CLASSIC MAINE CANOE TRIPS 2024

One of Maine's true gems, the Saint Croix River is a classic Maine canoe trip, rising in an extensive chain of wilderness lakes, and flowing through exceptionally beautiful woodlands and vast natural meadows along the Maine-Canadian border. This trademark guided Maine river trip features an abundance of easy whitewater (class I-II), scenic secluded campsites, an easy pace, and excellent cuisine. Lively but not intimidating; the Saint Croix can be enjoyed by a wide range of canoeists, from beginner to expert. Our veteran Master Maine Guides have been engaged in canoe instruction for over 45 years. This Maine river is ideal for learning open canoe technique - especially solo paddling and poling, our specialty. It is also perfect for family vacations, or for those simply seeking a relaxed and tranquil river sojourn. There are both four day and six day options available.

Once used for driving logs - through the remote forested reaches of easternmost Maine and the Canadian province of New Brunswick, the outstanding natural values of the Saint Croix Waterway, has led to its protected status as a "Canadian Heritage River”. Noted as one of the few principal nesting areas for the American Bald Eagle, it also has a significant moose population, and boasts superb smallmouth bass and salmon fishing.

The Saint Croix is perhaps Maine’s best, if not only, choice for an extended canoe trip, with whitewater, in the middle of the summer season and into the fall.

FAMILY VACATIONS, CORPORATE OUTINGS
& CUSTOM PRIVATE TRIPS

Throughout the summer, we assemble small parties of 4-8 people, (scheduled trips generally run Wednesday through Sunday.) However, private groups, family parties, and corporate outings can schedule custom dates, (3-7 days) which are priced accordingly. Although individual rates are based on $175 - $225 per day per adult, there are pricing considerations for children accompanying their families (1/2 -2/3 of adult rate) and family groups in general.

Prices are all-inclusive; all guides are professional Master Maine Guides, the cuisine is superb, and prices include all equipment, plus land transportation to and from river. Camping is at primitive sites along the river - many of which were established by Brown and the Sunrise guides over the past 45 years; (in fact, maps of the region bear the names we bestowed on these river features.) We pride ourselves on our meals. Dinner is accompanied by fresh baked goods, salads, and wine. Special dietary needs can be accommodated. All each individual need bring is their own clothing and sleeping bag. Packing lists are provided

Although scheduled trips generally meet in Bangor, Maine the evening prior, private parties also have the option of meeting at our historic Eastern Maine Base Camp on Cathance Lake in the interior of Washington County. Dinners and breakfasts can also be arranged as part of a package.

Inquire for specific details regarding
itinerary options, extras, scheduling and pricing.
Call 800-RIVER-30 (207.942.9300)

WEEKLY CANOE TRIP OPTIONS:
LATE MAY - MID OCTOBER

4 DAYS - RIVER ONLY: Wednesday to Saturday; (arr. on Tuesday eve.) A relaxed river trip incl. instruction, 4 days wilderness river travel, ending the trip with the traditional “early morning/predawn” paddle.
Runnable May-October, the river is at its finest in the autumn when its lush and varied forestation gives rise to spectacular fall foliage.

6 DAY - RIVER AND LAKES: Monday -Saturday; Our classic combination, whereby the four day river itinerary above is preceded by two days lake travel and dramatic island camping on the headwaters lakes - East Grand and Spednick.

Based on approx. $225 - $300/day per adult*

(Children with family, or large groups - price is reduced).
*Prices are dependent on whether the trip is Open to other Participants - or arranged as a Private Party.

Machias River Video
(Encyclopedia Britannica)

Boston Globe -
Saint Croix River Slideshow

FALL FOLIAGE DATES Annual Fall Foliage Trip  Sept 28 - Oct 2 (6 days)  Sept 30 - Oct 2 (4 days)
View St. Croix River Itinerary & Logistics (PDF)

MACHIAS RIVER - Eastern Maine

The Machias offers what is probably Maine's, if not the entire northeast's finest combination of technical whitewater with an extended and diverse wilderness canoe trip. Dropping and winding through the remote interior of eastern Maine - the Machias watershed is characterized by glacial formations, white pine stands, and Arctic-like blueberry barrens.

The Machias' (Anglicization of the Indian word “bad run of water”) has a variety of (Class II-III+) - ideal for spring whitewater clinics. The singularly beautiful Machias Lakes provide superb isolated beach campsites, and the river and it's many tributaries are known for excellent trout and salmon fishing. Itineraries of varying length and difficulty can be arranged utilizing the numerous streams and lakes of the watershed.

	Whitewater Weekends - 2022 (4 Days: Thursday - Sunday ) from April 21 - 24 thru May 26 - May 29 Inquire for Pricing Entire River (from headwater lakes) - 2022 Mid May; 4-7 Days Please inquire for scheduled dates Custom trips available. Inquire for Pricing Custom Scheduling Upon Request Machias trips meet at our Cathance Lake Base or Bangor
Riverdrivers Bateaux Circa 1920

Often considered the "granddaddy" of all Maine canoe trips, a Saint John River is the classic spring river trip in Maine's great northwoods. Rising in a series of remote ponds, the Saint John starts as a narrow stream, flows deep through dense coniferous forests of northwestern Maine, eventually evolving into a river of majestic proportions. The river is quite suitable for novices; the whitewater increases gradually in difficulty from the riffles of the upper stretches to the heavier water of the renowned Big Rapids - it's also the perfect river for learning the art of canoe poling. (Class I-II+)

Late May; 7-9 Days
Custom trips available.
(8 days)
$1850 (incl. Fly-In)
Custom Scheduling Upon Request
Saint John trips meet evening prior in Bangor