PLEASE NOTE: We have two launch locations, the Boathouse at 165 2nd St. / off Bond St. and the Bunker at the end of 19th St. off of 3rd Ave. The starting place for each activity is listed with the event listing. In general, guided tours leave from 19th St. Walk-Up paddling may be at either location, depending on the current status of the work in the canal. It takes about 35 minutes to walk between the locations and about 10 minutes to drive. PLEASE CHECK the location to ensure you are not late to a timed tour. Trips can not be joined once the group leaves the dock.
[ Rain 30 min. Prior to start time may cancel event and dates +30 days in the future are subject to change ]
FREE Walk-Up Paddling – 2nd St.
May 17 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
FREE (donations encouraged) self-guided canoeing of the Gowanus Canal!
Participants utilize club canoes for a paddle at their own pace inside the protected Canal. Enjoy discovering the canal’s unique mix of wildlife and urban waterway infrastructure! After being fitted with a life jacket (which must be worn at all times) at the dock, we give instruction on how to paddle, safety tips on how to use a canoe and we help with boarding and supervise your departure. We ask for a donation contribution upon your return as funding to sustain our programs.
Self-guided voyages can be limited to 15-20 min. if there’s a crowd but otherwise, we expect you to return to the dock 15 min. prior to closing.
Weather (wind, waves or evidence of storm) may cancel programming with one hour advance notice. Meet at Gowanus Dredgers Boathouse, 165 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, wear sunscreen and bring a bottle filled with water. Close-toed shoes are recommended, and wear clothing you don’t mind potentially being splashed. All paddlers must sign a waiver, minors require guardian signature on site to authorize canoeing.
