Join the North Brooklyn Community Boathouse on a canoe paddle in the Newtown Creek, an urban tidal estuary that forms part of the border between Brooklyn and Queens.

Trained American Canoeing Association trip leaders will guide participants in 29-foot Langley canoes along the creek and out toward the East River. There’s an opportunity to pause to take photos, and enjoy the views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Participants will learn about the industrial and environmental history of the Creek, which remains one of the most polluted waterways in the nation and is the site of one of the largest oil spills in U.S. history.

Tours are approximately 45 minutes long. Participants will be on the water for about 30 minutes, with additional time to load/unload the boats and receive paddling instruction. Along the route, participants may catch a glimpse of some wildlife (cormorants and herons are common sight) or yield the way to a large barge!

Participants will be encouraged to paddle at a relaxed pace for approximately 30 minutes during the tour. Our canoes have a large capacity of 10+ people per boat and so participants are able to take breaks as needed. Moderate stability and flexibility is required to access the boats, which involves stepping down a small ladder onto our dock and stepping in/out of the canoes.

Participants should wear protective clothing (windbreaker, rain jacket, etc., flat, rubber-soled shoes (no flip flops), a hat and sunscreen. All participants must wear a life jacket at all times.

NBCB does not have restrooms on-site, so please plan ahead.

No pets are permitted on the boats.

Arrive on-time. Latecomers may not be able to join.

Children are welcome accompanied by an adult who must sign a waiver on their behalf. Children must be able to fit one of the provided life jackets - sizes start at 50 lbs. All participants, including children, must have a ticket.