The Upper Peninsula is well known for many attractions and cities, but there is a lot more to the Upper Peninsula than that. There are activities to do all the time. Two very popular activities that often take place in the Upper Peninsula are canoeing and kayaking. There are many lakes, rivers, and streams that people go on to do these activities. Also with all the lakes, rivers, and streams in the Upper Peninsula there are many difficulty levels for these sports. Some are better of the beginners to start there adventure and some are even difficult for the experienced to travel on. If you would like to try canoeing or kayaking but don’t have either one, there are plenty of places that will rent these items to you. Before you just jump into a canoe or kayak on whatever river, lake or stream, be sure you know what you are getting into and that you will be able to handle it. You don’t want to be surprised.

A great place to go canoeing for three to four hours is on the AuTrain River. You are able to rent a canoe at AuTrain River Canoes for this trip. If you would like the 15’ canoe it would be $20 and if you would like the 17’ canoe the cost would be $25. The rental place will follow you to Doucette’s Bridge, which is also known as the North Bridge to drop off your car. They will then take you to Cameron’s Crossing, also known as the South Bridge to drop you and the canoe off. You will be able to take you time on the paddle back to your vehicle at the North Bridge. You can be able to enjoy the scenery, a swim if you would like and even a picnic if you get hungry. On the paddle back you will be able to see the wildlife coming to the river to drink and birds flying over head. You may even have a chance to see an eagle or a loon while they soar over head.  Make sure you have your camera to capture all the wonderful sites.

Visit the Au Sable River located in Iosco County. Along the Au Sable River there are many canoe liveries that exist, which offer canoe trips from a couple of hours long to as long as a week.  This river is a great river for a nice relaxing ride.  To see wildlife or a bald eagle soaring in the air the best time to take your trip would be on a summer morning. Taking a trip to the Comins Flats takes about two and a half hours. The river runs through the cities of Grayling and Mia and enters Lake Huron at Oscoda. The Au Sable River is well known for the Annually 120 mile Canoe Marathon.  The marathon begins at 9:00 pm and runs through the night and into the next day. Winning times vary from 14 hours to 21 hours long. This river is a great river for beginner kayakers to go.

If you are looking for a challenging canoeing trip, canoe the Huron River, also known as Big Huron River. The east and west part of this river arise in eastern Baraga County and Southeast of Mount Arvon, which is near the boundary of Marquette county. The reason the river is considered to be “difficult” is because there is a lack of supporting facilities for the trip.

Suited for the wildlife enthusiast, make sure you go canoeing at the Sylvania Wilderness Area. The Sylvania Wilderness Area is located within the Ottawa National Forest.  As you take your trip you will be paddling through old-growth forests of pine and hemlock. You will also hear the low sorrow wails of wolves and loons, even possible black bears as the rummage for their food.

A trip that contains a little of everything can take place on the Sturgeon River Canoe Trail. The trail is 41 miles in length and has six access points.  It is located on the National Forest Lands, 35 miles east of Rapid River and 44 miles west of Manistique. The best time to canoe or kayak on the trail is when the water is high, which is between April 30^th and the end of June, or after Mid-September. The river is relatively a slow moving river but does have some challenges which would be good for an experienced canoeist to take on. There are usually fallen trees and brush that block the river and require portaging. There are also two areas of rapids and rock riffles to add excitement to the trip.  In early spring, the inexperienced canoeist should be on the water. The water in spring can be deep, and will be cold. Either way, if you are canoeing in the early spring, be sure to have water proof bag with extra clothes, food, and whatever else you will need if something would happen and go wrong. Make sure you have a life jacket.

If you are looking for more than one trail to travel in a day but don’t feel like driving all over the place, go to Whitefish River Canoe Trail. There is the East Branch, which is approximately 8 miles longer than the West Branch. The branches flow past the bridge on US 2 and onto the public boat launch site at Rapid River. You can see deer, waterfowl, and birds insight; including the bald eagle. In the beginning of spring the river can be deep, swift and of course, cold. At this time, canoeing can be dangerous and only the experienced canoeist should be on the river. The time for all canoeists to travel on the river is April 30^th to the end of June. April is when the river is the best, high and wild and June is when the water level is low. When the water level gets too low, you may be traveling through some shallow, rocky areas. There are many places to access the river to get started on your adventure. One access point is at Trout Lake, another is on Forest Rd, and the third is at the boat launch at Rapid River. The travel time between the launch at Trout Lake to Forest Rd is approximately 11 miles; float time is eight hours. You will see brush that may be in your way, and leaning cedars. The remote sections can be dangerous in high water conditions. Also there are no intermediate access points. In general the river is wide and paved with limestone bedrock with a few boulders. When you hit the bridge at Forest Rd you will encounter rapids.   Also there are plenty of spots for overnight camping to extend you paddle the next day. Travel time from Forest Rd to Rapid River is about 18 miles; float time is 8 hours. Best time to travel this path is in summer and in fall. There are several areas that are shallow and may require towing. The last couple of miles (3-4) you will need to do a lot of paddling because the current slows down a lot. If it is windy and the winds are coming from the south, add an hour to your trip because you will be paddling against the wind the last three miles.  For the West Branch there are three access points as well. The first one is on County Rd 444, the second one is at Forest Rd and the third is at the public boat launch at Rapid River. From County Rd 444 to Forest Rd the length is three miles; with a float time of an hour to an hour and a half. There will be plenty of white water between April 1^st and May 15^th, but the river will be exciting until June 1^st. The first mile of your travel is going to be deep and slow moving. After that point there is a succession of rapids with constant scraping, wading, and dragging after June 1^st; although the river is floatable for much of the time. From going from Forest Rd to Rapid River the length is 18 miles, with a float time of 8 hours. The part of the trails meets the East Branch approximately three and half miles south of Forest Rd.

A great place to consider taking the whole family is the Manistique River. This is a gentle, lolling river that flows through Seney National Wildlife Refuge. The Manistique River is located in the city of Germfask Michigan. This river is 67 miles long and you are able to enjoy the wildlife and a wide variety of birds and waterfowl. You may even have a chance to see a moose or wolves in the area. For a paddle down this river it can take four hours to six days long. The river empties into Lake Michigan in the city of Manistique.