Whether it’s a multigenerational family reunion, a scout troop’s wilderness initiation, a school class trip, or a group of old friends finally making it happen — we’ll build the right trip for your group. Same rivers. Same open-fire cooking. Your people, your pace.
Every group is different. A family with three kids under twelve has different needs than a corporate retreat or a Boy Scout troop. An extended family bringing an octogenarian grandfather needs different pacing than a group of experienced paddlers chasing whitewater.
That’s exactly why we offer custom trips. Our schedule permitting, we can reserve a trip on dates of your choice, on the river that fits your group’s ability and interests. We’ll work with you on everything — skill level, trip length, pace, dietary needs, and logistics — to make sure the experience lands right for every person in your group.
We’ve been doing this since 1953. Families, school classes, scout troops, corporate groups, adult friend groups, and multigenerational reunions have all trusted us to get it right. We usually do.
If you open your trip to other campers and give us several months’ notice, scheduled trip rates may apply if we can fill the group. Contact us to discuss.
Private trips are available for any group — here are the kinds of groups we work with most often.
Multi-generational trips, first wilderness experiences for kids, family reunions on the river. We’ll match the trip to your youngest paddlers and make sure everyone has the time of their lives.
Old college friends, annual trip traditions, milestone birthdays. A private trip means your group sets the pace, chooses the river, and has the campsites to yourselves.
We’ve led eighth grade classes, senior trips, and scout troops for decades. Chip and Lani know how to keep young paddlers engaged, challenged, and safe — and how to turn a week in the wilderness into something they’ll talk about for years.
Step away from screens and conference rooms. A few days on the river has a way of building trust and connection that no team-building exercise can replicate. We’ll handle all the logistics — you just show up and paddle.
We’ve guided troops on the Allagash and West Branch of the Penobscot for decades. Paddling instruction, campcraft, open-fire cooking, wilderness safety — all delivered by Registered Maine Guides who love working with young people.
“As the family patriarch, I wanted a trip that would bring together my wife and me, our two daughters, their husbands, and four 12-year-old grandchildren in a sustained and memorable adventure in the Maine wilderness. You delivered so beautifully on every count.”
— R.F., extended family trip, St. Croix River, 2016
Every river has a different character. Here’s a quick guide to help you think it through.
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is our most popular family trip — suitable for all abilities, with abundant wildlife, beautiful campsites, and a pace that lets everyone settle in. The West Branch of the Penobscot and the Moose River Bow Trip are excellent shorter options for younger children or first-time canoe campers. The St. Croix River offers easy whitewater in a semi-remote setting — a great choice for families ready for a bit more adventure.
We’ve guided groups as large as 25 eighth-graders on multi-day trips. The West Branch of the Penobscot is a particular favorite for school groups — following Thoreau’s route into the north Maine woods, with class I rips that build confidence without intimidating. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway works beautifully for older teen groups. For any youth group, Chip and Lani will weave in paddling instruction, natural history, and campcraft throughout the trip.
Groups with whitewater experience will find plenty to challenge them on the St. John River, the East Branch of the Penobscot, or our Canadian river trips. For corporate retreats and adult friend groups, the Allagash offers the perfect balance of challenge and relaxation — enough paddling to feel accomplished, enough downtime to actually connect with the people around you.
Not sure which river is right for your group? Call us — we’ve been matching groups to rivers for over 70 years and we’re happy to talk it through before you commit to anything.
“For 20 years, Allagash Canoe Trips has done just that — every fall Chip and Lani have led our senior class on a 3-day trip in the Moosehead Region. It is a wonderful orientation tradition that the students really look forward to.”
— Kate Webber Punderson, Head of School, Carrabassett Valley Academy
The best first step is a conversation. Call us or send a message and tell us about your group — how many people, approximate ages and experience levels, when you’re thinking of going, and what you’re hoping to get out of it. We’ll help you choose the right river and trip length, then send you a confirmation packet with everything you need to prepare.
A $500/person deposit secures your dates. Balance is due 60 days before departure.
The more we know upfront, the better we can match you to the right river and experience. We’ll take it from there.
We’d love to hear about your group and help you build the right trip. Give us a call or send a message — no commitment required.