Plan a 3-day canoe trip

[bertXL]

Hi,

A friend and I are planning a trip to the USA and will pass through Adirondack Park between September 8th and 13th. We are very interested in a 3 day guided canoeing trip including overnight camping I've found a lot of information on the internet and also in this forum but it is difficult for us to judge what's best. Prices I found vary between $600 and $1400... What would be an acceptable price for a guided three-day canoe trip for two persons (including guide, camping materials, canoe, paddles, etc.)?

Also, can you do some suggestions which canoe trips would be suitable for us? We're interested in sightseeing, photography, watching nature and wildlife and we're in a good physical condition, but we have no experience with canoeing at all. Which trip would be best?

Regards
Bert
My pictures
Belgium

[Wldrns]

Also, can you do some suggestions which canoe trips would be suitable for us? We're interested in sightseeing, photography, watching nature and wildlife and we're in a good physical condition, but we have no experience with canoeing at all. Which trip would be best?My pictures
Belgium

I don't know who you have contacted, but there are a few choices. The St Regis Canoe Outfitter has a wide variety of guided trips for you to choose from. Ask to speak to owner Dave Cilley (pronounced "silly") and he will fit you with the best trip and a guide to suit your needs. Look under the Guided Vacations & Excursions link for overnight trip suggestions and prices.

A second good choice would be Brian (Mac) and Grace McDonnell at Mac's Canoe Livery.

A different choice is to use the New York State Outdoor Guides' Association, NYSOGA. This is a large list of experienced state licensed outdoor guides with many different specialties, such as canoe trips. You can find the type of guide you want from the drop down listing on the main web page.

Keep coming back here for more information, ask at will, or send a PM if you would like more specific information as the time for your visit approaches. And... welcome to the USA and the Adirondacks!

[Rookie]

bertXL-
What an interesting post.
You came to the right place to get GOOD answers.
Hope you enjoy your trip here and don't forget to post your trip report when it's all said and done or else I'll have to paddle my canoe over to Belgium and nag you !

[chairrock]

With a little homework you could set up a trip without a guide and save a few dolllars. Equipment could be rented from the above mentioned outfiters,food is available at supermarkets, and a map will show you many great lakes/rivers to explore.Cranberry Lake,Lows Lake,Long Lake/Raquette River, there are too many for me to name...The ones I mentioned don't require reservations and have plenty of camp sites. There are also State Campgrounds on many lakes where you can car camp and paddle from there.

[stripperguy]

Bert,
I looked at your photos on Picasa and have a good idea of the things you might like.
I would recommend the Saint Regis canoe outfitters to rent a canoe, paddles and PFD's. If you have your own backpack, tent, sleeping bags you should bring that with you. The St. Regis outfitter is near a canoe wilderness area, and it is a very easy trip from there to the water. I would also recommend paddling in the St. Regis canoe wilderness area, not only for the natural beauty and wildlife, but also beacause the lakes and ponds are smaller. This would be better for you since you do not have much experience in a canoe.
You may see black bears, bald eagles, ospreys, loons and much more. If you have never heard the call of a loon echoing across a wilderness lake at night, you may be surprised and startled, but you will never forget the sound!
That time of year is the beginning of fall, and the trees may have some brilliant colors too. And that time of year may be the best of all because there are very few insects to bother you.
Good luck and stay in touch.

[Graybeard]

bertXL;
Since you are new to both the Adirondacks and to canoeing, I would suggest that you have a guide at least for the first day or two. St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, as Wldrns suggested, has two locations, one in Saranac Lake and one, sort of an outpost, on Floodwood Road in the heart of a popular area. Dave might be willing to set you up for a day or two with a guide followed by a day or two on your own, starting and finishing at the Floodwood outpost. It certainly won't hurt to ask.
b