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
Friends offers trips on three sections of the river. The North Branch Adventure paddles through the beautiful and natural areas of the northside forest preserves. Meant for intermediate to advanced paddlers, this trip will surely make you forget that you are in Chicago!
The Downtown Canyons trip takes paddlers through the heart of downtown Chicago. Awe at the towering skyscrapers and be surprised at the evidence of wildlife all while sharing the river with recreational boaters, tour boats and the occasional barge. Intermediate to advanced paddlers will do well on this trip.
Loop the Goose with Friends and learn about the industrial history of the Chicago River while paddling around this man-made island. This trip starts at Clark Park on the near northside and paddles along the wooded riverbanks that slowly transform into concrete and steel embankments as we enter the residential and industrial areas near the island. This trip welcomes paddlers of all skill levels.
Dates and registration
Friends’ paddling season has come to a close. It’s been a blast! We hope to make new friends next year and to see some familiar faces, too! The 2010 schedule will be available in April.
Become a Volunteer Canoe Guide
Friends fun, dedicated, and trained canoe guides are highly valued volunteers who take guests out on the Chicago River several times a year. Friends’ provides the training and the volunteer guides provide the passion. If you have a love for paddling, an interest in sharing Chicago River knowledge and some time to give, click here to download Friends’ canoe guide application. Some paddling experience required.
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
Chicago River Flatwater Classic
Join Friends and hundreds of paddlers on Sunday, October 4, 2009, for our 10th 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.
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.
For more Information
Contact Kimberly Bevan at (312) 939-0490, ext. 15, or kbevan@chicagoriver.org
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