Public Paddling Programs

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If you are interested in a small group canoe trip, please contact us.

Mindful Mondays on the Ohio River

Sylvia Holden, Mindful Monday captain.

What are “Mindful” Paddling Tours? Not paddling hard or fast, but being present to the experience; taking time in nature to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel the Ohio River in downtown Louisville. Slow things down; bring your camera and be willing to be dazzled and enjoy the view of our hometown as the sunsets. All trips meet at the Community Boat House at 6 PM and we should be done by 9 PM. 

Each trip will cost $20.00 per person per trip. 

You can register for Mindful Mondays at Event Brite,

Click Here for more information or to register.

For more information, contact Sylvia Holden: takemetokentucky@gmail.com

Beargrass Creek Canoe Trips with Waterfront Gardens

River City Paddlesports partners with Waterfront Gardens to offer 3-hour Beargrass Creek canoe trips in the 30-foot long voyageur canoes. Waterfront Gardens does all registration for the trips. Visit the Waterfront Garden webpage for registration and more information. You can also call 502-276-5404 or email info@waterfrontgardens.org.

Tour objectives:

  • Obtain a better understanding of our waterways from an interactive canoeing experience,
  • Learn about the unique wildlife habitat in the Beargrass Creek area and what our community is doing to preserve and revive the area
  • Understand stormwater management techniques and their direct impact on our waterways. Learn about strategies to monitor our local waterways.
  • Examine the waterway’s position of preservation, recreation, and our cultural history.
  • Highlight the importance of connecting Cherokee Park and the Waterfront with this missing link of the Beargrass Creek Trail and other possible trail connections within the Butchertown Greenway

Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle

River City Paddlesports coordinates the paddle component for the Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle. This event draws over 12,000 people annually and is held on Memorial Day and Labor Day each year. Paddlers will explore the upper pool of the Ohio River at Louisville, KY.

For Labor Day the Hike, Bike & Paddle will “lock through”. A flotilla of canoes and kayaks will leave the waterfront and paddle through the Portland Canal to the McAlpin Locks. Once everyone is secured to a line, the doors will close in the lock and drop 37 feet. The lower doors of the lock will open and we will paddle to New Albany’s Jaycee Boat Ramp near the Sherman-Mitten Bridge. TARC will be available for shuttle service back to Waterfront Park; this is only for paddlers. You will have to drive back and pick up your own boat.