Welcome to The Canoe Shack
(630) 584 - 8017
We are in St. Charles, IL.

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Please call to reserve your canoe, or e-mail us info@canoeshack.com with any questions you my have. Sorry, no reservations will be accepted by e-mail.

Links to helpful pages

001 Choice Cab INC.
1 (630) 232 - 4302
1 (630) 377 - 7067

Fox River trips.
Fox River trips meet in St. Charles at Public Parking 1 block N of RT 64 on RT 31, where you are then transported up river, and canoe back to your vehicle at Public Parking. By special arrangement trips can meet in South Elgin where you will launch your canoe, then you will be brought back to your vehicle from Public Parking.

The Canoe Shack is open April 1st to November 1st, 8 am to Dusk. We can handle groups of up to 100 people. Our trips cost $50.00 to $ 60.00 per canoe for two people $ 10.00 per extra person (six and under are free) No reservations will be accepted by e-mail, we ask that you call 1 (630) 584 - 8017 to reserve your canoes. We have Gift Certificates available, which make a great gift for family and friends!

All rentals include Canoe, 2 Paddles, life preservers, and shuttle. Kayak rentals are also available. Each canoe can hold up to three adults, or two adults, and two small children. Your drivers license may be held as an equipment deposit, and will be returned at the end of your trip.

About Us.
The Canoe Shack is located about 30 miles west of Chicago on the beautiful Fox River. Though located near a metropolitan area, the Fox has remained peaceful, clean and unspoiled. It has a total length of 195 miles, with 103 in Illinois. It enters the state by Chain-O-Lakes State Park in northern Illinois, and flows into the Illinois River at Ottawa.

This section of the Fox River is also part of the Mid America Canoe Race Course. It is one of the largest in the world with up to 1000 canoes racing for the finish line in Aurora. During the race spectators line bike paths and bridges along the river. Many local festivals and celebrations are also held this same weekend. It has been run on the Fox for 30 years and is the first Sunday in June.

On the 7 mile section between South Elgin and St. Charles, 2 state nature preserves, 3 county forest preserves and 5 city parks line the river. These offer many hiking, picnicking and wildlife observation opportunities, as well as historic sites, small limestone bluffs, and the county's only waterfall.

Fishing is excellent with Northern Pike being one of the most prized catches. Bass, Blue Gill and Catfish are also plentiful. The Fox River Valley offers lodgings, restaurants, and all the modern conveniences, but from the river these are barely visible. So whether for some fishing and relaxation after a hard day's work, a family outing, or a day long canoeing excursion, the Fox River offers a tranquil setting, beautiful scenery, and outstanding recreational opportunities.

About our Trips.
We have two trips on the Fox river, and one The West Branch of the Dupage River.

Fox River trips meet in St. Charles at Public Parking 1 block N of RT 64 on RT 31, where you are then transported up river, and canoe back to your vehicle at Public Parking. By special arrangement trips can meet in South Elgin where you will launch your canoe, then you will be brought back to your vehicle from Public Parking.

Trip One: $50.00
South Elgin to St. Charles. This seven mile trip is our most popular and is a 2½ to 3½ hour trip. It starts below the dam in South Elgin and ends at Public Parking 1 block N of RT 64 on RT 31 in St. Charles.

Trip Two: $60.00
Elgin to St. Charles. This ten mile trip adds three miles to trip one. It starts by the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin and is a 3½ to 4½ hour trip. There is one dam to portage in South Elgin, which is an easy carry.

To check water levels please log-on to:
USGS Real-time USGS FOX RIVER AT SOUTH ELGIN, IL
USGS Real-time USGS FERSON CREEK NEAR ST. CHARLES, IL

Fox River
Click on Fox river map to enlarge.

Trip Three: $60.00
Wayne to Warrenville. Our newest trip is a eight mile wilderness journey through undeveloped forest preserves. It is for the more experienced paddler, as there are may be downed trees to navigate around. The absence of other boat traffic makes for a serene and peaceful trip. The river is about sixteen feet wide at the start and about thirty feet wide at the the take out. This trip is a 3 1\2 to 4 1\2 hr. long paddle. We meet on St. Charles road at the SW. corner of the bridge over the West Branch of the Dupage River, and end at the Mack Rd landing near Rt. 59. This trip is not offered during periods of low water. At least two canoes must be rented.

To check water levels please log-on to:

USGS Real-time data for WEST BR DU PAGE RIVER NEAR WARRENVILLE, IL.
a gage level of 2.20 feet is necessary for comfortable canoeing. Please reserve early!

DU PAGE RIVER
Click on Dupage river map to enlarge.

Canoeing News
Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon
The Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon is held in May, registration is required
We have canoes available for the this race, rental cost is $80.00 per canoe for the day. We will drop off your canoe(s) at the start of the race in Libertyville and pick them up at the end of the race in Mt Prospact. This is a fun outing and more information is available at their web page The Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon.


Mid-American Canoe Race
Mid-American Canoe Race sponsored by Fox Valley Park District runs in June, on the Fox River, 40 miles west of Chicago. registration is required. We have canoes available for this race. More information is available at their web page Mid-American Canoe Race.


All reservations are accepted up to one year before your trip, on a first come first served basis. A 50% deposit is required. Cancellations are accepted up to 30 days before a trip. A 20% handling fee will be deducted and the balance will be refunded. Your deposit will not be refunded after 30 days! If a severe thunder storm warning or tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service, you will be given an opportunity to reschedule your trip anytime within one year. If it is cold and pouring rain you may be given the opportunity to reschedule. This will be determined on a case by case basis by The Canoe Shack.

Note: We strongly recommend that all participants wear their life preservers, and know how to swim. (Illinois state law requires people fifteen and under to wear their life preservers) We encourage purchase of vacation trip insurance which covers personal property & injury. You will be canoeing at your own risk! Alcohol is allowed on the river but not in the parks. Please do not canoe while intoxicated.

WARNINGS
SWIMMING - Swimming is permitted in the Fox River, however, extreme caution must be exercised during periods of high water. Caution must also be exercised directly above and below dams as the currents are swift and treacherous. Look for signs or buoys alerting you of dams!
Do not dive into the river because the depth can vary greatly. Please be careful and wear shoes.

PORTAGES - Be alert and Look for signs or buoys alerting you of dams! Please avoid dropping or scraping canoes. DO NOT TAKE CANOES OVER DAMS!

POWER BOATS - Motor boats, water skiers, and jet skis may be present, be ready for the wake, (It'll Rock Ya!) and please stay near the shore. Pointing your canoe into the wake will minimize the possibility of capsizing.

(630) 584-8017

Please Call To Reserve Your Canoe Today

Hope to see you on the river soon!

Call, or e-mail us info@canoeshack.com with any questions you my have.
Sorry, no reservations will be accepted by e-mail.

Links to helpful pages

001 Choice Cab INC.
1 (630) 232 - 4302
1 (630) 377 - 7067

© Canoe Shack 2000 - 2005

Last up dated 07/14/2005