Water, water, everywhere!
When a town has ‘lake’ in its name, it better give off an awesome paddling vibe. Saranac Lake doesn’t disappoint.
To help you get on the water when the paddling season unofficially kicks off, several outfitters and organizations in the Saranac Lake region have teamed up to offer a variety of paddling-related activities and events each June. Celebrate Paddling ADK is a month-long festival that was started in 2016 through a partnership between Adirondack Lakes and Trails, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, and Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The goal was to provide a month-long event that featured lectures and historical discussions at local establishments, a river cleanup, and paddling activities on nearby waters. In 2018, the event grew even larger through the efforts of new partners, including Mac's Canoe Livery and Raquette River Outfitters, and now includes Guide ADK, and other local partners. Celebrate Paddling events in the Adirondacks will also be held in Tupper Lake and Long Lake, courtesy of Raquette River Outfitters, and for the first time this year, the events expand into May and June!
Saranac Lake, and much of the Adirondacks, has "right out your backdoor" paddling abundance. You can begin and end your day on the water right from downtown. Lake Flower is the show piece in the middle of town, and connects to the Saranac Chain. It is a daily reminder how connected you are to the water.
For a taste of what Celebrate Paddling ADK typically entails, check out the lineup.
2024 Schedule of Events
This year, Celebrate Paddling is bigger and better than ever! We have extended past the month of June to include paddling events in May and July as well! Please check back regularly as events and activities are subject to change. The Celebrate Paddling ADK website is also updated with the most current events.
- May 10 - Paddlers Mixer at Sunset Bistro
- May 11 - ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race
- May 11 - Freshest Film Fest at the Waterhole Music Lounge
- May 12 - Guided Trip
- May 29 - Paddling the NFCT w/Mike & Mack
- June 1 - Moving Water for Flatwater Paddlers
- June 2 - Locals' Appreciation Day at SRCO
- June 4 - Tuesday Night Kayak Tours
- June 5 - Sunset Paddle Needle Felted Painting
- June 6 - Quilled Earring Class
- June 6 - Children's Book Reading w/Max Eaton, Play ADK & NFCT
- June 7 - Community Paddle w/SRCO & NFCT
- June 7 - Wish Boats
- June 8 - Community Paddle w/RRO & NFCT
- June 9 - Saranac River Cleanup
- June 11 - Guided Paddleboard Watercolor Painting
- June 11 - Tuesday Night Kayak Tours
- June 13 - SOLO Wilderness First Aid
- June 13 - Solar Prints
- June 14 - Glass Etching
- June 14 - 17 - Adirondack Paddling Symposium
- June 18 - Guided Acrylic Boat & Moon Painting
- June 18 - Guided Canoe Watercolor Painting
- June 18 - Tuesday Night Kayak Tours
- June 22 - Tupper Lake 8-Miler
- June 23 - Corugated Cup Cardboard Boat Race POSTPONED
- June 26 - Practical Knot Tying
- June 28 - Nail and String Art
- June 29 - Corugated Cup Cardboard Boat Race CANCELLED: A new date has yet to be set
- July 7 - Willard Hanmer Guideboat and Canoe Races
Hope to see you all out on the water!