It was an early afternoon in late October as we launched our two canoes from a landing onto a winding lake in an Upper Michigan wilderness area. Temperatures were around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and winds were 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. The water was freezing. Although the four of us were experienced paddlers, I was anxious about canoeing on such cold and wavy waters in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this time of year for fear of hypothermia from capsizing.

With canoes loaded for a 3-day adventure, we paddled a quarter mile through a calm channel in the Upper Peninsula. Then, as we continued, the open water of Crooked Lake became choppy and turbulent. The wind picked up significantly. We had difficulty finding the unmarked portage to High Lake, where we planned to camp that night.

The Clarks paddling on High Lake. Photo: Jim Joque

My friends, Tom and Mary Jo Clark were in their Wenonah Minnesota II, a typical performance touring canoe in this area. My other friend, Tom Link, and I were in my Wenonah Spirit II, an incredibly versatile touring canoe when we lost sight of the Clarks.

The wind was causing waves that somewhat blocked our view, and we couldn’t see around protruding landmasses. Tom and I landed and located the portage, but then pushed off again in search of the Clarks. Fortunately, we found them. They landed at another location, thinking that might be the portage.

The portage to High Lake, our campsite location, is only 22 rods (363 feet). We made three trips over the portage with our canoes and gear -still a challenge for four adventurers in their mid to late 60s.

About the Sylvania Wilderness Area

Our fall canoe adventure took place in the 18,327-acre Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area, located within the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Sylvania is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. In addition to a campground near Sylvania’s entrance, there are 50 designated backcountry campsites located near several of the 34 named lakes in this charming chain-of-lakes wilderness.

Over the past 20 years, I have led college students on 6-day wilderness canoe adventures in Sylvania, paddling 13 lakes, and making 18 portages each trip. I’ve also made several canoeing trips there with friends. Plus, I have camped in Sylvania with student groups on fall and winter backpacking trips along some of the 25 miles of hiking trails in the area.

Wildlife abounds, and scenic woodland vistas seem to manifest at every turn. The U.S. Forest Service writes, “The old-growth forests and pristine lakes in the region provide habitat for a wide range of animal and plant life, including rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey.”

All Sylvania lakes require non-motorized water travel, except for Crooked Lake that allows minimal powered boats. And, a part of Crooked Lake resembles a river. The upper and lower open areas of the lake are connected by a mile-long and winding waterway, giving the sensation of being on a wilderness river.

Read More: Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall – Sylvania Has It All

Map compliments of USDA-Forest Service, Eastern Region, Ottawa National Forest

Back at High Lake

When we put into High Lake, the water was reasonably calm because towering hemlocks and pines sheltered the lake from the wind. The water’s clarity was stunning, as we could see 20 or more feet into a deep crystal-blue lake.

We paddled to Bobcat campsite, one of two sites on the lake. Then, we unloaded our canoes and set up camp. In addition to our tents, we set up a tarp over the cooking area since rain and snow mix was predicted for the night. With a 2-burner stove set in place and a campfire warming in the fire ring, we had an ideal camp setting. In my journal, I wrote, “We started a happy hour with brandy and whiskey, followed by a beef stew supper.” It couldn’t get any better than that.

Tom, Tom, Jim, and Mary Jo at Happy Hour in Sylvania. Photo: Jim Joque

Following clean-up, hanging our food in a distant tree, and sitting around the campfire, we crawled in our tents to temperatures that night of about 35 degrees F. Then, I heard the pitter-patter of rain, sleet, and then the snow hit my tent on and off throughout the night.

We woke to temperatures in the mid-30s and an overcast sky. Following breakfast, the group decided not to take our chances paddling in the cold. Instead, we stayed at our campsite for a second night. Later, we took a challenging hike from High Like to the portage between Mountain Lake and Crooked Lake, where we originally intended to travel by canoe. It was a day for exploration.

Sylvania signposts at landing. Photo: Jim Joque

Back at camp later that day, after gathering wood for our campfire and eating supper, the four of us enjoyed fun conversation around a warm fire before sliding into our sleeping bags. That night temperatures dropped to 25 degrees F.

Come morning, we woke to a clear blue sky and ate breakfast. We then packed for our paddle back to the portage and the landing. Crooked Lake greeted us with rippling water, sunshine, and temps in the low 40’s. It was a delight.

However, the water was still icy cold. We made the long stretch back to our landing without capsizing, and without getting wet or cold. It was a relief to have survived a cold-weather challenge while enjoying an autumn canoe-camping adventure.

Read More: Canoe Camping: Plan, Pack & Paddle

Preparing that beef stew supper. Photo: Jim Joque

Recommendations For Cold Weather Canoeing and Camping

Only attempt cold weather canoeing and camping if you have prior experience and skill with canoeing and camping. Please don’t make it your first adventure. But if you have the skills and previous experience, consider the following:

• • Be prepared by having quality paddling gear and camping gear.

• • Check the weather for temperature, wind, and potential precipitation or storms.

• • Leave an itinerary with family members of trip details, including contact information, locations, dates, and times of arrival and return.

• • Know self-rescue techniques, first aid, and how to treat hypothermia. As a starting point, view the canoeing safety videos from the American Canoe Association.

• • Keep a low center of gravity when packing your canoe.

• • Always wear your life preserver when canoeing.

• • Paddle close to shore in inclement weather.

• • Try keeping dry and warm at all times, and dress in clothing that dries quickly.

• • Count your blessings when you return safely.

What have been your experiences with cold water canoeing? Have you gone canoeing in the Sylvania Wilderness Area in the upper peninsula of Michigan? Please share your stories with us in the comments below!

Jim and Tom packed to paddle onto Crooked Lake. Photo: Jim Joque

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Reflections of canoers on Lake Towada Photo by Koji Nishikawa

Aomori prefecture jumps to the forefront of my recommendations when visitors request advice for canoeing, river exploring, camping, snowshoe trekking, and skiing in Japan.

Canoe tours in a lake surrounded by volcanic peaks, snowshoeing treks in protected forests, and long strolls through colorful ravines pull me to Aomori again and again. Its tantalizing traditional regional dishes and hot springs add exotic experiences for visitors to the far north of Japan’s main island. Additionally, few foreign tourists know about Aomori—for now.

