SAINT CROIX RIVER

A Canadian Heritage River
On the Eastern Maine - Canadian Border

~ Our “Home River” for 35 Years ~
Weekly Trips: late May - Mid-October

One of Maine’s true gems, the Saint Croix River is a classic Maine canoe trip, rising in an extensive chain of wilderness lakes, and flowing through exceptionally beautiful woodlands and vast natural meadows along the Maine-Canadian border. This trademark guided Maine river trip features an abundance of easy whitewater (class I-II), scenic secluded campsites, an easy pace, and excellent cuisine. Lively but not intimidating; the Saint Croix can be enjoyed by a wide range of canoeists, from beginner to expert. Our veteran Master Maine Guides have been engaged in canoe instruction for over 30 years. This Maine river is ideal for learning open canoe technique - especially solo paddling and poling, our specialty. It is also perfect for family vaations, or for those simply seeking a relaxed and tranquil river sojourn. There are both four day and six day options available.

Once used for driving logs - through the remote forested reaches of easternmost Maine and the Canadian province of New Brunswick, the outstanding natural values of the Saint Croix Waterway, has led to its protected status as a "Canadian Heritage River”. Noted as one of the few principal nesting areas for the American Bald Eagle, it also has a significant moose population, and boasts superb smallmouth bass and salmon fishing.

Scheduled parties are typically small, (under 10 people). Private groups, families, corporate parties - can be accommodated with customized trips and scheduling, (3-7 days), and priced accordingly. Camping is at primitive sites along the river - many of which were established by Brown and the Sunrise guides over the past 30 years; in fact, maps of the region bear the names which we bestowed on these river features.We pride ourselves on our meals. Dinner is accompanied by fresh baked goods, salads, and wine. Special dietary needs can usually be accommodated. Trips meet either at our Eastern Maine Base Camp at Cathance Lake in Downeast Maine, or in historic Bangor, Maine - evening prior to departure.

The Saint Croix is perhaps Maine’s best, if not only, choice for an extended canoe trip, with whitewater, in the middle of the summer season and into the fall.

WEEKLY TRIP OPTIONS:
MAY 17 - OCTOBER 11

4 DAYS - RIVER ONLY: Wednesday to Saturday; (arr. on Tuesday eve.) A relaxed river trip incl. instruction, 4 days wilderness river travel, ending the trip with the traditional “early morning/predawn” paddle.
Runnable May-October, the river is at its finest in the autumn when its
lush and varied forestation gives rise to spectacular fall foliage.

$895 for 1; $1750 for 2
Family & Group Rates
(Children 1/2 - 2/3)

6 DAY - RIVER AND LAKES: Monday -Saturday; Our classic combination, whereby the four day river itinerary above is preceded by two days lake travel and dramatic island camping on the headwaters lakes - East Grand and Spednick.

$1275 - for 1; $2350 - for 2
Family & Group Rates
(Children 1/2 - 2/3)

Base Camp Accom. (incl. Breakfast): $25 - 50 p.p.

SELECT FALL FOLIAGE DATES 2008 6 & 4 Day Trips: Monday or Wednesday - Saturday  Sept 15 or 17 - Sept 20  Sept 22 or 24 - Sept 27 Sept 29 or Oct 1- Oct 4 Oct 6 or 8 - 11
View St. Croix River Itinerary & Logistics (PDF)

 

MACHIAS RIVER - Eastern Maine

The Machias offers what is probably Maine's, if not the entire northeast's finest combination of technical whitewater with an extended and diverse wilderness canoe trip. Dropping and winding through the remote interior of eastern Maine - the Machias watershed is characterized by glacial formations, white pine stands, and Arctic-like blueberry barrens.

The Machias' (Anglicization of the Indian word “bad run of water”) has a variety of (Class II-III+) - ideal for spring whitewater clinics. The singularly beautiful Machias Lakes provide superb isolated beach campsites, and the river and it's many tributaries are known for excellent trout and salmon fishing. Itineraries of varying length and difficulty can be arranged utilizing the numerous streams and lakes of the watershed.

	Whitewater Weekends - 2008 (4 Days: Thursday - Sunday ) from May 1- 4 thru June 12 - 15 $895 for 1; $1750 for 2 Entire River (from headwater lakes) - 2008 (6 days) May 20 - 25 • June 2 - 7 $1350 for 1; $2450 for 2 Custom Scheduling Upon Request Machias trips meet at our Cathance Lake Base or Bangor Machias River Video  (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Riverdrivers Bateaux Circa 1920

Often considered the "granddaddy" of all Maine canoe trips, a Saint John River is the classic spring river trip in Maine's great northwoods. Rising in a series of remote ponds, the Saint John starts as a narrow stream, flows deep through dense coniferous forests of northwestern Maine, eventually evolving into a river of majestic proportions. The river is quite suitable for novices; the whitewater increases gradually in difficulty from the riffles of the upper stretches to the heavier water of the renowned Big Rapids - it's also the perfect river for learning the art of canoe poling. (Class I-II+)

2008
(8 days)
May 17 - 24
$1550 for 1; $2850 for 2
Custom Scheduling Upon Request
Saint John trips meet evening prior in Bangor

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Other Maine Waterways

Can be utilizeded for private and custom parties, including those focused on fishing, ornithology, natural interpretation, hunting, etc.. Possibilities include the Penobscot watershed and the Grand lakes Chain, and numerous other smaller streams and rivers throughout eastern and northern Maine.

Canada - American Southwest - International 2008