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 four 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.
Last, but certainly not least are the Moonlight on Skokie Lagoons trips. Paddle around the serene islands on this evening trip before landing on a remote beach where Friends will have a bonfire set up with s’mores and tales of the Lagoons origins. Share ghost stories and laughs before departing back to the launch location under the light of the moon. This trip welcomes paddlers of all skill levels.
Dates and registration
June 21 - North Branch Adventure A good time was had by all!
July 18 - Downtown Canyons Register Now / Directions
July 25 - Loop the Goose Register Now / Directions
Aug. 22 - North Branch Adventure Register Now / Directions
Aug. 29 - Downtown Canyons Register Now / Directions
Sept. 12 - Loop the Goose Register Now / Directions
Sept. 26 - Moonlight on Skokie Lagoons Register Now / Directions
Oct. 10 - Moonlight on Skokie Lagoons Register Now / Directions
Oct. 24 - North Branch Adventure Register Now / Directions
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.
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.
Become a Volunteer Canoe Guide
Our roster for the 2009 season is now full. Check back in November to fill out an application for the 2010 paddling season.
For more Information
Contact Kimberly Bevan at (312) 939-0490, ext. 15, or kbevan@chicagoriver.org
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