Smiling canoe guide Photo by Koji Nishikawa

But ask a Japanese about the beauty of Northern Honshu, and, likely, they won’t stop talking about Lake Towada and Oriase Gorge. I became similarly entranced after canoeing on Lake Towada and strolling the Oriase Gorge trails in winter and fall.

Lake Towada 

Lake Towada, the third deepest in Japan, is a caldera lake created by volcanic eruptions at an elevation of 400 meters (1,312 feet). Except for a small town along one edge, the lake has escaped development. Government restrictions protect the environment because it is part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park.

View of Lake Towada Photo by Koji Nishikawa

Canoeing, snowshoe, and hiking tours are the specialties of Towadako Guidehouse Kai. Ecotour guides Murakami, Ota, and Koda continuously smile as they explain the ecology of their home: the lake, the gorge, and nearby mountains. Going with them on an ecotour is like traveling with friends who are both deeply knowledgeable and nuts about nature.

Canoeing in Lake Towada last winter was an almost indescribable pleasure. Skimming through sheets of floating ice and discovering icicles dripping from the roots of trees along the lakeshore were amazing first-time experiences for me. Furthermore, we were probably the only people on the surface of the 61.1  km² (24 square miles) lake.

Winter on Lake Towada Photo by Greg Goodmacher

Oirase Gorge

The beauty of Oriase Gorge is also outstanding in fall and winter.

Oirase Gorge In Fall

Autumn also had its unique joys. Ducks suddenly appear from the deep water and disappear again as they search for fish. Mountain and lakeshore vegetation burn with fall colors. The joys of exercising in nature by rowing against the wind and then returning with the help of breezes. Finally, observing the sun slowly sink over the tip of a mountain range while the moon rose.

Each year, the snows on nearby peaks melt and run into Lake Towada, which spills into the mouth of Oirase Gorge. Far back in geologic history, a section of the lake collapsed, and escaping water carved the 14 kilometer-long (8.6 miles) ravine.

Oirase Gorge in Fall Photo by Koji Nishikawa

Oirase Gorge is one of Aomori’s most celebrated autumn attractions. Hikers, picnickers, photographers, poets, and others find inspiration or relaxation along the nine-kilometer (5.5 miles) one-way path that follows the main river. Some visitors ride bicycles along a nearby mountain road.

Oirase Gorge in Autumn Photo by Koji Nishikawa

Vibrant green moss, pools of blue water, and white swirling streams compete in a beauty contest with trees whose green leaves are turning into a thousand shades of fiery fall red, orange, and yellow colors. Waves of cascading waters plunge over a dozen waterfalls into tiny pools and creeks. These gurgle their way into the more powerful river that leaps and bounds with rhythmic splashes over large rocks and fallen trees.

To experience Oirase Gorge at its most sublime and avoid crowds, arrive early in the morning on a weekday during the peak season of fall foliage.

Frozen waterfall in Oirase Gorge Photo by Greg Goodmacher

Oirase Gorge In Winter

Winter turns the gorge into a world of sparkling icicles, powdery snow, and white trees. The murmurs of the stream and the flutter of snowflakes landing on your shoulders may be the only sounds. Below-freezing temperatures turn some of the waterfalls into nature-crafted ice sculptures as tall as buildings.

Read More: Winter Canoeing, Trekking, & Hot Springs In Aomori Japan

Where to Stay At Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge

There is a range of accommodations to choose from at Lake Towada in fall or winter. For example, you may decide to camp or stay at a mid-range or luxurious accommodation.

CampSite In Fall

The Utarube Campsite on the shore of Lake Towada has tent sites and small lodges during fall. The campsite is very popular, but it is closed in winter. Many guests enjoy the barbecues and sunrise canoe trips that Towada Guidehouse Kai manages.

Twilight on Lake Towada Photo by Koji Nishikawa

Luxurious Accommodation: Oirase Keiryu Hotel

Those preferring Northern Japan’s take on “Washoku,” the Japanese cuisine that UNESCO designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, can choose more luxurious accommodations

Between November and April, many nearby hotels close because of the winter conditions. However, the luxurious Oirase Keiryu Hotel stays open in winter and is highly recommended. I have never stayed there, but I have seen the gorgeous woods and rivers nearby.

It also boasts three outdoor communal hot springs. The most elegant rooms have private hot spring baths. Furthermore, shuttle buses connect the hotel with the Shin Aomori Train Station.

Jigokunuma, a natural thermally heated swamp near Sukayu Onsen Photo by Shintaro Takada

Mid-Range Accommodation: Sukayu Onsen Hotel

My recommendation for those with cars is to drive one hour from Lake Towada to Sukayu Onsen. This drive provides another opportunity to view Oirase Gorge.

Sukayu Onsen is a mid-range hotel that locals built around a hot spring. The Hakkoda mountain range and a realm of active volcanoes surround Sukayu. Additionally, the Hakkoda Ski Area is acclaimed for hiking, backcountry skiing, and snowshoe trekking.

Intrepid skiers and snowshoers ride the Hakkoda ropeway gondola to Mt. Tamoyachidake (elevation: 1324 meters or 4347 feet). They then return by descending the backside of the mountain through the woods to Sukayu. The ropeway is open in all seasons.

Jigokunuma, resplendent with fall foliage Photo by Shintaro Takada

One night at Sukayu is a mindblowing experience for many foreigners. One of Japan’s largest mixed-sex baths is in Sukayu Onsen Hotel.

Famous communal mixed-sex bath at Sukayu Onsen Photograph courtesy of Sukayu Onsen

Meals often include locally foraged herbs, mushrooms and sea and river fish most North Americans have never eaten.

Visit Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge This Fall and Winter

Aomori has more exhilarating hiking trails, streams, waterfalls, wild hot springs, ponds, and lakes than are possible to explore in one hundred vacations. That is why this outdoor-sports-loving travel writer plans to return again and again to Aomori.

Read More: Japan’s Rivers & Hot Springs

Collection of Aomori Mushrooms Photo by Koji Nishikawa

After a long day of paddling or hiking to your favorite canoe or kayaking destination, your legs can sometimes feel like they’re anchors holding you in place. Of course, your shoulders, hips, and the rest of your body can feel bogged down, too, even when you’re not kayaking in a nearby swamp or playing in the mud. To remedy this feeling, paddlers can complete a series of stretches after a warm-up or at the end of a long day’s outing.

Use cat pose to stretch your back muscles. Photo: Scott Hotaling

Many people may think stretching just helps loosen up your muscles after a long workout and improves your overall flexibility. While this is undoubtedly a benefit, there are a few more benefits that are just as important. Stretching improves your body’s alignment awareness, neuromuscular coordination, and your joint’s range of motion. Without proper stretching, you increase your risk of injury while limiting your overall range of motion.

The following stretches can be done by paddlers anywhere and anytime, though some may be easier lying down, holding a chair, or having a friend give you a helping hand or shoulder.

Thigh Stretch

This exercise helps stretch the muscles in the upper front part of your leg, commonly referred to as the quadriceps muscles, which extend the leg. These muscles can become quite tight, especially after a long uphill climb.

To perform this stretch, stand up straight and flex your knee, bending your leg behind you. Hold your ankle with the opposite hand. Using your opposite hand makes it easier to keep your leg and knee straight without putting unnecessary strain on your MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) and knee joint. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side. Do three repetitions on each leg.

Remember to stretch those quads! Photo: Scott Hotaling

Back Stretch

This exercise helps stretch your back, which can feel strained and tight after kayaking or canoeing in a seated position for an extended period. This stretch is best on a long, comfortable mat, such as a yoga mat. The mat should be on a flat surface either at home or at the park.

First, place your hands and knees on the ground as if you were going to perform a pushup. Your arms and legs should be at about 90 degrees from your torso, perpendicular to the floor mat. Now arch your back like a cat stretching and hold for 20 seconds. This stretch is called the cat pose in yoga. Similarly, drop your back down and raise your head and chest, allowing your back to sink slightly below you. This stretch is called the cow pose.

Repeat each pose three times, exhaling as you stretch and inhaling as you come back to your starting/neutral position. Breathing is an integral part of each stretch, so concentrate not only on feeling a good, comfortable pull, but focus on breathing to get an even deeper and more relaxed stretch.

Alternate between cow pose (shown here) and cat pose (shown above) to stretch your back. Photo: Scott Hotaling

Chest Stretch

The chest stretch is an excellent exercise for your chest after a long day of paddling. Stand an arm’s length away from a corner wall and place your right hand on the wall at about shoulder height. Bend your torso away from your arm until you feel a gentle stretch in your chest. Breathe through and hold for 15 seconds. Repeat with the left arm.

You can also perform this stretch by standing closer to the wall and placing your forearm against the wall. Then bend your torso away from your arm. Your wall arm should form the letter “L” as your upper arm should be shoulder height and parallel with the floor. You can perform this stretch outdoors against a tree or other vertical flat surface.

To shift the emphasis of the stretch onto the upper chest, place your elbow lower on the wall, forming a “V” shape. To emphasize the lower torso, place your elbow higher on the wall.

A tree is a useful tool for stretching the chest. Photo: Scott Hotaling

Calf Stretch

Stand in front of a wall or a sturdy chair with one foot in front of the other. Make sure your feet are about a foot’s distance apart. Place your hands on the wall or chair and lean forward, bending your front knee while keeping your back knee straight. As you bend forward, keeping both of your heels on the floor, you should begin to feel a stretch in your calf in your back leg. Remember to exhale as you bend forward and hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat with the opposite leg. Aim for 3-5 repetitions.

The calf stretch can help with tightness in your legs while paddling. Photo: Scott Hotaling

Try these stretches whenever you feel tightness in your muscles and especially after a long day of paddling. Your muscles will thank you for it!

What stretches do you do before or after paddling? Let us know in the comments below!

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Imagine days of paddling on a narrow, lazy river. You snake through marshes and pine forests, passing by large boulders and tiny beaches. The land is full of herons and beavers, prints of a muskrat, or raccoon that reveal their passing. Each bend in the river takes you further into the wilderness. You reach a “development,” a campsite, or in its most advanced form, a lean-to. One might think that such a place is only in the Western United States or Canada. But, in fact, this magical land, the east branch of the Oswegatchie River, is in New York’s Adirondack Park.

The Oswegatchie provides tranquility and a sense of solitude. Photo: Tim Moody

Getting To The Oswegatchie River

Accessing the Oswegatchie is a small adventure unto itself. South of the tiny tourist town of Cranberry Lake lies a hamlet called Wanakena, which from the highway appears to mostly consist of forest, picnic tables, hiking trails, and The Ranger School.

But, off of route 3 is a dirt road that leads back away from the highway for miles, deep into the woods, intersecting snowmobile trails. Abruptly, the road reaches the river and what appears to be a few seasonal homes. One of the camps is accessed by a footbridge that traverses the water. To the right, you’ll find the end of the road and a public parking area at The Inlet, a grassy area with river access. While The Inlet has an outhouse and camping is permitted, an hour of paddling on the river leads to spots that are far more secluded, wild, and peaceful.

One riverside beach on the Oswegatchie. Photo: Tim Moody

An Adventure on the Oswegatchie

One hot, August afternoon, my partner and I found ourselves at The Inlet, preparing to launch our canoe. The put-in has space to launch multiple boats simultaneously, which worked to our advantage. We happened to arrive as a large group was in the lengthy process of loading their canoes. However, we soon left them behind, and within 5 minutes, it seemed as though we had the river to ourselves.

We paddled upstream along bends and curves and through tall grasses. Small animals made paths to access the river, leaving holes in the meadows. In a few places, the water was low over the rocks. In those spots, I was glad to have a “beater boat” that I didn’t mind getting scratched up.

It turns out that the trip would be nearly impossible to undertake without scratching up a boat, especially this time of year. Motorized boats are not allowed on this section of the river. With the shallow water and frequent beaver obstructions, they would be completely impractical, regulations aside.

Inspiration around every bend. Photo: Tim Moody

Navigating The Curves, Bends, And Beaver Dams

Less than an hour upstream from The Inlet, we came to our first campsite. Under the pine trees that shaded the riverbank, we enjoyed a lunch break while gazing out on the water. The cool river, dark with tannins, was a refreshing spot for an after-lunch swim.

Then, back in the boat, we paddled upstream through many curves and bends as the river gradually narrowed. Though we passed a few other paddlers, the river never felt crowded. As we rounded the next turn, we had the place to ourselves again less than a minute later.

After one bend in the river, we discovered that we had arrived at High Rock. The Oswegatchie quietly flowed just next to a large boulder. The top of the rock boasts a campsite, set back in the woods. While High Rock would be an exceptional spot to spend the night, it was still early in the day, so we continued.

Heading downstream past a boulder. Photo: Tim Moody

Our Adirondacks Paddler’s Map- North listed Griffin Rapids as our next landmark. Aside from being listed on the map–an easy Class I section that didn’t require any hard paddling–the rapids were hardly noteworthy. The main difficulty of the day wasn’t even on the map.

Alternatively, the central problem of the day occurred before reaching our campsite at Buck Brook Lean-To. Here, I had to exit the canoe in thigh-high water and pull it over a beaver dam that we weren’t able to paddle up.

Thus, a good pair of water shoes and the ability to comfortably enter and exit the canoe in shallow water are a must for anyone undertaking this trip. The sheer number of beaver dams, especially further up the river, requires paddlers to get in and out of their boats often.

Read More: First-Timer’s Guide To Canoeing

One of many beaver dams that tested our paddling skills (and patience). Photo: Tim Moody

Camping At Buck Brook Lean-To

Buck Brook is one of several lean-tos along this section of water. From a bank along the outer edge of a river bend, the shaded lean-to looks out on the water.  While the campsites along the Oswegatchie are numerous, they are spread out enough (except for those at High Falls) that each one feels completely private.

Mosquitoes descended upon us as we pulled out our boat. So we opted to pitch a tent rather than get eaten by the swarms around us. The shelter had an expansive view of Buck Brook and the marshland that surrounds it.

But, bears inhabit this section of the Oswegatchie River, at least according to our guidebook. So, as usual, we stored our food in a well-hung bear bag. Enjoying a fire in the pit by the lean-to, we had the site to ourselves. It was dark, and our eyes were focused on the glow of the fire when we heard a significant splashing noise in the water. We heard it once again and then no more.

Read More: Canoe Camping: Plan, Pack, Paddle

The view from Buck Brook Lean-To affords beauty with a sense of privacy. Photo: Tim Moody

The Journey To High Falls

The next morning, we ate breakfast with the early light glistening off of the water before getting underway. Paddling was more complicated than the previous afternoon. The river narrowed, less water flowed, and there were more frequent beaver dams. Some of the dams we were able to paddle up, while we had to haul the boat over others.

One of the campsites had some large river rocks and fast-moving water that required some spur of the moment route planning. Further upriver where the Five Ponds Trail crosses the water, we portaged around some rapids that we couldn’t muster the strength to paddle up.

Then, at another section slightly further upriver, we tracked the canoe up a very shallow part with swift water. The miles passed slower with all the obstacles, and we considered turning back several times, but ultimately opted to continue.

By early afternoon we had finally made it to High Falls, our final destination. While the river continues above the falls, a simple portage away, such a trip was outside the scope of our one-night trek. Contrary to its name, High Falls isn’t a particularly tall waterfall. However, it is an attractive feature and exciting to watch. Multiple flows diverge, and coverage at the multi-tiered falls. 

Approaching High Falls. Photo: Tim Moody

After contemplating the waterfall for a few minutes, we were glad not to have turned back earlier in the day. The mist and breeze off of High Falls kept the bugs away, making it the best lunch spot on the river.

While visiting the waterfall is a worthwhile trip, camping near the falls may not be beneficial for those looking for solitude. With five campsites and a lean-to, High Falls is popular and a hub of activity. But, the advantage of staying near the falls, is these campsites have easy access to numerous hiking trails that explore the nearby ponds and mountain.

If you want to venture a short way downstream, though, there is a quiet, private campsite that would be my choice if I were to camp in the area.

After our lunch at High Falls, we prepared to head back to The Inlet. While we had another 13 miles to paddle on the return trip, the second half would be downstream. Being able to paddle over most of the beaver dams rather than having to haul the canoe over them saved a lot of time and hassle. I was also able to find lines down the two sections of rapids that we hadn’t been able to paddle up. But, the faster pace meant that sometimes I had to tell my partner to stop paddling so that I could steer us around the sharp bends.

During the last hour and a half on the river, we paddled hard to try to get off the water before a distant thunderstorm came too close. By the time we arrived back at the car, we were tired and sore. Although our trip was more rushed than I would have liked, I was still left with a sense of awe from the serenity and wildness of the place. Anytime I feel that sense fading, I know where I can go to find it again.

The beach at Buck Brook Lean-To is a refuge. Photo: Tim Moody

If You Go

Maps & Guides: The Adirondack Paddler’s Map North shows portages and campsites in the area. Pair it with the Adirondack Paddler’s Guide for more detailed descriptions.

Put-In: For this experience, we put in at the Inlet, near Wanakena. Find inspiration through 65 other flatwater adventures featured in Adirondack Paddling.

Classes & Water Levels: American Whitewater provides regularly updated water levels of various sections of the Oswegatchie River, along with the whitewater class of each section.

Camping: The Five Ponds Wilderness Area presents endless backcountry camping opportunities.  Or, you can set up camp at the Buck Brook Lean-To and near High Falls. There are numerous primitive campsites along the Oswegatchie River to choose on your journey.

Would you paddle the Oswegatchie River? What are some of your favorite areas? Share with us in the comments below!

Article updated June 2, 2020

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The words “canoeing” and “wild life” seem to be in contradiction, since canoeing connotes a relaxing and peaceful paddle on a remote lake or flowing river; while the wild life indicates someone who is wild, impulsive, excitable, and a party-person. However, canoeing and watching for “wildlife” while on a water trail are most compatible.

Canoes are packed…somewhere in there is a camera for capturing photos of wildlife.

I learned how to canoe during my time in the Boy Scouts and have not stopped since. My first encounter with wildlife in a canoe takes me back to around age 10 or 11. One day, out on the water with a friend at our Upper Michigan scout camp, I remember how intrigued I was when we came upon a good-sized turtle working its way through the water. I always enjoyed turtles, so we followed this one as far as we could before it submerged. I remember the thrill of exploring the waters in a canoe and discovering wildlife in its natural environment.

Waterfowl Sighting in Minnesota

Pelicans along the shore of Wisconsin’s Big Eau Pleine River and Flowage.

One highlight of observing wildlife in my adult life took place during a solo paddle on Shagawa Lake while vacationing near Ely, Minnesota. It was a peaceful evening as the sun was setting on the horizon. I paddled out about 100 yards from shore where a common loon was floating in silence. My strokes were deliberately slow and quiet as I drifted closer toward the loon. I eventually got within two paddle lengths of this magnificent waterfowl. Its eyes were red and beady, its black beak long and pointed, and its throat held a white stripe. The top of its white-speckled back floated just above the waterline. She was also much larger than I expected a loon to be.

