Q: What about reservations?
A: Reservations are STRONGLY suggested! Especially on weekends! You can be sure of having to wait without a prior reservation on weekends! However, we do not require reservations nor do we charge customers an additional fee for not having one.
NOTE: If you are bringing a large group (20 or more) then it is helpful to give us a “heads up” so we can be well prepared. Reservations are strongly suggested on holidays or on holiday weekends, as we can be quite busy so there are no guarantees.
Q: Do you have Group Rates? What about non-profit groups?
A: Non-profit groups receive 25% Off discounted rate. Reservations are required as well as you must provide a copy of your Tax Exempt Certificate. Personal checks are not accepted but non-profit or corporate checks are. We offer group discounted rates for large families and groups. Please call Paulette, (330) 854-4008 / (330) 347-4412.
Q: Can I bring my own equipment and use your shuttle bus service?
A: Yes, you can bring your own equipment if you'd like. You MUST provide all of your equipment to receive a shuttle discount. We charge $15 per canoe/kayak for the 3 Mile or 6 Mile Trip and $25 per canoe/kayak for 8 Mile or 11 Mile Trip. Please bring your own life jackets if you are having us shuttle your private boat. Life jackets are required and if you do not bring your own with your boat then we must charge a rental fee. If you do not have your own canoe/kayak paddles then we must charge $20 rental price. We cannot “lend” our paddles and run the risk of not having enough to outfit our own boats. We DO NOT permit persons to drop-off or take-out with their equipment at our privately-owned locations. All of our properties are privately owned. Our same rules apply for shuttle customers as they do rental customers.
Q: How often do the shuttles run ?
A: Shuttle vans run continuously. There are no set departure times. The buses will come and go as customers do. All you have to do is show up and the rest will be taken care of.
Q: Do you charge per boat or per person?
A: We charge per boat ...NOT per person . You may fit 2 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 children (under 10) in a canoe.
Q: How much money should we bring? And do you accept credit cards?
A: Although we accept both CASH and Credit Card. We DO HOLD a Credit Card while you are on the Canoe or Kayak Trip, It will be returned to you when you return from your trip. Check out Activities and Rates Page for pricing. We do NOT accept personal checks but will accept checks from non-profit organizations.
Q: Do you have lockers or what do we do with our keys, etc.?
A: Sorry, we do not have lockers, please lock your valuables in a hidden, concealed spot in your car or leave your precious personal items at home for extra safety. We advise not taking anything on the river that you can't afford to lose or get wet. (Canal Fulton Canoe Livery, Inc.) is not responsible for lost, stolen, or misplaced items).
Q: Are we allowed to bring coolers or alcoholic beverages?
A: Coolers are permitted on our canoes and kayaks. Glass bottles are not allowed on the river. It is our policy that alcohol and boating do not mix. We have the right to deny rental privileges to any intoxicated person and to refuse transportation in our vehicles as well. You should expect the river to be patrolled and it is possible to receive a warning, be fined, or arrested if you become unruly and not mind your manners.
Q: Have any tickets been written on the river?
A: Yes, generally to unruly persons that are not “minding their manners”. Unruliness towards other customers or land owners may be issued disorderly conduct, littering and possession of marijuana have also been written by Park Rangers and/or by the Department of Watercraft, who do at times "police" park property along the river. The ODNR state watercraft officers may also at times patrol the river and issue citations to unruly persons. It is illegal to have opened, alcoholic beverages on a state right-of-way such as a river.
Q: What should we bring with us on our trip?
A: You may want to bring snacks, water, hat, sun screen, sun glasses and bug spray. If you plan on bringing a camera or cell phone, bring a dry bag for safe keeping. If wearing glasses or sun glasses a strap is recommended. Keep dry towels in your car.
Q: What is the average water temperature?
A: This varies but rest assured, we will not be opened for rentals if the water temperature is too cool for your safety.
Q: What are normal hours of operation?
A: We are open “Weekends Only” as early as April but generally start the “First Weekend” in May. Starting Memorial Day weekend we will be open 7 Days a week. We operate thru end of October, weather and river conditions permitting. Follow us on Facebook for last minute notices due to weather or circumstances beyond our control.
Q: Is there much wildlife along the river?
A: Most definitely!! Arriving in the mornings will increase your chances for enjoying a peaceful, quiet day on the river. Keep in mind that weekends and holidays may be less peaceful due to the higher volume of customers. Expect to possibly see American Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Hawks, turtles and more.
Q: How long in distance is the river trip? How much time does it take to complete?
