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.
If a river could speak, what would it say?
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.
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 became dammed, and how that same river is in a state of rewilding today.
Paddle upriver to escape into the wilderness, surrounded by a canopy of trees and the quiet hum of nature, as our expert guide shares stories about the plants, wildlife, and rich history of the Presumpscot.
Experience magic through a mindful guided night paddle on the gentle Presumpscot 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.
Things to consider:
What to bring:
Weather:
Physical Requirements – This is an active experience and participants must be able to:
- Swim
- Paddle a canoe for over an hour
- Walk on uneven terrain
Included:
- All equipment provided. If you have a life jacket and paddle that you prefer, feel free to bring that.
- Tours will be extended by a complimentary ‘Brook Box’ containing bites and delicacies from our Westbrook World Markets, including tastes from markets that hail from Eastern Europe, both Caribbean and French Africa, Middle Eastern and more.
Your trip helps pay for community members to have access to the river! 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.
