ALLISON PARK GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
North Park After Dark!: A Guided Night Paddle Across Allison Park’s Quiet Lake
A guided paddling excursion that takes intermediate paddlers onto North Park Lake after sunset to listen for frogs, watch for beavers, and learn night-navigation techniques.
North Park After Dark!: A Guided Night Paddle Across Allison Park’s Quiet Lake.
Once the sun goes down, North Park Lake tightens into a different world: quiet water, amplified animal calls and the slow, practiced strokes of paddlers moving beneath a dark sky. On this guided outing participants glide across the lake, look for beavers, listen for frogs, and receive practical tips for navigating any body of water at night.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Beavers, Frogs and Other Nightlife
The trip is centered on the lake’s nocturnal sounds and sightings: guides keep an eye out for beavers and encourage listening for frogs as the group moves quietly across the water.
Night Navigation and Guided Instruction
Trained Excursionists and Volunteer Trip Leaders introduce gear, give a safety talk, and share night-navigation tips so participants learn how to move safely on the water after dark.
Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard Options
Participants renting equipment can choose between kayaks or stand-up paddleboards; instructors will outfit paddlers with PFDs and demonstrate basics before launch.
What the day feels like
What the Evening Feels Like
The group meets, rigs equipment and receives a safety briefing before launching into still water; once underway, the pace is set for the whole group as guides point out wildlife and offer practical advice for navigating in low light.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should wait.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total scheduled duration is 2 hours; expect to spend about 1.5 hours on the water moving at a group-appropriate pace.
Bring a water bottle and wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet; quick-drying layers are best. Because the class is at night, consider a lighter outer layer under your PFD and wear comfortable shoes that can get wet—anything you take on the water could get splashed.
If you bring your own non-motorized kayak, ensure it is seaworthy—staff will inspect private boats before class and will provide a rental kayak if a boat is deemed unsuitable.
Meet at the North Park Boathouse for check-in, gear distribution and the pre-launch safety briefing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I rent equipment for this trip?
Yes. Participants renting equipment can choose from kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.
Can I bring my own boat?
Yes. Bringing your own non-motorized kayak is allowed; staff will inspect your boat before class and, if deemed unsuitable, a rental kayak will be provided.
Who leads the trip?
Trained Excursionists and Volunteer Trip Leaders introduce equipment, provide a safety talk and guide the group on the water.
When do ticket sales close?
Ticket sales close 24 hours before the event time.
What should I expect in terms of getting wet?
You should expect to get dripped on or splashed occasionally; wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet.