COS and Friends of the Chicago River are excited to once again team up to offer a unique way to experience the magic of migration! Join expert canoe guides for a trip down the Chicago River in search of migrant warblers, waterfowl, swallows, and much more. Enjoy birds on the river in a whole new way as wildlife often only seen from afar, can be encountered up close in the low canopies and shorelines of the wild Chicago River. Whether you've never held a paddle before or your live on the water, we’re sure you’ll have a blast.
Leaders: Katherine Spencer and Vinod Babu
Registration is required in advance. We cannot accommodate walk ups. Registration fee is $40 per person.
For more information and to register, visit the Friends of the Chicago River website.
Canoe Info:
Boats, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Guides will be present for entirety of program to help you safely load in and out of the boats, offer paddling instruction, and answer questions. Our recommended age for paddlers is 10 years and older. Younger river lovers are welcome to sit in the center of the canoes and enjoy the experience with their families.
Accessibility:
Total trip distance is approximately 4 miles or 3hrs long, will take place entirely via canoe. The current here is very slow and motorized boat traffic in the area is negligible.
Bathrooms are not available. Please plan and time your visit accordingly.
Weather/Attire/Other:
Hats are HIGHLY recommended as well as quick dry clothing. Based on the forecast, you may want to bring sunscreen and a light jacket. The trip will proceed rain or shine! Please bring bottled water. Loaner binoculars will be available.
Location and Transportation:
Meet at the brightly painted shipping container on the west side of the river at River Park. Free street parking is available on nearby neighborhood streets. Public transit to site is available via bus routes number 92 and 93.
Google Maps pin: https://goo.gl/maps/zmKGakbk52tFHNip7
Public Health:
Please bring a face mask with you. You may be asked to wear it as needed by the trip leader or your fellow paddler.