charles river canoe & kayak

priced fairly. beautiful scenery. the staff was efficient and friendly.equipment in very good state.definitely recommended.

Need to get away yet don't have time to go far? Just go to CRCK. My partner and I go to the Newton location all the time because that is the most convenient to where we live and work. We came here once at the beginning of the season and we were hooked - we took a membership. The staff is always helpful. CRCK has other locations also around the Boston area and we love that our membership allows us to go to any of them. If you go to the Newton location, bring a picnic with you (something easy to carry obviously if you'll bring it with you in your embarkation) and make a stop at the Auburndale Cove Picnic area to eat. You'll land on the beach (feet in the water) and can eat at one of the many picnic tables in the lovely park.CRKC is also great for group outings. They can take care of the catering for you. I had planned an excursion with a group of colleagues - unfortunately we had to cancel due to the bad weather that came suddenly out of nowhere but the staff was quick to accommodate us in the boathouse so we could eat there the food we had ordered from a local restaurant. I'm sure if we had been able to go on the water that day, it would have been a great time. I hope to have the chance to go again with a group soon.

Having been signed up for a kayak race as part of a fund raiser for the Jimmy Fund, and never being in a kayak, a lesson was in order. My wife and I are both 60+ and really didn't want to look too foolish. So we went to the Charles River Canoe & Kayak in search of knowledge. They were great. We took a 2 hour lesson with Jentina in both a double and single kayak. Good time and everything you need to know, within reason, in a relaxed environment. So if you're an old dog looking for a new trick, or a master paddler, it's a nice way to just chill out and enjoy the day. They'll hook you up with everything you need.

Had a great experience here when I tried paddleboarding for the first time. Water is clean (didn't mind when I fell in!), flows easily and the sights/views are beautiful.

We rented a canoe and my wife, daughter and I went up and down the Charles River on a Sunday morning. It was a beautiful fall morning and was quite relaxing to take a little trip. They seemed to be well outfitted with paddle board, mayas and canoes as well as all of the life safety equipment you would need. All in all, great fun!

I live in Newton, MA a close suburb of Boston. I've rented a canoe from Charles River Canoe and Kayak many times -- from it's Newton location (off Commonwealth Ave.) and from it's Brighton/Boston location. It's easy to get to these locations and free to park and the rent is inexpensive and by the hour. The staff are very accommodating and the Charles River goes through some urban scenery that is very pretty from it's Boston location, and the location I used to canoe from once a week in Summer, off Commonwealth Ave. in Newton, has pretty woods, some beautiful back yards, some parks, a wide variety, along its path. I've seen Blue Herons, cormorants, ducks, ibis, snakes, turtles of all sizes, red winged black birds along the bank, and many more types of birds and wildlife. I feel so fortunate to be near this wonderful experience where I can even go for an hour after work during the season when it's open.

These folks have several locations, and the one in Newton provides two nice options for a row. Upstream -- the current gets stronger and stronger until you reach the falls. Downstream--a nice calm open water paddle.

My son and I had a little over an hour to kill one afternoon and had never rented from here before, but drove by many times. The end-to-end process couldn't have been easier (and we're NOT experienced kayakers), and the afternoon paddle up & down the Charles was perfect - with plenty of sightseeing (including seven turtles on & off logs and rocks).Will do this again next Spring-Fall with the entire family... several times.

Great place - they rent a variety of boats/canoes/kayaks/standup boards and also have instruction, group events (i.e. evening paddles) and a very nice staff. The river is lovely in this area. It's just beyond the Marriott Hotel and easy to find.

We spent a lovely summer day with the kids (10 and 11 yrs old) stand up paddle boarding (first time and they LOVED it!), and we adults more sedately in a canoe. What fun! We paddled downstream to Ware's Cove for a picnic and back. The rental process was fast and easy. We'll be back... adults want to try SUPs next time!

I'm happy to live in walking distance of this place. A huge variety of boats, allowing you to explore a pleasant/tranquil section of the river, at least once you get away from the boathouse and the I-90/128 interchange. Prices could be a little lower, but aren't horrible. And this place participates in cleaning up the Charles which is an admirable "corporate citizen" type of thing to do.

It's just a relaxed fun. You'll have to go downstream to avoid the highway noise, and remember to calculate extra time for going back. The price is really fare and it's a beautiful part of the river.

I love the opportunity to get in a kayak so close to home and to tourist destinations. Prices for kid kayaks (up to age 12) are very low and so it makes a great family outing.

it's a log tradition of ours to almost every year rent a kayak to paddle on the Charles. It's a picturesque ride in a very quiet part of the river. No training or skills required.

This summer, I am definitely trying paddle boarding. Signing up easily online for the 1.5 hour class, we had 5 class members and 2 instructors. Before we knew it, everyone in the group was up, on the water, and paddling downstream. Karen and Drew taught basic strokes and turning and getting back on the board if you fall off (easy as pie!). As we grew more comfortable, new techniques were introduced. Too quickly, the class was over.... but never fear! Included in your class price is the possibility to use SUP for a week. I've had a blast practicing in different currents, winds and weather conditions. They offer demos for free, but I felt the instruction and access to boards made it an excellent experience and price. Don't forget to park across the river on Norumbega Road, bring an ID and sign the waiver each and every time you visit their facility.