At this juncture, the loon was moving slowly out into the open bay and I was alongside it moving at the same speed. She looked at me occasionally but kept moving without concern. We must have traveled a couple of hundred yards together. Realizing it was getting dark, I stopped paddling and the loon continued on. I returned back to shore. I then realized I should have kept a much greater distance from the big bird. However, circumstances allowed me this rare opportunity for a close encounter.

Additional Wildlife Encounters On The Water

In the Big Island Lake Wilderness, a chain of lakes in the Hiawatha National Forest of Upper Michigan, a friend and I were paddling on Twilight Lake toward our designated campsite. Out of nowhere, a swift-moving creature swam under our canoe, and then another came just as quickly from another direction. It took several seconds before we realized we were being investigated by a pair of otters. They were quite curious but eventually swam away only to entertain us on occasion by popping their heads above water.

A moose emerging from the river.

Another wildlife encounter took place in the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario while paddling back to our portage on Pickerel Lake near Atikokan. A long, narrow river connected two lakes on our route, which is where we spotted a huge moose. It was feeding in the marshes and refused to move for us. Its ears were pressed back against its humungous head, letting us know he was not pleased to see us. We kept our distance and patiently waited before paddling on. We sat for quite some time, when finally the moose raised its head, looked at us and walked out of the river and into the forest.

On another occasion, while paddling with a group on the Manitowish River of Northern Wisconsin, a couple of eagles decided to follow us downstream. It was quite amusing watching them sashay back and forth, landing in a tree ahead of us, and then following us again as we paddled through the Northwoods.

Wildlife encounters abound when canoeing or kayaking on lakes and rivers. While backpacking, I also see other wildlife, such as bear, fox, wolf, squirrels, raccoons, snakes, birds and other woodland creatures.

Observe, But Don’t Disturb

According to the Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report, there were an estimated 384.6 million total outings for wildlife viewing, with an average of 25.2 outings per wildlife viewer. That’s a lot of observers!

A committed wildlife observer will watch from a distance and not make a disturbance. In the Sylvania Wilderness Area of Upper Michigan, for example, visitors are not permitted on any small island from the time the ice melts until after July 15 so that loons may nest peacefully. It is illegal to disturb a nesting loon site, so the policy is to stay clear of the nests and off the islands during this season.

In the Wisconsin Wildlife Viewing Guide, written by Mary K. Judd, she identifies the following viewing ethics and responsibilities:

• Don’t disturb the animals
• Never chase or harass animals
• Don’t feed the wildlife
• Don’t pick up orphaned or sick animals
• Leave the site undisturbed
• Honor the rights of private landowners

Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Nature Viewing Tips add to the list: don’t trespass on private property (ask before entering), leave pets at home, be courteous to other wildlife viewers and don’t approach certain animals.

Best Time and Viewing For Wildlife

For best viewing, I recommend using binoculars to spot wildlife. I have two pairs that bring my eyes closer to any creature in the forest or on water. To lighten my load, I also have a monocular that does well for spotting animals, too.

The best time to catch wildlife in motion is in the early morning or early evening because animals are the most mobile at those times for feeding and watering. It’s important to be patient–sit and wait for the best sightings. It’s also helpful to learn about tracks, scat and markings so you can try tracking certain animals you wish to observe. There are some good field guides for making positive matches.

For The Record

A bald eagle observes paddlers below

Birders are notorious record keepers, using their camera and a record book or journal for keeping track of their sightings….especially when going for “A Big Year” (annual competitive bird search). Do likewise and take your camera along on your canoe or kayak trips. Invest some money in a quality point-and-shoot camera with a zoom lens, and purchase a waterproof case to protect the unit. There is no sense in spending a lot of money on a good camera, only to have it get wet.

Also, keep a record or a journal of your sightings with the date, time, location and the creature that you saw. Other notes such as weather conditions, circumstances, and stories about the viewing are always good to record too.

Do Some Research

The animals I have observed while canoeing have been indigenous to the Midwest. Those who paddle in other parts of the country may see other kinds of animals, birds, and reptiles. Do your homework before heading out and learn about the wildlife that roams the area in which you plan to travel. Know what to look for and where to look for them.

Purchase some field guides, such as the National Audubon Society Field Guides, Peterson Field Guides, and National Wildlife Federation Field Guides. Or, pick up a compact reference such as Pocket Naturalist Guide Series, since they are light and easy to carry in your pocket. Such literature can be valuable tools in identifying wildlife and learning about them as you observe them.

My wife and I live on the Big Eau Pleine Flowage in central Wisconsin. I have paddled on the Big Eau Pleine many times. Wildlife abounds on our 6,000-plus acre water trail, with eagles, osprey, blue herons, cormorants, and pelicans. Last summer I found roughly 50 pelicans residing in a backwater bay where there is very little boat traffic. They were magnificent on land and beautiful in flight, with black on the end of their sophisticated flowing wings.

Educator Maria Montessori once wrote, “We cannot create observers by saying ‘observe,’ but by giving them the power and the means for this observation and these means are procured through education of the senses.” When canoeing or kayaking on lakes and rivers, learn to observe wildlife with your senses and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

A beautiful paddle in Algonquin Park

One of the best ways to get your kids outside this summer is to get them into a canoe. This family activity may seem daunting at first with little ones but over the years I have found some great tips and tricks to prepare the whole family. Let me be the first to admit that I am not a hardcore canoeist. I love to get out and paddle but have found it hard to get away the last few years for more than just a day trip. In saying that my kids are at an age where they want to join and there is no danger of them jumping overboard again (it happened my first year I took them canoeing on my own). These are some of the practices that worked best for me in prepping my kids for canoeing; after many frustrated hours of thinking I could just pop them in the canoe and head out.

Practice practice practice. This saved us a whole lot of whining, crying and frustrations over the years. We put our canoe out on the grass at home and spent a great deal of time practicing getting in and out, how to sit, how to paddle and what is appropriate and not appropriate behavior. This also gave us the opportunity to try on the lifejackets and get used to wearing them. The kids thought it was hilarious that we were canoeing on the grass. I felt much safer and it gave us an opportunity to plan how much space we have and how heavy the canoe was going to be when loaded with food, drinks, fishing gear, etc.

