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Almost every ancient culture developed some form of canoe, from the ponderous dugout to the elegant birch bark. In North America, however, our formative canoeing lore comes primarily from the Native Americans. From the days of the legendary Hiawatha, the Native Americans of numerous lake-filled regions, such as the Adirondacks, considered canoe-building and canoeing to be survival essentials. If they had to go somewhere, a large lake or two might well be in the way–so if necessary, they paused for awhile to build a good canoe. The early settlers and woodsmen learned these skills second-hand, right along with the making of tobacco, maple syrup, popcorn and potatoes.

In this day and age, what are the continued attractions of the canoe? It can be relatively inexpensive to buy or easy to build. It is light, so it can be carried over rough terrain. It is quiet. It is romantic. The canoe probably is not the most efficient paddle-powered craft for speed or distance, and certainly it is not the safest nor easiest to master. Nonetheless in the last few decades, this seems only to have given canoeing an added allure, especially as a competitive sport.

If you like to canoe or to kayak, you can find it here in the Adirondacks–almost any place, and any time that surface water is warm enough to risk a dunking. We have several thousand lakes and several thousand more miles of stream and river, so just put on a blindfold and place a pin on the map! Or if you wish to be a bit more exact, here is our list of the most significant events.

• The Hudson River Whitewater Derby. Several whitewater races, in early May near North Creek, NY.
• The Rushton Canoe Races. Several races from 3 to 14 miles. In early May on the Grasse River near Canton, NY.
• The Hudson River Whitewater Derby. Several whitewater races, in early May near North Creek, NY.
• The Adirondack Paddlefest. America's largest on-water exposition of canoes, kayaks and paddle-sport accessories. Mid May at Inlet, NY.
• The Feeder Canal Canoe and Kayak Race. Early June in Queensbury, NY.
• The Adirondack Experience Paddle Festival & Triathlon. Educational clinics and competitive events in cooperation with the American Canoe Association. End of July on the Black River at Port Leyden, NY.
• The Beaver River Rendezvous. Several kayak events, taking advantage of a whitewater release on the Beaver River near Croghan, NY. Late August through late September.
• The Saranac Lake Canoe Classic. A 3-day, 90-mile canoe race with almost two thousand spectators and participants from across the nation. Held in early September by the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce of Saranac Lake, NY.

For more details and registration links, see the "Events" directory at the website of the Adirondack Regionial Tourism Council at www.adk.com. See also our own Boating in the Adirondacks page for more general events that may well include canoes and kayaks.

Adirondacks Photos