Canoe with Friends!
An outdoor adventure is closer than you think…
…paddle the Chicago River
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. 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.
Trip Descriptions
CHICAGO RIVER WILDERNESS
Paddle the Boundary Waters…the boundary between Lake and Cook counties, that is! View wildlife, including herons, minks, turtles, frogs, and deer, as you meander through the mild bends and brambles of the near north side forests. You’ll be transported by the beauty. Recommended for intermediate to advanced paddlers. Directions for Chicago River Wilderness trip.
Saturday, July 10 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
DOWNTOWN CANYONS
Our popular trip needs no introduction. This ultimate urban canoe adventure will have you sharing the river with tour and recreational boats, barges and others while basking in the wonder of Chicago’s architecture from water level. Some paddling experience recommended. Directions for Downtown Canyons trip.
Saturday, July 24 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, September 11 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LOOP THE GOOSE
Delight in the diverse river landscape of Chicago - from wild to residential to industrial. Paddle the loop around Chicago’s only island, the historic Goose Island, the building of which was commissioned by Chicago’s first mayor. Do you know who that was? We’ll fill you in on the trip! Perfect for beginning paddlers! Directions for Loop the Goose trip.
Saturday, August 28 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MOONLIGHT ON THE SKOKIE LAGOONS
Peace and tranquility describes this evening paddle through the serene Skokie Lagoons. After navigating through the Lagoons, paddle up to an isolated island for s’mores by a campfire while our guides and guests share stories and laughter. Perfect for beginning paddlers! Directions for Moonlight on the Skokie Lagoons trip.
Saturday, September 25 - 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
All trips are led by Friends’ professional guides who begin each outing with paddling instruction and an introduction to the Chicago River and Friends of the Chicago River. All equipment and transportation between starting and ending points are provided.
Trip rates: $45, $40 for Friends’ members
Interested in our trips, but already have your own boat? No problem! You are welcome to join our guided trips at the discounted price of $25, $20 for Friends’ members. Your reduced fee covers the cost of insurance and shuttle transportation. Also, all paddlers on our trips are required to wear pfds, so if you do not have one, we will provide on for you. Group size may be limited due to insurance constraints.
Helpful Hints
Paddling can be thirsty work. Bring plenty of water to keep you hydrated and feeling good!
Other things to keep in mind include remembering that paddling can be dirty business at times and there is always a chance of getting wet. While tipping the canoes is not easy, it does happen. Wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Closed toe or shoes meant for wet-wear is best.
Sunscreen and a hat will keep you protected from the sun and cool. We highly recommend it!
Please note that each canoe trip includes a break along the course. Lunches are not provided so please plan to bring a snack if you if wish.
We run canoe trips rain or shine. Only when the weather forecast calls for a 50% or better chance of thunderstorms will we cancel the trip. For more information about cancellations and related policies click here.
Please remember that even though the Chicago River has come a long way, there are still bacteria and other pollution in the river. US EPA recommends the following general precautions when recreating on the Chicago River.
· Avoid swallowing the water.
· Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or touching anything that might go into your mouth.
· Keep open wounds clean and dry to minimize the likelihood of harmful germs entering the body.
· Finally, children and people with weakened immune systems are especially advised to limit exposure to the water.
You can help make the Chicago River cleaner by letting the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) know that you think the Chicago River should be clean enough to support uses such as canoeing and kayaking.
Send your request for cleaner water to the Illinois Pollution Control Board, which is reviewing water quality standards right now.
John Therriault, Assistant Clerk
Illinois Pollution Control Board
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 11-500
Chicago, Illinois 60601
RE: Rule Making R08-009
To view a sample letter click here.
Other 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
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. Downloadable forms will be available soon to help you get started on planning your next private event with us! Great for all different types of organizations who wish to experience the Chicago River.
Chicago River Flatwater Classic
Join Friends and hundreds of paddlers on Sunday, October 3, 2010, for our 11th annual canoe and kayak race. Perfect for pros and first-time paddlers alike, the Flatwater Classic is an ideal and fun way to see many of the neighborhoods that surround the Chicago River.
Chicago Park District Family Canoe Trips
Check out the Chicago Park District for updates on shorter family canoe trips run by Friends.
For more Information
Contact Kimberly Bevan at (312) 939-0490, ext. 15, or kbevan@chicagoriver.org
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