Pit stops where the kids can explore!

Getting them involved in planning the trip was a huge part of our preparation. Whether we were going for the day or multiple days, the kids loved to be a part of it. We printed off maps at home and got the kids to find out what each symbol means from campsites to rapids to defining what the color of the lines mean. We also made a packing list and explained why some food was a good choice and other food wasn’t. Explaining to them how to pack was easy when we used relevant examples. My son wanted to bring his camera and put in directly into his backpack. By explaining that if his backpack went overboard everything would get wet; we managed to convince him to put it into a Ziploc bag. Those soon became the favorite of things to use to keep things dry.

Having the right equipment for kids is essential. Maybe the worn out sleeping bag that you have used for the past 20 years is fine for you but I guarantee your child will be cold in it. They need to stay warm, feel safe and most of all be dry. Setting up a successful paddle starts with a few key gear items for kids. A whistle is a great tool to keep attached to your children at all time, allowing them to call for help if they need it. Each child should have their own headlight or flashlight along with a small daypack that they are responsible for carrying. As they get older, more stuff can go into the packs but for the young ones a few snacks, sunscreen and a favorite toy will be more than enough to carry. Rain gear, extra socks, emergency kits, plenty of water and snacks are essential.

Fishing is always a hit on long trips!

Sitting on a hard cold canoe seat isn’t going to go over very well with kids, especially if you are planning on a long paddle. By the way, make sure you are prepared to cut back on that paddling; kids simply can’t last all day in a canoe. You will want to have a seat cushion and perhaps something to lean against for the kids. If you feel your kids are old enough to paddle and this will depend entirely on their attitudes and personalities; make sure you are purchasing an appropriate paddle size. A good tip is to tie the paddle off with a piece of cord so you are not stopping every 10 minutes to retrieve a dropped paddle. Make sure if you are letting little ones paddle you aren’t expecting too much from them. Count on doing the paddling yourself while the kids skim the water for lily pads, keep a lookout for wildlife and sit back and enjoy the ride.

Prepare for the unexpected. Rain storms happen, boots leak, canoes tip and water levels fluctuate. Kids have to use the washroom far more than adults. They also want to stop more often than adults. Bugs are worse is some areas than others. You may have neighbors that party all night. All of these situations must be accounted for before you leave the house. It means you pack more things; such as extra bug spray and earplugs and books that keep the kids occupied for an hour while canoeing a boring stretch. It means you carry more, you paddle harder and you stop often. It means that you will avoid the crying, the frustrations and the whining. It ensures you and your kids will have an amazing vacation, make unforgettable memories and trust me; you’ll thank me that you prepped properly.

The first year I didn’t properly prepare and improvised!

We put our canoe in at Mallard’s Rest in Livingston, Montana, and paddle out into the middle of the Yellowstone River. Cottonwoods lining the bank are just budding out and perfuming the air. The mountains are shrouded in a rare mist—more silhouette than three-dimensional behemoths.

We slip paddles into the river and listen to the drip, drip, drip as they shed water when we bring them forward for another stroke. I can’t help but comment to my husband about how lucky we are to have the Paradise Valley as our backyard, and how fortunate we are to sneak out of work for a midweek, spring paddle.

The Yellowstone River runs through the town of Livingston, Montana. Photo: Melynda Harrison

The Yellowstone River is not only the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states, but it also carves through some of America’s most inspiring scenery.

It starts in the mountains in the Thorofare region of the country’s first national park. Then, it fills and drains Yellowstone Lake, the largest alpine lake in the country, before dropping over Upper and Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Finally, the river winds through Black Canyon, past Gardiner, Montana, and into the Paradise Valley.

The Yellowstone flows a whopping 692 miles (1114 km) from its headwaters to the Montana-North Dakota border to where it dumps into the Missouri River. You can view the epic journey of the Yellowstone River and some of its inhabitants in the film, “Where The Yellowstone Goes.”

Pelicans are hanging out in the Yellowstone, watching boaters float by. Photo: Melynda Harrison

On top of the epic scenery, its free-flowing nature makes the Yellowstone one of the most significant trout streams in the world, and it’s partly the fish that drew us here today. Brown, rainbow, and native cutthroat trout tease us as we cast flies with anticipation.

Fish rise but don’t bite today, so we stow our rods and concentrate on canoeing. When we aren’t looking for fish, we notice a pair of bald eagles perched in a cottonwood. Heron, egrets, killdeer, swans, pelicans, mergansers, mallards, and Canada geese are all common on the Yellowstone.

It’s not all budding trees and pretty birds, of course. Cows come down to the river to drink and erode the bank. Noxious weeds, such as thistle and mullein, crowd out natives in places. Still, the good outweighs the bad.

The Paradise Valley is more than just its river, though. To the west lies the Gallatin Range, to the east the Absarokas, to the north the Crazies. Bison-rump foothills front shaggy snowcapped peaks, and herds of mule deer, elk, and pronghorn form silhouettes against the fertile rolling farmland.

Pronghorn take advantage of fields planted for cows.

The relative solitude and remoteness of the valley draw artists—painters, actors, filmmakers, writers, sculptors, and photographers. Religious groups, people who want to get off the grid, and nature lovers flock here, too. Even as more and more houses crowd the valley, seekers move in for that last taste of the Wild West.

Fortunately, we can’t see anyone from the river. We pull the canoe over to an island for lunch and spot deer tracks in the sand. Other than the hum of the two-lane highway about a mile away, all is quiet. Motorized boats aren’t allowed on the Yellowstone River, but many places in Montana would be too shallow for them anyway.

We look across at the wide-open spaces that provided a backdrop for “The Horse Whisperer” and “A River Runs Through It” while we eat. Not far from here, DePuy Spring Creek enters the river. The three-mile trout fishery, and other spring creeks, provides excellent fishing year-round, due to a consistent temperature.

Kids play in the river year-round. Photo: Melynda Harrison

Wanting to soak in the little bit of sunshine, we lie on a log and gaze at the cloudless sky. Winter is harsh here. At the south end of the valley, in Yellowstone National Park, cold air gathers and sinks in the Yellowstone caldera. That cold air eventually fills all the space there is and then pours over the sides like water, following the Yellowstone River into the Paradise Valley, where it explodes and roils sweeping the valley clean.

