Paddle the D: Explore the Historic Canals and Beyond with Detroit River Sports
Tucked along the city’s east side, Detroit River Sports gives locals and visitors the chance to explore Detroit from an entirely different perspective this October (and beyond) - from the beautiful Detroit River and historic Jefferson Chalmers Canals! Check out end-of-season offerings and more within our latest #ExpeditionPartner feature!
"And if we're lucky, the most spectacular sunset in Detroit is waiting just ahead."
Our small armada of roughly ten kayaks is gliding effortless through the tranquil, narrow, and densely-wooded banks of Fox Creek in Detroit's Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. For this first leg of our guided kayaking adventure, I felt more in Amsterdam than Detroit as we navigated through the city's historic "Canals District."
The sounds and smells of backyard barbecues and the celebrated Coriander Kitchen and Farm were just fading as our group paddled under the Riverside Boulevard bridge, where our guide Nancy paused the tour for a retelling of the Fox Indian Massacre of 1712 - the namesake event of Fox Creek - that occurred in our immediate confines. This would be the first of several historic stories of massacres, hauntings, and curses along the season's inaugural "Dark Side of the Canals" tour, an October-only paddling excursion featuring spooky-season inspired stops.
With our minds still captivated by the unfathomable acts that occurred along that very creek bed, we navigated carefully towards the "great beyond" of the Detroit River that waited directly ahead of us. Anglers were still casting their evening lines from Mariner Park, so we followed our guide Eli in a wide berth to avoid them.
In a flash of brilliance - right as the gentle current of the Detroit River turned us west - our jaws collectively dropped as the prophetic opening line of this article came true. The grandeur of a "Detroit River sunset," silhouetting the tree line of Belle Isle's rugged eastern shoreline and the towers of Downtown Detroit alike. A glistening panorama ahead of us bathed in golden light, contrasted only by a fire-red sun and deep blue of the river.
Here at Expedition Detroit, we crave those special outdoor experiences that make us unabashedly proud to call this corner of the Great Lakes "home." Without a shadow of a doubt, I can affirm that that awe-inspiring sunset on the Detroit River - and the rest of the incredible "Dark Side" tour that the Detroit River Sports Team provided - surpassed that very high bar.
If you're looking to breakaway from the season's typical cider mill and haunted house attractions, we strongly encourage you to book a "Dark Side of the Canals" tour or another offering with Detroit River Sports before their season closes out this month.
Better yet, you should also start looking ahead towards Detroit River Sports' 2027 offerings.
Regardless of whether you're planning an end-of-season adventure or spring getaway, this #ExpeditionPartner feature article provides everything you should know before booking an incredible tour with Detroit River Sports.
MEET DETROIT RIVER SPORTS
Detroit River Sports represents for more than a just a guided tour operator. Its renown Fisherman’s Marina location serves as an all-paddlesports destination, including a comprehensive retail space + online store for making gear available beyond the waterfront.
Since 2013, Detroit River Sports has represented a staple in the Detroit region's growing outdoor industry. Founded by Alex Howbert, Andy Dold, and Brian Ellison, the DRS story began with offering small watercraft rentals on Belle Isle before growing to its current operational capacity. The company's foundational mission? "Make the Detroit River accessible to everybody."
Fast forward a transformational 13 years and Detroit River Sports has undoubtedly capitalized upon - and far exceeded - its initial mantra. Since acquiring and moving into its flagship location, the company offers the largest variety of guided paddling opportunities found within the City of Detroit. DRS also now carries kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, paddles, personal flotation devices, apparel, accessories, and other paddling essentials, including both new and used equipment. Detroit River Sports even offers repair services, along with shipping or delivery on select merchandise.
PADDLE THE D: DETROIT RIVER SPORTS' GUIDED TOUR OFFERINGS
Think paddling season ends on Labor Day? Might want to reconsider that hot take, especially with Detroit River Sports' "spooky season" themed tours like the "Dark Side of the Canals" Tour. In fact, DRS' season continues through the end of October before kicking off again in May, so there's still plenty of time to get in the water this year before setting your sights on next spring.
Here's a quick breakdown of Detroit River Sport's Guided Tour Offerings:
TOUR EVENT | TOUR INFO | SCHEDULE | Price |
Historic Canal | The most popular tour! Join a paddle through Detroit's historic canals. From the Fisher Mansion to Harbor Island — explore some city sights. | Tours begin at 11AM, 12PM, and 2PM on weekends and last 2 hours. | $56 per person. |
Sunset Canal | This evening paddle through Detroit’s lower east side offers beautiful sunset views of Downtown Detroit. | Tour lasts 2 - 2.5 hours. | Come back in 2027 for more information! |
Peche Isle | Visit one of the Detroit River's greatest natural gems with us as you paddle across international waters to the Canadian-owned Peche Isle. Passport not required. | Tour lasts 2.5 hours. | Come back in 2027 for more information! |
Belle Isle | You haven’t really been to Detroit unless you’ve visited beloved Belle Isle Park. Bring a snack and stop for a swim! | Available June, July, August, and early September. Tour lasts 2 hours. | $61 per person on weekdays, $68 per person on weekends. |
Full Moon | This quiet paddle through the Jefferson Chalmer’s neighborhood leads you out to the Detroit River to view the beauty of the full moon reflected on the water. | Last "Full Moon Paddle" on October 24th! Available monthly, on or near the full moon. Tour begins at 6PM and lasts 2 hours. | $66 per person. |
Dark Side of the Canals | Embrace "Spooky Season" on the water! Tour leaves out around dusk, returns after dark, and features darker stories and folklore. | Only available in October! Classic tour begins at 6PM. Select daytime tours begin at 12PM and 2PM. Tour lasts 2 hours. | $63 per person |
SUP Paddle | Join a relaxed "stand-up paddle board" - or "SUP" - tour through the canals of Jefferson Chalmers and the Detroit River. | Tour lasts 2 hours. | $61 per person on weekdays, $68 per person on weekends. |
Private Tours | Available for groups of 4 or more! Private tours follow "Historic Canal" and "Sunset Canal" routes. | Tour lasts 2 hours. | $61 per person on weekdays, $68 per person on weekends. |
START THE ADVENTURE: WHERE TO FIND DETROIT RIVER SPORTS
Detroit River Sports is located at Fisherman's Marina at 14601 Riverside Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan.
From Jefferson Avenue, take Alter Road south toward the Detroit River. Follow the curve to your right where Alter turns into Riverside Blvd. Follow Riverside past the boat launch and you will see Fisherman's Marina on the righthand side (it’s bright blue, you can’t miss it).
There is parking on both sides of the street, in Detroit River Sports' lot, and in Riverfront-Lakewood East Park (Angel Park). DRS strongly suggests carpooling whenever possible due to the location's popularity.
EXPEDITION+ SUBSCRIBERS SAVE 15% ON ALL DETROIT RIVER SPORTS TOURS!
Expedition Detroit is proud to partner with and promote partners in Detroit's outdoor industry like Detroit River Sports as part of our new "EXPEDITION+" platform. EXPEDITION+ creates a singular platform for accessing and promoting the entirety of the best of the Detroit region's outdoor tour providers, local outfitters, and impact-driven organizations.
If you're interested in learning more information about the benefits of EXPEDITION+ as a subscriber or partner, please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com.
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