 A Canadian Heritage River
One of Maine’s true gems, the classically beautiful Saint Croix rises in an extensive chain of wilderness lakes, and flows through exceptionally beautiful woodlands and vast natural meadows along the Canadian border. The river features an abundance of easy to moderate whitewater (I-II), scenic secluded campsites, an easy pace, and excellent cuisine. It’s ideal for novices wishing to perfect technique - especially solo or poling, or for those simply seeking a relaxed and tranquil river sojourn.
The 4-Day itinerary permits a relaxed river trip; the 6-Day version allows for paddling the headwater lakes and dramatic island camping (schedule following page.) Runnable May - October, the river is at its finest in the autumn when its lush and varied forestation gives rise to spectacular fall foliage. Our Home River for over 30 years, parties are typically small, (under 10 people). Private groups, families, corporate parties, scout groups - all can be accommodated with customized trips and scheduling, (3-7 days), and priced accordingly. Trips meet either at our lakeside Eastern Maine Base, or in historic Bangor, Maine - evening prior to departure.
As regards level of difficulty, the St. Croix could be considered almost continuous Class I - II+. Lively but not intimidating; it can be enjoyed by a wide range of canoeists, from beginner to expert. It is ideal for teaching technique - especially solo paddling and poling, our specialty. The river is runnable throughout the entire season, May - October. Camping is at primitive sites along the river - on both the Canadian and U.S. sides. Aside from fire rings (and occasional pit toilet & picnic table), there are no developed facilities.
As the primary outfitter most closely associated with the Saint Croix for three decades, we consider the Croix to be our “trademark” classic Maine canoe trip. Sunrise’s historic commitment to the river and our guiding longevity is reflected in the fact that we have served in an advisory capacity to the International Joint Commission on the Saint Croix River. The Saint Croix is perhaps Maine’s best, if not only, choice for an extended canoe trip, with whitewater, in the middle of the summer season and into the fall. Trip Options:
Private Group, Family, & Corporate trips: Can be accommodated with flexible scheduling starting and ending on any day of the week; 3-7 days in duration. Extras available include: airport shuttles, welcome dinner at base, special cuisine, custom beverage selections, and more. Inquire for pricing and scheduling options.
4 days:
Wednesday-Saturday $895/$1750 for two ($375 deposit required) SELECT
FALL FOLIAGE DATES Click here to download Itinerary & Logistics (pdf) Click here to download article in Paddler magazine MACHIAS
RIVER - Eastern Maine
Whitewater
Weekends Entire
River (6 days): $1350 May 23 - 28 • June 5 - 10 SAINT
JOHN RIVER - Northern Maine
May 27
- June 2 For
reservations and other information contact us at:
800-RIVER-30 (207-942-9300) • Fax: 207-942-9399 Home | About Us | Catalog Request | Bookstore | Rates & Dates
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SUNRISE INTERNATIONAL Martin Brown & Assocs. River Guides & Expedition Services ~ Since 1973 |
Once
used for driving logs - through the remote forested reaches of easternmost
maine and the canadian province of New Brunswick, the Saint Croix
now has protected status as a Canadian Heritage River. Noted as
one of the few principal nesting areas for the American Bald Eagle,
it also has a significant moose population, and boasts superb smallmouth
bass and salmon fishing. 
The
outstanding natural values of the Saint Croix waterway, over 100
miles in length, has been recognized by Maine with a designation
of “Gem Status.” The headwater lakes, East Grand and
Spednick, permit several days of wilderness travel. The river itself
is comprised of numerous, small rapids and fastwater, winding its
way along the wild Maine/Canadian border. 
4
day - River Only: Wednesday to Saturday; arriving either at or our
Eastern Maine Base on Cathance Lake, or in Bangor, ME on Tuesday
evening. Initial instruction on Cathance Lake Wednesday morning,
arriving at the put-in mid-day for our venerable “river-talk.”
Three nights are spent on river; spending approx. 6-7 hours per
day on the water. The final few miles of flat water we paddle Saturday
morning providing the perfect opportunity for our traditional “early
morning/predawn” paddle; a beautiful and dramatic way to end
the trip, (occasionally we opt for a moonlight paddle on Friday
night in lieu of the early morning routine.) Participants can expect
to be back at base camp by early-mid afternoon Saturday. (Earlier
& later pick-ups can also be arranged, especially for private
parties.)
6
day - River and Lakes: Monday -Saturday; Our classic combination,
whereby the four day portion above is preceded by two days lake
travel and island camping on the spectacular headwater lakes. Six
day participants meet on Sunday evening, and join up with the river
portion mid-day on Wednesday. The balance of the trip is the same
as the 4-Day.
The
Machias (Anglicization of the Indian word “bad run of water”
offers what is probably Maine's, if not the entire northeast's finest
combination of technical whitewater with an extended and diverse
wilderness canoe trip. Dropping and winding through the remote
interior of eastern Maine - characterized by glacial formations,
white pine stands, and Arctic-like blueberry barrens - the Machias'
technically demanding rapids are ideal for rigorous spring whitewater
clinics. The singularly beautiful Machias Lakes provide superb isolated
beach campsites, and the river and it's many tributaries are known
for excellent trout and salmon fishing. Itineraries of varying length
and difficulty can be arranged utilizing the numerous streams and
lakes of the watershed. 
Often
considered the "granddaddy" of all Maine canoe trips, a Saint John
River excursion is the classic way to greet spring in Maine's great
northwoods. Rising in a series of remote ponds, the Saint John starts
as a narrow stream, flows deep through dense coniferous forests
of northwestern Maine, eventually evolving into a river of majestic
proportions. The river is quite suitable for novices; the whitewater
increases gradually in difficulty from the riffles of the upper
stretches to the heavier water of the renowned Big Rapids - it's
also the perfect river for learning the art of canoe poling. 