Semis blow over on the highway, and kindergartners are kept inside at recess, lest they are blown over and scraped up. We don’t mind the winter wind because it helps define who we are—tough, persevering, and a little crazy—but we appreciate the almost imperceptible breeze today.

Back in the canoe, we float past soft mud and cobble cliffs filled with holes where some swallows nest. A small buck dances across the river, alarmed by our presence. I can’t help from reminding my husband, yet again, how incredibly lucky we are to live here.

Have you been out on the Yellowstone River in Montana or other parts of its course? What’s your favorite part? What other rivers would you write a love letter? Share with us in the comments below.

Read Next:
Montana Mine, Queen of the Golden West
Glacier National Park: Photos of Rivers of West Glacier, Montana
An Interview With Filmmaker Hunter Meeks: The Mind Behind “Where The Yellowstone Goes”
Wildlife Encounters On The Water

Article first published on May 11, 2015, and updated to include additional formatting and links on April 29, 2020

For most river sports enthusiasts, the arrival of ice on the river marks the end of the paddling season. However, in Quebec City, the fun is just beginning. Accompanied by hundreds of other spectators, I watched an ice canoeing event for the first time. The practice originally started as a means of moving people and goods across the river and has evolved into an extreme sport.

Racers pull their canoe onto the ice. Photo credit: Quebec Winter Carnival

The Race Is On!

The first sign of the canoe racers’ approach was a loud grinding sound that nearly drowned out the crowd that was gathered along a bank of the St. Lawrence River. Tourists and locals stood in the 5° F weather to watch the yearly spectacle. The announcer reminded the crowd over the speaker system that ice canoeing has been a part of Quebec’s Winter Carnival since its conception. The grinding grew louder as the racers passed in front of me. Initially, I had thought that the sound of the approaching boats was made by paddles hitting blocks of ice. However, once the racers came into view, I realized that their paddles were still stowed in the boats and that the boats themselves were grinding against the ice. The racers were pushing their boats along the top of an ice shelf with their feet, crampons digging into the ice. Typically, the racers would keep one leg in the boat, with their outside leg providing propulsion, timed so that each kick coincided with that of their team mates. The long canoes lurched over chunks of ice. Sometimes, the bow of the boat would rise into the air as the team scaled the ice blocks and the racers in the front of the boat would have to jump in until the bow reached the ice again.

Canoe racers take some air. Photo credit: Quebec Winter Carnival

Canoer reaches for a marker. Photo credit: Quebec Winter Carnival

Pushing the boat across the ice was only one part of the challenge. Soon, the first team reached the section where it would have to start across the river, ferrying the current and avoiding the chunks of ice that were carried by the rapidly moving water. The paddles in ice canoeing are long, appearing more like oars than standard canoe paddles. The canoers rowed together across the river, occasionally pulling the boat up onto the ice sheets as they collided, kicking across, and then splashing back into the water. They became silhouettes as their distance from the spectators increased. Shortly, some teams appeared as only a few black dots, barely visible behind chunks of ice along the far shore.

The elite women’s race started as the men crossed the river. Again, there were the loud sounds of the boats racing across the ice. The crowd had thinned, the cold temperature and bitter wind driving many spectators to shelter indoors. Even so, the river bank was still lined with on-lookers bundled in jackets, snow pants, scarves and hats.

The first group of racers sped back across the river, making good time as they travelled with the wind and the current. Most managed to find channels of water between the ice shelves, passing by three tug boats that had positioned themselves in the river for the race. The final set of racers in the sport group left the starting point before the first group of elite men returned the starting area. The men still had another circuit to left in the race and by the time they passed by spectators again, the course seemed truly chaotic. In total, there were 52 boats in the water. Some racers arrived at the finish with others just leaving and the three groups became difficult to differentiate. Canoes seemed to be stuck on the ice left and right, while others tried to paddle their boats around in a narrow channel of water. One racer slipped and fell on the ice. On another portion of the river, canoers tried to position themselves for the best routes with boats side by side.

Dozens of teams make their way across the ice and water. Photo credit: Quebec Winter Carnival

As they began to cross the river, some for the second time, the crowd grew sparser. A friend and I ducked inside a nearby café to take shelter from the cold and to watch the rest of the event from behind plate glass windows. An hour and a half after the elite men started there were still several boats in the water, the racers obviously tired and moving slowly, worn down by the water, ice, and wind. The banks of the river were empty except for a few children playing as their parents walked along the side. I felt exhausted just from watching the racers. While indoors, I still felt cold and could only imagine the endurance of the athletes who had braved chunks of ice, the swift current, unforgiving weather, and cold water to compete. I was left with a sense of awe.

If the intensity of ice canoeing sounds like a good challenge, you can give it a try. Quebec Ice Canoeing gives participants an introduction to the sport and takes them on a 1 hour excursion. For anyone who is content to just watch the spectacle, the ice canoeing competition is held annually at Quebec City’s Winter Carnival and is free and open to the public. For 2020, the competition will be held on Sunday, Feb 9th.

The event takes place in a historic city. Photo credit: Quebec Winter Carnival

The featured image for this post was courtesy of the Quebec Winter Carnival.

Most always, the ingredients for a great recipe are balanced to let the flavor of each individual part come through every bite. Louisiana’s Calcasieu River resembles a great recipe. Natural beauty, food and fun, as well as superb fishing make the southwestern part of Louisiana a smorgasbord of activities. Like an authentic Cajun gumbo, the Calcasieu offers visitors, including canoeists and kayakers, a great time. The river, with cypress-lined shores and deep flowing waters, is a hidden jewel. Both freshwater and saltwater access makes the area an ideal place for avid outdoorspeople to enjoy.

Calcasieu Basin, River and Lake

Occupying more than 4,000 square miles, the Calcasieu River Basin extends through Central and Southwestern Louisiana. Headwaters are found in hills west of the city of Alexandria. Flow is in a southerly direction for some 215 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, into which it empties at a point 30 miles east of the Louisiana-Texas state line.

The river flows through the following lakes: Lake Charles, Prien Lake. Moss Lake and Calcasieu Lake. Dominant features include oxbow lakes and natural levees. The city of Lake Charles lies in the eastern portion of the basin. The area has been heavily industrialized and petro-chemical plants are a prominent feature of the landscape.