A: The short trip covers a distance of 6 miles. This trip usually takes about 1.5—2.0 hours to complete. Trip times will vary and change on a daily basis based on wind/water conditions and each customer’s amount of paddling versus floating preferences.
Q: Are there places to stop for food and restrooms on the river trips?
A: The Livery grounds (your starting destination) has restrooms. At the ending destination there is a port-o-lets; otherwise you "Go" to the woods. As always, please be discreet and DO NOT relieve yourself within sight of others, especially children! There are no places to purchase food or drink while on the river.
Q: Are there any rapids? What "class" are they?
A: No! There are NO rapids!!
Q: Should I wear shoes?
A: Foot protection is very important. “Flip-flops” can easily fall off so the best are any water shoe, sandals with a heel strap, Croc-style shoes, or old sneakers. . The river bed is covered in rocks that can be sharp or jagged. There can also be the possibility of broken glass or pieces of old metal. Foot protection will save your feet and make your trip more enjoyable.
Q: Do you have a clean-up area or changing rooms?
A: Yes, we have bathrooms available for changing.
Q: Do you have life guards along the river trip?
A: No, this is an unguided river trip and you are choosing to participate at your own risk. We suggest that you wear your life jacket at all times and have someone in your group that knows how to swim.
Q: Do you allow minors without the presence of an adult?
A: Yes and no, it depends on their ages, river conditions and other possible factors. Our policy is that if a minor has a vehicle operator’s licenses then they are old enough to do a river trip without an adult. We will need to speak with a parent/guardian if non-teenage minors are present in a group of teenagers. All minors (less than 18 years old) must arrive with a signed release of liability form, which can be downloaded from our website. If they do not bring it with them, we will call their guardian and get their permission via telephone. Groups of minors are required to take a cell phone with them so a concerned parent can easily get a hold of them.
Q: When do we need to be off of the river?
A: You must be off the river no later than designated time unless it was stated to you otherwise by a Canal Fulton Canoe Livery staff member. There is a fee of $5 for every 15 minutes that you are late. If later then 1 hour, and you are still out, Canal Fulton Canoe Livery, Inc. may consider it an emergency and call for assistance.
Q: Do you have a picnic area, shelter or grills available?
A: Yes. The grills are gas. The Pavilion can be reserved for large groups and parties. Call (330) 347-4412 or (330) 854-4008.
Q: Who must wear life jackets?
A: Children 10 and under and non-swimmers MUST wear their life jackets by Ohio Law. We recommend that everyone wears their lifejackets. Everyone must have a lifejacket in the boat with them, which is also state law. In cases of high water, everyone may be required to wear life jackets at all times throughout the trip. We recommend everyone to wear their life jacket.
Q: In case of severe weather, what do we do?
A: Butter Bridge is our 3 mile 1/2 way point, there you can pull over and call us, we will be there to pick you and your canoe/kayak and return to Canal Fulton Canoe Livery. If a lightening storm occurs and we pick you up at 1/2 way point we will issue you a voucher for FREE canoe/ kayak trip. Please keep in mind that summer storms are generally over within a short time period and we cannot easily come and get you if you become frightened.
Q: What do we do if there is an emergency?
A: If it is a serious medical emergency call 911. If it is non-life threatening, please call us and we will help you.
Q: Is the River swift with rapids?
A: We do NOT have any 'thrilling' rapids. Keep in mind, during periods of high water our river can get dangerous due to swifter currents. That is why we monitor the river and have restrictions or close during high water. Check our Facebook page for updates or call (330) 854-4008.
Q: Are there hazards that we need to avoid?
A: You want to avoid strainers which are trees or branches that may be sticking out of or into the waterway.
Q: What do I do if I tip my canoe or kayak?
A: Our kayaks are actually difficult to tip and are impossible to become entrapped in; this is why we recommend kayaks for all ages and especially for beginners. If you should tip your boat, you may in most cases simply be able to climb back on. However if in deeper water, swim it to shore then climb back on after dumping out any water. If you tip a canoe, you will need to drag it to a shallow area then tip the canoe AWAY from the current and lift up to let the water out.
Q: For what reasons does the canoe livery close?
A: The canoe livery closes for high water or in too cold of conditions. To check on water levels and to see if we have restrictions, please visit us on Facebook for our daily updates.
Q: Is camping available?
A: Camping is with most site on the riverfront. We have special PRIVATE area for Groups. Just call us for details and reservations. (330) 854-4008.
Q: Are dogs permitted?
A: Yes! Please click here to view our updated Pet Policy!
