At Smoking Rivers, our story is written on the water. For years, we have been guiding adventurers away from the noise of modern technology and into the heart of the wilderness. What began with a deep reverence for the pristine waters of Maine’s North Woods has grown into a premier expedition company, offering multi-day, all-inclusive canoe trips that span from the American Southwest to the Arctic Circle.

Rooted in the Maine Wilderness

Our foundation is built upon the legacy and expertise of Registered Maine Guides. Maine boasts an intricate network of rivers and streams, and our deep understanding of these historic waterways—from the whitewater of the Penobscot to the remote stretches of the Allagash and Saint John—set the standard for every trip we lead. We believe that experiencing the outdoors shouldn’t require compromising on safety or comfort. That’s why, from day one, we committed to an all-inclusive model: providing top-tier camping and paddling equipment, and replacing freeze-dried trail rations with thoughtfully prepared, gourmet riverside meals.

Expanding Our Horizons

As our clients’ thirst for adventure grew, so did our map. While the rivers of Maine will always be our home water, Smoking Rivers naturally evolved to guide expeditions across the continent. Today, our itineraries include the breathtaking canyons of the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers in the American Southwest, the pristine, crystal-clear waters of the Bonaventure and Cascapedia in Canada, and true frontier expeditions traversing Baffin Island above the Arctic Circle.

A Tradition of Teaching and Connection

At the core of Smoking Rivers is our team of dedicated guides, including Jason Cross, Dan Flaminni, Randy Cross, Will Jeffries, and Chris Pederson. Our history isn’t just about where we go; it’s about how we travel. We built our reputation on making the wilderness accessible to everyone. Whether leading a family on their first-ever canoe trip or coaching seasoned paddlers through our annual whitewater and poling clinics, our goal has always been to foster skill-building and environmental immersion.

Our greatest legacy is found in the words of our clients. From navigating patches of exciting whitewater to accommodating specific dietary needs riverside, we pride ourselves on the meticulous details that turn a simple vacation into an unforgettable expedition.

Whether you are seeking a custom corporate retreat, a family birthday adventure, or a solo journey to unplug, Smoking Rivers continues its tradition of taking care of the logistics so you can simply show up, paddle, and forge lifelong memories.