Best of Vermont River

Vermont is a kaleidoscope of rustic and panoramic beauty, nowhere more splendidly experienced than from the vantage point of a canoe. Our Inn-to-Inn Vermont River Sampler is a classic adventure. Canoe the best of Vermont as part of a free-spirited band of travellers, moving from river to river and inn to inn. Our days are simple and loosely structured, and evenings at the inns are relaxed and laid-back. The total experience is a tapestry: Some of the threads reveal an outdoors of swimming holes, sunny rocks, soft forests, spectacular waterfalls and exquisite picnics; other threads describe an indoors of fine table linen, antiques and handmade quilts, fine food graciously served, and surroundings rubbed soft and mellow by many seasons of hospitality.

We gather together Sunday evening at the Three Stallion Inn, a Vermont country inn nestled near the quiet village of Randolph. Originally a farmhouse on a working stock farm the inn now combines charm and friendliness to capture the distinct character of rural Vermont. The village is a hidden treasure that most would never find on their own. It is pure "Vermont". Its secluded location makes it a favourite with our guests Monday after breakfast we head north to the Winooski River, with its deep gorges and fine views. Put in is at a rocky gorge, a place where the water is quiet and the surroundings hint at the magnificent scenery to come. Our paddling begins on easy water, enjoying distant mountain views that include Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump. Monday evening we arrive in Stowe, one of Vermont's most famed ski towns. Tuesday we're off to the Lamoille River, with its secluded scenery and comfortable paddling on water that varies from lazy to quick. By mid day we arrive at the spectacular Dogs Head and Sloping Falls waterfalls. The soothing noise of rushing water and the intricate arrangement of crags, gullies, cracks and holes set the scene as we lay back against our canoes, sunning, eating and enjoying.

We continue north into the Northeast Kingdom, an unspoiled area that many consider to be the rural jewel in our state's crown. We immediately begin to unwind at the Village House Inn situated in the small village of Albany. The large wrap around porch is inviting with its comfortable rocking chairs and porch swing, the perfect place to watch the world go by. The hospitality here is warm and the food simply delicious. On Wednesday we have some wonderful choices. We can spend the day on one of two stretches of the Missisquoi, a lazy river which loops into Canada, or we may travel to the upper waters of the Connecticut River. Here we find ourselves well north of civilization, with the exception of a few farms. At the end of the day we return to the Village House Inn for another relaxing evening in this enchanted corner of the state. Thursday continues as our "whatever-we-want-to-do" day in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom. The isolated Clyde, if that is our choice, boasts what we think is the finest paddle in the entire state...a section that is gorgeous and magical all the way. We may choose to canoe a section of the Black river as with it's quick water and quiet water passing through quiet forests and a wildlife sanctuary. Our final evening is at the October Country Inn. Gracious common rooms filled with antiques and fresh flowers await our arrival. We relax in our comfortable surroundings and perhaps take a stroll before gathering for dinner.

Friday is saved for the White, one of the best loved canoe runs in all of New England. The White is lively and sweet, a clean, bouldery river in an unspoiled valley. Everywhere you look, the White's crystal clear water tumbles between easy ledges and deep pools. By the end of the week, we guarantee that you'll have unwound on the Vermont Sampler. Many guests describe it as a metamorphosis, widening from Sunday's narrow focus of worry and hurry...to Friday's smiles and hugs.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 We meet at the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph Vermont. This classic vermont stock farm has been restored and remodelled to provide the ideal combination of charm and comfort. The grounds and surrounding hills provide an idyllic setting. The innkeepers will be expecting our arrival between 3 and 7 pm. We will gather for dinner at 7:00pm.

Day 2 We are off on our journey throughout Vermont. After breakfast we leave our cars behind and travel by canoe and our van for the next five days. The Winooski is a sampler in itself with smooth and easy sections as well as quickwater, such as that at the mouth of the Mad River. The Winooski winds its way through both secluded and civilized areas. That afternoon we will load up for the trip north to Stowe, "Ski Capital of the East", and a pleasant summer town. Monday evening we will be guests at the Stowehof Inn. The Stowehof is a traditional Swiss-Austrian Inn situated off a quiet country road on spacious and rolling grounds. We will be able to enjoy our surroundings and the majestic beauty of Mt. Mansfield from either the swimming pool or deck--the choice is yours!

