Custom Trips · Your River, Your Dates
Design Your Trip
Any river. Any length. Any time of year our schedule permits. We’ve been building custom wilderness trips since 1953 — tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll make it happen.
Any Trip. Any River. Your Way.
Our scheduled trips are a great starting point — but they’re just that, a starting point. Every trip we offer is also available on a custom basis, on dates of your choice, sized for your group, and tailored to your interests and ability level.
Want a longer Allagash? A shorter one? A river we haven’t listed? A combination of paddling and poling instruction? Want to open your trip to other campers and split the cost? We can work with all of it.
The key is talking to us first. We’ll ask you the right questions, match you to the right river, and build an itinerary that fits your group rather than the other way around. Give us as much notice as possible — the more lead time, the more options we have.
Where Would You Like to Go?
Every trip on this list is available as a custom trip. Click any destination to learn more, or contact us to talk through what’s right for your group.
Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Beginner to Advanced · 5–9 Days · Maine
Our home river since 1953 — available in multiple configurations from 5 to 9 days depending on your starting point and how much of the Waterway you want to experience. From Churchill Dam for a focused 5-day run, to the full journey beginning at Allagash Lake for our most remote and rewarding 9-day trip. Suitable for all ability levels. See Allagash Trips or make this a custom trip.
St. John River
Intermediate to Expert · 6–8 Days · Maine · Spring Only
The longest and wildest free-flowing river in the eastern United States — 110 to 130 miles of class I–III rapids available only in high water. Our May departure is the classic Maine rite-of-spring paddling adventure, but custom dates are possible in June and after extended rain. See St. John Trip or make this a custom trip.
West Branch of the Penobscot
Beginner to Intermediate · 3–6 Days · Maine
Thoreau’s route into the north Maine woods — a gentle, beautiful river ideal for first-time canoe campers and families. Moose sightings are plentiful, class I rips introduce river-reading skills, and Chesuncook Lake with its view of Mt. Katahdin is one of our favorite campsites anywhere. See Maine River Trips or make this a custom trip.
East Branch of the Penobscot
Intermediate to Advanced · 4–7 Days · Maine
The East Branch feels like a Canadian river — numerous rapids, falls, and portages through dramatic north woods scenery with views of northern Baxter State Park. The longest put-in at Telos Lake includes class III rapids on Webster Stream. Excellent fishing throughout. See Maine River Trips or make this a custom trip.
Moose River Bow Trip
Beginner to Intermediate · 3–5 Days · Maine
A hearty beginner and family trip through prime wildlife habitat, with beautiful Holeb Falls, surprising mountain vistas, and an optional hike up Sally Mountain. The Bow Trip can also be done as a loop with a challenging 1-mile portage for groups ready for more. See Maine River Trips or make this a custom trip.
St. Croix River
Novice to Advanced · 3–6 Days · Maine
Easy whitewater, beautiful campsites, excellent smallmouth bass fishing, and the occasional snapping turtle along the Maine–New Brunswick border. An outstanding river for learning or refreshing whitewater skills — suitable for a wide range of abilities. See Maine River Trips or make this a custom trip.
Canadian Rivers
Advanced to Expert · Multi-Day · Quebec, Gaspé & New Brunswick
For experienced paddlers ready for a genuine expedition — the Bonaventure, Nepisiguit, Ashuapmushuan, Mistassini, and Mistassibi rivers offer wilderness and challenge on a scale you won’t find in Maine. Some are accessible only by floatplane. All are extraordinary. See Canadian Canoe Trips or make a custom Canadian trip.
Day Clinics & Whitewater
All Levels · 1–3 Days · Moosehead Region
Not ready for a multi-day expedition? Start with a day on the Kennebec or Dead River — whitewater instruction, canoe poling, or a family-friendly introduction to moving water. The Northwoods Skills Workshop runs 3 days and combines poling, whitewater, open fire cooking, and lodge accommodations. See Day Clinics and Whitewater Trips or make a custom day or whitewater trip trip.
Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? We love to explore new rivers and may be interested in leading first-time trips. Tell us your idea — the worst we can say is “not yet.” Contact us.
“You guys are simply wonderful. Your expertise, good nature, organization, and incredibly hard work made the trip such a pleasure from start to finish. I feel so lucky to have happened upon you on the Internet, when I came up with the half formed idea that I wanted to go canoe camping in Maine. What you offered and provided was so much more than ‘somehow or another.'”
— D.K., 2015
How to Get Started
The best first step is a phone call or message. Tell us what you’re thinking — even if it’s vague. What time of year, roughly how many people, what kind of experience you’re hoping for. We’ll ask the right questions and take it from there.
Once we’ve settled on a river, length, and dates, we’ll send you a confirmation packet with everything you need to prepare. A $500/person deposit holds your spot.
Ready to Start Planning?
Give us a call or send a message — no commitment required. We love talking trips.