chicago River towards the loop. At Wolf Point, we will turn east down the main stem and paddle underneath some of the city’s most iconic structures. Then we will turn around and return to our starting point, ending at 3pm. Total distance paddled: 4-5 miles.
Saturday, September 28th, 2013
Come join us on our very popular Moonlight Paddle. We will meet at 6pm at the Skokie Lagoons Tower Road Boat Launch, and paddle the lagoons beneath the setting sun and rising full moon. Come prepared for a unique evening paddle experience. The trip will end at 10pm. Total distance paddled: 1-3 miles.
Plan a Private Canoe Trip
Interested in a corporate event? Have a large private group and want to take them out on the river? Have Friends host your personally-tailored canoe trip modeled after our classic canoe trips. Great for all different types of organizations who wish to experience the Chicago River. We are already booking dates for 2013, so give us a call to plan your trip today!
Chicago Park District Family Canoe Trips
Check out the Chicago Park District for updates on shorter family canoe trips run by Friends.
Forest Preserve District of Cook County Canoe Trips
Check out the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for updates on shorter family canoe trips run by Friends.
For more Information
Contact Claire Snyder at (312) 939-0490, ext. 14, or csnyder@chicagoriver.org
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