Canoe Season in Maine: A Tradition Renewed

By Archie Adams

I went to college in Maine and had the privilege of leading outdoor orientation trips for incoming students. These trips took small groups of 10–12 freshmen into the backcountry for multi-night adventures, often in the shadow of Mount Katahdin. It was a powerful introduction to the woods and waters of Maine — and to college life itself. Bonds formed quickly around the campfire and on the trail, making the transition to campus a little smoother.

Of all the trips, I always loved the canoeing ones the most. Paddling meant we could carry more gear — better food, bigger tents, maybe even a camp chair or two — making for comfortable, even luxurious, backcountry travel compared to the backpacking trips.

That love for river canoeing stuck with me. In the years after college, the tradition continued with big flotillas of friends and the welcome addition of coolers full of cold drinks. There’s something about floating downstream with friends that never gets old.

Now, many years removed from those early days, I’m rediscovering the joy of canoe tripping with my own young family. Last year, we bought a used canoe off the side of the road in Arundel and took it out on the Kennebunk River. Timing our trip with the tides, we paddled inland on the incoming flood, passing through Kennebunkport and into the winding curves of the river. We stopped for a relaxed lunch at slack tide, then let the ebbing current carry us back downriver toward the coast. It was quiet, beautiful, and easy — perfect for a family outing with a baby aboard.

This season, we're looking forward to warmer weather and more paddling adventures. Next up: loading up the canoe with baby and dog in tow to explore the nearby Mousam River and the lower stretch of the Saco River in Biddeford. We’ll be fully prepped—with PFDs for everyone, dry bags for the diapers and snacks, and yes, plenty of bug spray—to make those new memories as comfortable (and bite‑free) as possible.

Planning Your Own Paddle? Here’s Our Go-To Canoe Trip Gear List

Whether you're heading out for a tide-timed river paddle or a mellow lake float, here are a few things that make our Maine canoe outings safe, fun, and family-friendly.

🛶 On the Water

PFDs for all – including infants and dogs. We like Stohlquist Nemo Infant and Ruffwear Float Coat.

Dry bags – for snacks, spare clothes, and phones. Mix up sizes (5L–20L).

Double-ended or spare paddle – especially helpful if one person ends up doing most of the steering.

Anchor or drag rope – optional, but handy for lunch breaks or tide changes.

🧺 Comfort & Convenience

Foam pads or canoe seats – for happier hips and backs.

Soft cooler – stash sandwiches and cold drinks without weighing down the bow.

Sun gear – hats, polarized sunglasses, lightweight long sleeves, and sunscreen.

Tide/rivers app – RiverApp or Tide Alert are clutch for timing trips on tidal rivers like the Kennebunk, Mousam, or Saco.

🦟 Bug Protection (a Maine Must!)

Insect repellent – we prefer Picaridin-based sprays for effectiveness without the smell of DEET.

Head nets or bug jackets – worth the funny look during peak black fly season.

UPF clothing – long sleeves and pants help with both sun and bugs.

Citronella candle or mosquito coil – if you’re stopping to eat or camp along the shore.

👶 Paddling with a Baby

Compact carrier – for pre/post paddle transitions and naps.

Blanket or swaddle – doubles as a sun shield.

Waterproof changing mat – easy on/off at launch points.

🐾 Paddling with a Pup

Non-slip mat – keeps paws stable in the canoe.

Collapsible water bowl – quick hydration, no mess.

Tether or leash clip – for safety during launch or stops.