canoe the wild-tours

Our experience on the Allagash was the most well thought out and well executed trip we could have ever imagined. Dave brought along Mitchell, a strong, college sophomore who came up from the ranks of his outdoor school program. Mitchell lugged boats and equipment and was a constant source for firewood at each site we camped at. While on the Allagash we saw a lot of wildlife but no other canoe parties. We thought we knew how to paddle a canoe but Dave gave us on the spot paddle tips to navigate a river where he seemed to know every rock and hard place. There was never a need to worry. In an area this remote, Dave had things covered with satellite technology right in his pocket. Canoe the Wild’s equipment is first class with Old Town canoes, tarps to keep out the rain and tents that go up in a jiffy. It seemed that Dave only put his camera down long enough to pick up a spatula to prepare unforgettable meals over an open fire; t-bone steaks, chicken and dumplings, chocolate cake and strawberry shortcake for desserts and full course breakfasts with real cowboy coffee each morning. A few weeks after we got home, a DVD arrived with professionally done pictures full of memories.

"We" (I) wanted a true remote Maine river experience but knew it was way out my league to be responsible for the family's safety and fun, especially with the white water.Dave not only made it fun and safe, but also informative and comfortable. The food was delicious, we caught huge fish, did some exciting rapids (and some goofy swimming in the river with ropes and other creative accommodations Dave made for my adventurous spirit). Dave was incredibly patient and enthusiastic in adapting for all our abilities and interests. We learned a lot about the water, local economy, people, and wildlife.The kids and wife will never forgot that trip.We highly recommended Canoe The-Tours

I've been dreaming canoeing the Allagash for years, but could never work out the logistics to do it on my own. Finally we decided to look for a guide, and were incredibly lucky to find Dave and Canoe the Wild. The trip exceeded our highest expectations. We were novices, but with Dave's guidance learned quickly. The group came together very well and we enjoyed sharing the experience with the other folks on the trip. The Allagash is wild and beautiful. We woke up to the sound of moose splashing and watched sunsets with eagles soaring down the river. Dave also sent us a CD with photos from the trip that will help us relive it until the next time.

I could not have been more pleased with my choice of Canoe the Wild as a guide. Both highly professional and extremely knowledgeable. I thought I was an experienced river paddler but Dave taught me tricks and techniques that took my paddling to a new level. And, he is great with paddlers of all skill levels. I will definitely book a trip with him in the future.

Excellent trip, the river is beautiful and Dave and his guides make sure you have fun and are safe. Adventurers of all levels of canoe experience can enjoy this trip. Meals prepared on the river were delicious, the gear was first rate and the guides were the best. Thanks Dave

I hired Dave Conley of Canoe the Wild to take my three sons and I down the Allagash safely. He accomplished that and thus met those expectations. But it was all of the things that I didn’t expect that made the trip extraordinary. I didn’t expect the food out in the middle of nowhere would be so good. I didn’t expect that my sons, all experienced campers, would learn so much more about living in the outdoors. I didn’t expect that Dave would be taking so many great photos of the trip, wildlife and my family. I didn’t expect that through Dave’s Knowledge of animal habits we would see so much wildlife. We got so much more out of the trip because Dave was guiding us.

We had so much fun and the staff were all wonderful. We felt they were safe and fun. All in all we were well taken care of!