Kayak and Canoe The Crystal River

Experience the beauty of the Crystal River! Our kayak and canoe trips offer a fun adventure the whole family can enjoy.

You’ll be amazed by the clear water and sandy bottom of the Crystal River located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Throughout our 2-3 hour trip, you’ll see Northern Michigan’s true residents: White Tail Deer, Blue Heron, Bald Eagles, otters, turtles, frogs and endless amounts of fish.

Meet at our shop in downtown Glen Arbor. We will then load you and the equipment into our vans and drive you to the head of the river. Along the quick drive, our Kayak Valets will explain the river to you and answer any questions about paddling! At the head of the river, you will then embark on a 2-3 hour excursion for a fun and laidback adventure.

There are two portages which do require you to carry your boat around a small dam and then over a road. Teamwork is helpful!

You will then end up back at our shop where you can then plan the rest of your day in The District- biking, shopping, wine & more!

For the fall of 2025, we are happy to still offer Crystal River trips while improvements to the river’s habitat are taking place!

Something extra special during the fall paddles are the salmon that run the river! They will often splash your boat as they swiftly make their way to Glen Lake to spawn.

Throughout our shorter trip, you’ll still see Northern Michigan’s true residents: White Tail Deer, Blue Heron, Bald Eagles, otters, turtles, frogs and endless amounts of fish.

Meet at our shop in downtown Glen Arbor. We will then load you and the equipment into our vans and drive you to the point in point. Along the quick drive, our Kayak Valets will explain the river to you and answer any questions about paddling! You will then embark on the hour to hour and a half excursion for a fun and laidback adventure.