Dusk to Dark: A Paddle on the Presumpscot
Channel your inner explorer and experience the ‘river of many falls’ the oldest way–by paddling and listening.
The Presumpscot River holds countless stories of reciprocity, resilience and revitalization. Indigenous people of the Dawnland have revered the ‘river of many falls and rough places’ for thousands of years. Most notably, they described this river as not a possession of theirs, but a relation to whom they belonged.
As the story of the Presumpscot continuously evolves, take these paddling opportunities to pause for a moment and listen to what the river says to you. Experience magic through a mindful guided night paddle on the gentle river. We will create an opportunity to drop into a deeper awareness through our senses to better experience the wonder in the natural world and our place in it all while navigating by canoe on this beautiful waterway right in Westbrook. In addition, the river’s natural and cultural history will be explored.
Our journey begins just a few blocks from downtown Westbrook, where the Presumpscot River invites you to slow down. You will hear the story of how a cherished river was dammed, and how that same river is undergoing rewilding today.
The Presumpscot River is a story of rebirth and revitalization. Hundreds of years ago, this ‘river of many falls’ was revered by local indigenous groups. ‘We belong to the river, not the river to us,’ Chief Polin once stated. Take this opportunity to pause for a moment, listen to what the river has to say, and you might just find yourself belonging to the Presumpscot as well.
Book your 2026 Paddle the Presumpscot Experience!
This year, we have four dates on the calendar in July and August to host Paddle the Presumpscot in partnership with Friends of the Presumpscot River. We can’t wait for you to join us! Select a date and purchase your ticket today!
- JULY 11 (SAT) 7:30 to 10:00 PM
- JULY 25 (Sat) 7:30 to 10:00 PM
- AUG 14 (FRI) 7:30 to 10:00 PM
- AUG 28 (FRI) 7:30 to 10:00 PM
All trips are 2.5 hours with 1.5 on the river. Trips start and end at 58 Lincoln St, Westbrook, ME. Rain date is the following day.
Fee includes all equipment and a light snack. All levels from beginner to advanced paddlers welcome ages 12+.
Don’t forget to check out the trip details, requirements, and what to bring, all listed below. See you at the river!
Trip Overview:
- Maximum capacity 12, minimum capacity 4
- No paddling experience necessary. Basic canoeing and safety instructions will be given
- Welcome to everyone 12 and up
- All guides are registered Master Maine Guides with proper emergency training
- The experience is 2.5 hours in total length, with 1.5 hours spent on the river
- Paddle the Presumpscot is a substance and alcohol-free experience
Physical Requirements:
This is an active experience – paddlers must be able to swim and tread water, be able to paddle a canoe for 1 hour or more, and feel comfortable walking on uneven or unsteady terrain.
What to Bring:
Guides will have dry bags in case you need to stash items to keep dry, however it is recommended that you do not bring valuables. This experience is rain or shine but in case of extreme weather (thunder, lightning, wind), the tour will take place the following day.
Trips have a minimum capacity and will be cancelled if the minimum is not met. In the event this happens, participants will be notified of cancellation by noon the day prior.
Any schedule changes due to weather will be communicated by 12:00 PM the day prior via email.
Your trip helps pay for community members to have access to the river! Proceeds will directly help broaden educational and recreational river access to under-resourced community members. Discover Downtown Westbrook partners with Friends of the Presumpscot River and Portland Paddle for Paddle and Grills every summer. The community is invited to enjoy free paddling and BBQ. Learn more about this program below.
