the downriver canoe company

The staff was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We had a perfect day for canoeing and really enjoyed the experience. My only complaint is that I think the canoe rental fee ($49) for an hour trip for 2 people is a bit steep.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff and great outdoors experience. We were 2 adults and 2 children (aged 10 and 12 years). We combined a canoe trip with a guided hike through the Shenandoah River State park. We had a wonderful time and plan to return!

I have been paddling with Downriver for almost 15 years and keep going back. The staff go out of their way to make sure everyone has a great time. Regardless of group size, I have been on the river with 65+ paddlers, Downriver makes the trips almost effortless. If you like camping, their overnight trips with camping at Compton creek are really pleasant and relaxing. If the water is low plan to cut the trips a little shorter as you will spend more time scraping along the rocks. The river is beautiful, quiet and quite easy to paddle. Downriver trips are very beginner friendly!

Very friendly staff at this outfitter making frequent drop offs upstream for whatever duration you desire. We had just a bit of time before our zip lining later in the day and so could only do the shortest of their trips. Still, I'm always surprised how fast time goes when on the river!Only downside was that apparently a bus got there a little bit before we did and everybody wanted to pay separately, which made for a huge line. Probably had to wait 30-40 minutes just get to the front of the line and close to an hour total before we got into the water. Not strictly their fault but it just seemed they could have streamlined the process a little better.Regardless, good fun will be had during your float.

I chose this outfitter for convenient location and because their brochure was very clear.I followed their directions from Luray and found the location without difficulty. I was kayaking and had a choice of a 3.5 mile (1 hour if you paddle all the way, more if you play around or let the river take you without much paddling) or 7.5 mile trip (around 3 hours of paddling). My time was limited so I took the shorter trip and stretched it out with lots of playing on the river, which was slow enough to easily paddle upstream. But longer would have also been fun if I could have afforded the time. My kayak was in excellent condition and clean, as was my paddle. They had vests in all sizes (I am a small adult) and they, too were in good shape. The put-in was upriver and the end point was by the home base, which had clean bathrooms for changing afterwards. Construction on the bridge wasn't really a problem, although it made the scene at the take-out less than perfectly picturesque. But everywhere else, it was gorgeous, with clear water, beautiful egrets and ospreys, and green hills. I was very happy with Downriver.

Alway polite, fun & friendly. Equipment is in good shape. Great location - very pretty. I've been going to this place once or twice a sumer for years now. Just love it.Yes, bridge construction is a pain, and detracts from the beauty, but it is almost done!Only, very small complaint: the staff this year seems to sit out side and smoke much more then previous years. It is hard to enjoy hanging out a few minutes before or after a float, enjoy the view, getting organized, having a snack, etc., in a fog of cigarette smoke.

Due to construction of a new bridge, you had to go in the river close to the home base. This would have been ok, except that we were supposed to look for # 31, but we never saw it and ended going about a mile further than we should have. So by the end, everyone was annoyed. Although I will say, the staff was very attentive, because they came looking for us when we didn't show up where we were supposed to when we were supposed to....

I have been taking short vacations with Downriver Canoe Company off and on for the last 12 years and it is ALWAYS a great experience. The people who run DCC are friendly, knowledgeable, and super helpful. We do the two day canoe trip and the guys at DCC always communicate with us about river levels, expected weather, and what to expect on the river.If you are up for it, do the two day trip. The calm river, the clear skies, green trees, and amazing wildlife (we saw 2 bald eagles, and SO many blue heron's on our most recent trip) always puts me at peace on the river. For the two day trip, we pick one of DCC designated camping areas, set up camp, and enjoy a beautiful night under the stars. The next morning a van comes to pick us up and take us up the river, and we spend the day canoeing, swimming, fishing, and eating on the river. The first day ends with getting to our campsite, and enjoying another night under the stars with a crackling fire. The next morning we pack up our canoes and spend the day very much the same way we spent the first, this time with our destination being DCC. Once there, we are taken back to our campsite to pack up and head home. I'm always sad to go, but it's so close, that I know I'll be back again soon.Sometimes we have have large groups of 10 to 15 people, sometimes were a smaller group of five, but we always enjoy ourselves and DCC is equipped to handle either scenario. So pack your sunscreen, water shoes, tent, food, and get ready for a great time. I just got home, and I'm already thinking about our next trip!

This place was really cool. You can either rent a raft, canoe, or kayak and then you choose your river trip for the day. We went on trip 3 in a small raft. The rafts are slower then the canoe and kayak. And if we had the choice to do it again, we would have chosen the kayaks probably. Once you choose your raft and trip, a bus takes you down to the spot your trip has you entering in the river and you go! It was myself, my husband, and our daughter (10) who went on the trip. It was a 7 mile trip down the Shenandoah river. It took us probably 4-5 hours or so. There are spots along the river you could "pull over" if you wanted to have a picnic or take a break. Currently, when you reach the end of your trip, there is an inlet which guides the rafts to the exit area on one side of a bridge. A new bridge is being built because the old bridge is very low and causes water to be "sucked" under it. It is REALLY important that you listen to the guides and go directly to the bouy's which lead you the the exit out of the river. Stay alert and focused as you come to the end. There was a canoe with two girls in it (maybe early 20's). They did not listen or pay attention and they missed the guide to the exit. The water sped up and led them to the low bridge. The canoe ran right into it and shortly after the canoe and one girl were sucked under that side of the bridge and, luckily, popped up out of the other side of the bridge. The other girl was able to hold onto the bridge and got pulled out by one of the employees and my husband. Now, this was a rare incident and as long as you listen and pay attention, you are in NO danger and will be just fine. These girls obviously were not paying attention.Overall, great trip, friendly staff, and wonderful memories!!

