When is the Best Time of Year for a Canoe Trip?

Canoe Trips are a Great Way to Spend Quality Time Outdoors

Oct 7, 2009

If you love the outdoors and everything that canoe trips bring, then the time of year is insignificant. But, if you had to pick the best time to go, then the fall is it!

The reason it is the best time is due to the spectacular fall colors that you can see in places that there may not be anyone else around. It is both a very peaceful and exhilarating experience at the same time.

No Bugs in the Fall!

Another reason why a canoe trip in the fall is a perfect time is that you will not have to contend with any annoying biting insects. Black flies are at their worst in the late spring and early summer. Mosquitoes are usually at their worst at the same time. However, if you have a wet summer then the mosquitoes can be bad throughout the summer months as well.

In some rivers you may find the water levels a little low in the fall. This may make for some added portaging!

The spring is also a good time for a canoe trip but you have to watch the water levels. Spring runoff can create some very dangerous water conditions so make sure you check with the local park officials before your trip. Early spring canoe trips also avoid the bugs.

There Are Some Drawbacks to Autumn Canoe Trips

Of course a major drawback of fall or spring canoe trips for some people is the weather. The nights can get quite cold and damp. Rain is also more common in the spring and fall. A wet cold trip is no fun at all. This is why it is important to take the proper clothing and a warm sleeping bag.

There are numerous sleeping bags available but for cool weather canoe trips, it is best to have a sleeping bag that is rated for cold weather. It would be crazy to take a canoe camping trip without rain gear as well.

Sometimes during the fall the wind can really howl and this can make for an arduous paddle against the wind. If it is cold and raining then you may wish you had stayed home! For the seasoned canoeist, taking a chance on the weather during the fall is worth the beauty and tranquility that is experienced.

Fewer people take canoe trips at this time of the year, so on many occasions you may find yourself in complete solitude with just your canoe partners. For photographers, it is a fantastic time to get some stunning shots of the fall colors.

If you are an avid canoeist then anytime of the year is a great time for a canoe trip, but fall canoe trips are simply the best.

The copyright of the article When is the Best Time of Year for a Canoe Trip? in Canoeing is owned by Tom Houser. Permission to republish When is the Best Time of Year for a Canoe Trip? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.