Canoe Trips on the Allagash River in Maine
Traveling by canoe is the most natural way to see the North Maine Woods and its wildlife.
Traveling by canoe is the most natural way to see the North Maine Woods and its wildlife.
| Date(s) | Price(s) |
|---|---|
| May 31-June 5, 2022 | $1,425 per person |
| August 2-7, 2022 | $1,425 per person |
| September 6-11, 2022 (full) | $1,425 per person |
| September 27-October 2, 2022 | $1,425 per person |
Maine’s most famous canoe trip, the Allagash, is, in many ways, the most representative of it’s canoe country. It is rich in wildlife, such as moose, otter, bald eagles and osprey, and historic artifacts from the river logging era. The rapids are beginner’s level, and there is only one portage, around the spectacular 50-foot Allagash Falls.
All our Maine canoe trips are fully outfitted and guided by Mahoosuc Guide Service’s owners Polly or Kevin. We provide all the food, camping, paddling, and cooking equipment, as well as a detailed clothing list to help you in packing for your trip. Most of our trips meet in Orono, Maine (just north of Bangor). We provide transportation to and from the river. Many of our canoe trips require no special physical conditioning. If you have any concerns about the physical requirements of a trip, please contact us.
We are experienced teachers and will help you master the art of canoeing by teaching paddle strokes and poling techniques. You will learn how to set up a warm dry camp, and if you want, how to cook and bake over an open fire. All our food is natural or organic, and we source much of our food locally. Natural history, wildlife viewing, and fishing will be covered as your interests warrant.
You are in safe hands with Mahoosuc Guide Service. With more than 40 years guiding experience from Maine and Quebec to the Yukon and Alaska, we have an excellent safety record. We are certified in Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responders. We carry a satellite phone for emergency communication!
Where we camp on the river varies greatly, depending on water levels, weather, and other travelers on the river.
Meet at the Black Bear Inn in Orono, Maine, at 7:30 a.m. after breakfast.
Introductions.
Issue necessary gear (sleeping bags, foam pads, life vests, dry bags).
Drive to put in at Umsaskis Lake.
Introduction to canoes, paddles, loading canoes, and strokes.
Paddle to first campsite at Long Lake.
Lesson in paddle strokes and river travel.
Travel to Round Pond.
Brief history of Native Americans, loggers to Wilderness Waterway.
Travel to Five Finger Rapids area.
Check in at Michaud Farm.
Travel to Allagash Falls Campsite.
Leisurely morning to enjoy Allagash Falls.
Travel to Twin Brooks area.
Travel to take-out at Allagash Village.
Drive to Black Bear Inn in Orono. Arrive around 5 p.m.
Say good-byes.
Deposits are non-refundable. From 0-14 days before trip starts, no money is refundable. Within 14-30 days before the trip starts, money is non-refundable, but you may apply the amount to another trip for one year (on a space available basis) minus your deposit. If you cancel within 14 days of the starting date, money is non-transferable and non-refundable. We go in all conditions including rain and thaws. If extreme weather conditions prevent you from traveling to Maine for your trip, you may use the full amount less the deposit for another trip for one year from the trip starting date. You may wish to purchase vacation insurance to cover this possibility. If you have to cancel due to Covid related issues we will not be able to give a refund, but will lock in the price of the trip and give a 2 year credit to be used toward any of our trips.
We only cancel a trip for safety reasons (i.e. flooding, bad ice, extreme windchill or lack of conditions – not enough snow or ice.) If we need to cancel, we try to reschedule people to another trip. If we need to cancel for safety or lack of conditions you may choose to use the full amount toward another Mahoosuc trip for 2 years, or receive a 50% refund and apply the other half to a Mahoosuc trip for 2 years.
We are asking all of our guests to provide a copy of their vaccine card OR for children not yet eligible to get a negative PCR Covid test within 72 hours of the trip (it may take longer than this to get results so plan accordingly). We are also recommending that people have had a booster shot(s).
Mushing can be physically demanding. We cannot predict trail conditions as they change daily, sometimes hourly. You should be in good physical condition for an overnight dog sledding trip. The dogs are strong; however, there are limits to their pulling ability. Therefore, we ask individuals who weigh over 215 lbs. to contact us prior to sending in their reservation form.
Tips are appropriate for your guides. If you feel you would like to recognize how hard they worked to provide a safe and reliable trip for you. A common amount is 5% – %10 of your trip cost. At Mahoosuc we split tips evenly among whoever is working on the trip unless people want certain amounts to go directly to certain guides. In this case they should give it to them individually.
Thank you again for leading a wonderful adventure on the Allagash. Your experience and gift as a guide are extraordinary. I look forward to going on another wilderness adventure with you!