This place offers wonderful trips down the Shenandoah River via canoe or kayak. We took the 7 mile kayak trip and will definitely be coming back. I suggest getting an early start, if possible, as there are many birds and wildlife to be seen that will likely run or fly off once the crowds come along. The staff were very helpful and informative and their equipment was in good condition.

It's so easy to do business with Downriver. Our original reservation had to be changed due to weather, no problem; we arrived early the next day in hopes of getting an early start, no problem; a member of our group wanted to be picked up halfway through the trip, no problem; anything we wanted seemed to be just fine with them. The trips offered are not guided, however they have a detailed knowledge of the Shenandoah River and provide advice, maps, gear, transportation, and stories. In a short time, they can match a good trip and gear to you and your group. We originally planned to kayak trip #3, but through conversation, found that we can do that trip almost anytime due to adequate water levels. A 9 mile trip that starts just across the old bridge at Downriver and goes by Shenandoah River State Park and the heron nesting grounds is rarely available due to low water but OK to paddle the day we were there, so that's the trip we selected. Magnificent paddle, mild current helping us along for about 6-7 miles, few spots with mild rushing water called class 1 rapids but very easy, some rocks to paddle around, several spots to pull out for lunch or break, heron section very special. Thank you John, Margie, Michael, Allison, and everyone at Downriver for a great trip.

I've only been to one other tubing place so I don't have much to compare it to but this establishment was well run, efficient and the people were very friendly. Would definitely recommend.

We just had a girls' tubing trip this past weekend. It was a great time! The staff where super polite and helpful. They drove us out to a drop off point, where a nice man even offered us rope to tie our tubes together. It was beautiful scenery along the way. The river was a bit low, so we got a work-out climbing over rocks with our tubes. It just added to the fun. When we arrived back to the destination, a nice man offered us a hose to wash off our feet, and another brought us bags to put our wet clothes in after changing. Those little details made it a wonderful experience! The website says three hours, but it took closer to five with the water level. Plan your time accordingly. Rubber soled shoes are required, and for good reason- do not ignore this request! Very reasonably priced!

Our family of four (two kids 9, 11) took a raft out with Downriver on a Saturday morning. Staff helped us figure out what kind of device (canoe, raft, tube, kayak) was best for what we wanted to do that day: toodle along the river, stop here and there, and not tip over! We were able to put our biggish cooler right into the raft, which was great. Staff here are very nice, professional, helpful and efficient. We had our life jackets on and were in our own minibus to the drop-in point in just a few minutes. The equipment was in great shape and the information they provided us about our trip was very helpful. The river is gorgeous - you can see clear to the bottom. We stopped at an island for lunch, wading and gazing. We arrived near 11am on a Saturday and they were getting busy. We had called ahead and reserved some spots - they told us on the phone that on weekends, particularly Saturdays, they often book up and reserving is a good idea. Lots of parking. Small shop with water shoes, t-shirts, souvenirs. A covered area where you can have a picnic. A great day, all in all. Would definitely return here.

I had been down the river before, in fact many times...but that was 20 years ago. Had it changed? Having recently rejuvenated some hobbies that had been shelved, I was pleasantly surprised how little the river had changed from what I remembered. We arrived at the Downriver Canoe Company and just as many years ago was greeted by friendly people. They are celebrating 40 years in business this year and the secret of their success, well, is really is no secret at all. They are just awesome to work with and conveniently located right next to the Low Water Bridge. Within a very short amount of time we were being taken upriver for the 7 mile trip (Trip #3 Burners Bottom). The cost was reasonable at $69 and included all canoeing equipment necessary for a safe trip down the river. I have some suggestions as what additional to take on the river and will cover that later. Depending on the water level and how much time you spend swimming/fishing/playing will determine how long the trip will take you. My personal favorite level for the river is between 3' and 3.5' which gives just enough current to push you along but not so much that you feel rushed or in danger. This day we were in luck as the water was a little over 3' with crystal clear clarity. At this level you should plan on between 4 and 7 hours for a leisurely trip although you can paddle it straight in 2.5 hours. What to bring... SUNSCREEN! This is NOT optional unless you just happen to be Aboriginal and the sun doesn't bother you. You will be fried like a piece of bacon if you don't wear sunscreen, I think my boating partners would agree with me on this first trip tip. Cooler with ice and plenty of hydrating liquids. Snacks... energy food is keySeat cushions...sitting with a wet butt on those seats becomes very uncomfortable quickly, I suggest some flat foam floats (seat cushions) from the dollar store or sporting goods store. Dry Bag...can buy one at Walmart for about $10 to put anything in you don't want to get wet. Towels, Fresh change of clothes for the end of the tripFishing gear (AWESOME fishing)... the black Berkley Gulp Helgamites unweighted work best for me. Camera... WAY to beautiful not to take pictures. Anchor and rope... this is NOT supplied by the outfitter but is key when you want to stop just anywhere and fish. After mile marker 25 the river gets shallower and doesn't run as fast. The last 3 miles involve more paddling than the first 4.5 miles do. Put your fishing poles away and save your energy for the push to the end. I hope this short story of my trip will make your trip down the river more enjoyable. Since the trip described above I have purchased a used canoe from Downriver Canoe Company and have been back 3 additional times in the last 45 days. When you go in look for the guy in the hat who is always smiling... that is John who owns Downriver. Tell him Jim sent you :)