CHICAGO BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Sunset Paddle to Bonfire: Kayak Chicago’s River Canyons and Roast S’mores by Firelight
An evening river tour that pairs a 1.5-hour sunset paddle through Chicago’s Wild Mile and downtown canyons with shoreline bonfire time and unlimited S’mores.
Sunset Paddle to Bonfire: Kayak Chicago’s River Canyons and Roast S’mores by Firelight.
Paddle through Chicago’s glowing cityscape at sunset, then return ashore to a crackling bonfire with music and all the S’mores you can eat—an evening that pairs a calm float down the river with a relaxed fireside finish.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wild Mile and downtown canyons of glass and steel
The paddle threads the Wild Mile and carries you into downtown, where city lights shimmer as you pass the canyon-like walls of glass and steel and take in views near Wolf Point.
Bonfire, Adirondack chairs, music and endless S’mores
After the water portion you gather on shore around a crackling bonfire—kick back in Adirondack chairs, listen to music and indulge in the provided S’mores fixings for up to an hour by the fire.
All kayaking equipment and seat options included
All kayaking equipment and S’mores fixings are provided; the operator offers single and double-seat kayaks, and sea kayaks are available for those with the required prior skills.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
The outing begins with an on-land orientation—paddle strokes, safety and rules—then slips you onto the peaceful back channel of Goose Island and out into the river as the city shifts from day to electric night. The paddle is followed by shore time beside a bonfire where music and S’mores cap the evening.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing works for—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
All kayaking equipment and S’mores fixings are included; single and double-seat kayak options are provided and sea kayaks are available to those with required prior skills.
An on-land orientation covers paddle strokes and water rules; some athletic ability is recommended but no prior experience is required.
Space is limited—reserve online in advance; the outing commonly sells out, so booking ahead is recommended.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the experience last?
The full event is 2.5 hours total — about 1.5 hours paddling with up to an hour by the bonfire.
Where do we meet?
Meet your guides near the North Branch of the Chicago River in Chicago for orientation and launch.
Is gear provided?
Yes—all kayaking equipment and S’mores fixings are included; single and double-seat kayaks are offered and sea kayaks are available for qualified paddlers.
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No prior kayaking experience is required, though some athletic ability is recommended.
Can children participate?
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on a double kayak; single kayaks are for ages 12 and up.
What happens after the paddle?
After returning from the river you’ll check out with staff and then spend time by a bonfire—relaxing in Adirondack chairs with music and S’mores for up to an hour.