The Calcasieu Basin is characterized by marshes, which may be fresh, intermediate, brackish, or saline. That Basin supports a variety of marine and wetland habitats, but is dominated by marshlands. Living resources include shrimp, menhaden, nutria, muskrat and waterfowl. Cameron, Louisiana is a major port of call for the offshore oil and gas industry. The area also supports two menhaden processing plants. (The local, slang term for menhaden is “porgie.”)

The Calcasieu River carries freshwater into Calcasieu and Sabine Lakes–two major bodies of water within the Basin. That river varies from a small, fast-flowing stream in the headwaters to a broad, sluggish estuary from around Lake Charles to its entrance into the Gulf.

Calcasieu Lake is located on the coastal plain just east of the Texas-Louisiana border. The lake receives freshwater from the Calcasieu River and connects to the Gulf of Mexico through Calcasieu Pass at Cameron, Louisiana.

The Name

French fur traders around 1750 called the river the “Calcachouk”. They named streams after the Indian tribe or the Indian chief that controlled the river. The name “Calcasieu” comes from the Native American Atakapa language word “Katkosh” for “eagle” and “yok,” meaning “to cry.” Its historical Spanish name was Arroyo Hondo (translated as deep stream).

In the early 19th century, the area of present-day Louisiana and Texas west of the Calcasieu and east of the Neches River was disputed between the United States and Mexico. The dispute arose from differing interpretations of the western boundary of Louisiana under terms of the Louisiana Purchase. This area became known as “Neutral Ground” and became a haven for pirates and privateers.

The matchless Calcasieu, unmindful of its variety of spellings, flows ever onward to the sea. It wears a coat of stillness during the night that is broken at intervals by the croaks of frogs and alligators.

What to See and Do

In Calcasieu country kayakers, canoeists and other paddlers can explore hundreds of miles of waterways. Due to maintenance of a ship canal and supplying of navigation channels, waterways here intertwine in multiple directions, bringing in water from all sides of the basin. These waters greatly benefit surrounding habitat. A large piece of land here is protected by the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge and is considered one of the richest habitats for wildlife in North America.

Natural beauty has always attracted people to the unique setting found at the confluence of the Calcasieu and Houston rivers. Two boat launches are located on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River, providing access to the Gulf of Mexico, which is only a few miles away. Three hiking trails winding through the area make strolling pleasurable. Of particular interest is the old stagecoach road which hikers may travel to explore the banks of various Calcasieu River tributaries.

Sam Houston Jones State Park, located where the Houston and Calcasieu streams meet, offers cycling and canoeing. From I-10 westbound at Lake Calcasieu, take LA 171 north heading toward Deridder, Louisiana. Turn west onto LA 378, then north (right) onto Sam Houston Jones Parkway. The Park is located at 107 Sutherland Road, Lake Charles, LA 70611; tel. 337-855-2665 or, toll-free, 1-888-677-7264.

The Park is located just north of what many birding enthusiasts consider to be the most productive birding region of Louisiana. At certain times of the year, 200 bird species can be seen at or near the site.

One time I went south to the Calcasieu’s West Fork and then east under the Davis Road (Hwy. 378) drawbridge. That’s a good stretch of river to sit and watch motorboats pass through the no-wake zone. Be careful though, as not all boats obey the no-wake ordinance. From I-10, go north at the West Lake exit. Follow LA 378 heading toward Moss Bluff. Turn left onto San Houston Jones Parkway and before long you will come to Paradise Marina and RV Resort. Its telephone no. is 337-855-7591.

Lake Calcasieu is fed by a rich river and an enormous marsh system that surrounds the lake and feeds a teeming population of fish. Those fish include speckled trout (the lake is considered one of the top speckled trout estuaries in the country), redfish and flounder, with a steady supply of shrimp. There are also various species of mussels and of crawfish. The prehistoric paddlefish is found here as well.

Places That Can Help When You Need Help When On the Water

include River Less Paddled, 3823 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605. Also, Lloyd’s Country Store, 318 Phillips Road, Westlake, Louisiana 70669, and Sup Y’all Stand Up Paddle and More, North I-10 Beach, Lake Charles, LA 70501, supyall.info@gmail.com.

Calcasieu Basin, River and Lake are special places that many people have posted on their bucket lists. Here paddlers can learn to appreciate nature on its own terms. When you have the chance, give paddling here a try.

Please credit: www.lindseyjanies.com.

Yorkshire may be well-known for its Dales, its Moors, its stunning scenery and its history, but if you look a little deeper, you’ll discover some great rivers, a vast network of canals and a coastline tailor-made for canoeing. It’s an ideal sport for those with a reasonable fitness level – you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete – and if you want to try it, the county has plenty of choices to help you learn the basics.

River Mountain Experience, based in North Yorkshire, is a home-grown family business with, as the name suggests, loads of experience behind them. They offer various grades of tuition from basic introduction through intermediate to the more advanced. For the novice, their introductory one day course is a relaxed taster and a fun way to grasp the basics with fully qualified instructors. You don’t need any experience and all your safety equipment is provided.

If you have flat water skills already and are keen to up your game to white water, River Mountain Experience’s intermediate course is ideal. This lasts for two days and, based on your capabilities, can lead to a BCU 3 Star Award. Canoes are available for a nominal fee and paddles and helmets can be provided.

Don’t worry if your abilities aren’t quite at that level yet. River Mountain Experience offer a course designed to increase your skill from flat to moving water. The course lasts for one day and focuses on the basics and differences of gentle canoeing in flowing water. You can hire a canoe if needed along with helmets and paddles.

For a great day out with the whole family, why not try a combined picnic and paddle. Yorkshire’s scenic River Ure between Boroughbridge and Ripon is the venue and you can bring your own picnic lunch or – for an additional cost – River Mountain Experience will organise it for you. Their only requirement is that any children should be over seven years of age. Spacious Canadian style canoes are used and hot and cold drinks are also provided.

With a historic and colourful past, its vast areas of unspoiled countryside and industrial towns and cities, Yorkshire serves up a rich and varied landscape. It’s well-known for its heritage of folk music and dance not to mention its cuisine. Add architecture, breweries and sport to the mix and you can understand its popularity for countless tourists. Include its rivers and that scenic coastline and you realise why Yorkshire attracts so many river sports enthusiasts.

For details about River Mountain Experience call 01677-426112 or visit http://www.rivermountainexperience.com.