Crystal River Kayak & Canoe Trips

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ESTIMATED TRIP TIME | 2-3 HOURS | Distance 4.5 miles

Experience the beauty of the Crystal River with a kayak or canoe trip from Crystal River Outfitters – Glen Arbor’s Original Kayak Outfitter!  You’ll enjoy a full trip including transportation to the head of the river on Fisher Rd.  Enjoy splashing through its gentle currents and exploring its winding trail. Along the trek, you will encounter two mandatory portages and one optional portage which our staff will review before your departure.

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.

Your trip will end in downtown Glen Arbor where you can enjoy a bite to eat, shop or enjoy wine tastings at the M22 Wine Patio.

Everyone’s favorite part of the trip is Shooting the Tube!  A culvert large enough for you and your kayak provides a fun and exciting part you won’t want to miss.

Our kayak and canoe trips on the Crystal River offer a fun adventure the whole family can enjoy.

ESTIMATED TRIP TIME | 2-3 HOURS | Distance 4.5 miles


Video courtesy of Double-Barrelled Travel

Equipment Delivery

Our equipment delivery program makes it easy for you to enjoy recreating on your schedule.  We will deliver kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) with life jackets to your location for full day and weekly rentals.   Call ahead or reserve online equipment delivery today!

Group Trips & Adventures

Are you looking for a fun activity for your group?  We provide trips for wedding parties, family reunions, school and church groups and corporate retreats.  Click here for more information on setting up a group trip.

Bike Tours of Historic Glen Haven & Port Oneida + a Water & Wheels Tour

Make a day with Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear & Crystal River Outfitters!

Add a guided Bike Tour of historic Glen Haven or Port Oneida to your bike rental. Five different tours offered throughout the summer by Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear. For those needing rental bikes, once you have reserved your spot on the tour, you can reserve a bike with us based on the ride/date you chose. Please find those bike rentals in our Book Now section. Additionally, you can add a kayak trip at 1:30 immediately following your Bike Tour with Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear.

The Crystal River and Heritage Trail are within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A Park Entrance Pass, either weekly or annual pass, is required. Passes are available for purchase onsite at all shops operated by the Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District.

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