Day 3 We usually choose the Lamoille River for our second day. Wide open views of valleys and interesting geological rock formations depict the character of this river. We will put-in at a secluded spot just below Cady's Falls. Lunch is often near the portage around Dogs Head and Sloping Falls. If the water and our mood is right, we will run Sit-A-While rapid and Ithiel Falls, and canoe through the wonderful granite islands in the afternoon. A point of interest in the Lamoille is the only river we know that changed its headwaters. It originally rose in Long Pond, until June 6, 1810, when folks from Barton opened a channel to drain some more water into the Barton River for the mills downstream. However, the barrier turned out to be quicksand under a clay encrustment, and Long Pond (about 1 2 miles long) drained itself in about 15 minutes. The resulting wall of water swept cows and 100 tons of rocks down stream destroying houses, but killing no one. Now it is known as Runaway Pond - the headwaters of the Barton River. Tuesday night will be the first of two evenings spent at the Village House Inn in Albany. We usually have the entire inn to ourselves. The sitting room, furnished with antiques, and the large wrap around porch are popular gathering spots to enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner, pass away a quiet summer evening, or just sit and watch the world go by.

Day 4 Today we begin some wonderful choices. The Missisquoi is a wide meandering river that flows westward across the top of Vermont, with a loop into Canada, on it's way to Lake Champlain. Hills and mountains are the backdrop of this beautiful valley as the river cuts through quiet meadows and farmland almost entirely away from the road. Or we could head to the Black River where there are several sections we can choose from. We easily settle into the Black's gentle pace as we head north toward Lake Memphremagog. The Connecticut river is also a choice with its fast water, seclusion and scenery. The day ends as it began at the Village House Inn. The peace and quiet of the Northeast Kingdom surround us as we enjoy one more evening with Kate. Her warm hospitality and excellent cooking make it hard to leave. We enjoy sharing stories of the day on the porch or taking a quiet walk along one of the many backroads that meander through the village.

Day 5 We continue our Choice of Rivers day. The Clyde - a stretch that is gorgeous and magical all the way. Hemlock and cedar trees line the banks while blue herons and kingfishers hunt for fish in the clear water of the river. Another choice could be the Green River Reservoir. We could spend days upon days exploring this hidden out-of-the-way lake, with its many coves, inlets and bays. There are no motor boats to disturb the nesting loons, so the canoe is the only way to explore. Indeed a wonderful day if we want to be in a canoe, off the roads and with nature. We end our journey at the October Country Inn near Woodstock Vermont. We will have time to relax on the lawn, or go for a walk before we gather for our final dinner together. The October Country Inn strives to create an atmosphere of years gone by and a welcome haven after our journey into the fabric of Vermont. When we retire for the evening, we will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and decorative creativity that has been provided to ensure our comfort.

Day 6 The best is saved for last. The White River! One of the best loved canoe runs in the state. We will run a mixture of flatwater, quickwater, Class I and II rapids over the White's ledges. A lot depends on water level, but we guarantee it will be a fitting finale to our Tour de Vermont. We plan to arrive back at the Green Trails Inn in the late afternoon to pick up our cars and say our good byes and begin our journey back to reality.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Sunday: Three Stallion Inn in Randolph Vermont. This classic vermont stock farm has been restored and remodeled to provide the ideal combination of charm and comfort. The grounds and surrounding hills provide an idyllic setting.
The innkeepers will be expecting our arrival between 3 and 7 pm.

Monday: Stowehof Inn. The Stowehof is a traditional Swiss-Austrian Inn situated off a quiet country road on spacious and rolling grounds. The Stowehof is a traditional Swiss-Austrian Inn situated off a quiet country road on spacious and rolling grounds. We will be able to enjoy our surroundings and the majestic beauty of Mt. Mansfield from either the swimming pool or deck--the choice is yours!

Tuesday and Wednesday: Two evenings are spent at the Village House Inn in Albany. We usually have the entire inn to ourselves. The sitting room, furnished with antiques, and the large wrap around porch are popular gathering spots to enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner, pass away a quiet summer evening, or just sit and watch the world go by. Innkeeper - Kate Fletcher

Thursday: We end our journey at the October Country Inn near Woodstock Vermont. We will have time to relax on the lawn, or go for a walk before we gather for our final dinner together. The october Coutnry Inn strives to create an atmosphere of years gone by and a welcome haven after our journey into the fabric of Vermont. When we retire for the evening, we will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and decorative creativity that has been provided to ensure our comfort. Innkeepers--Edie and Chuck Janise

Our standard accommodation is two per room, generally with a private bath. Usually singles and triples are available. BCL provides three meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and ending with lunch on the last day (except where noted).

Solo Travellers:
If you're travelling alone and would like to assure yourself of a private room, there is a single supplement surcharge of $45.00 per evening. Singles willing to share will be matched with a roommate. If unavailable, a forced single supplement of 50 percent of the full supplement will be charged.

Bringing the Kids:
We believe that sharing an adventure with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. Children twelve years of age or older are welcomed on all trips. Special arrangements must be made for all children 7-12. Regular discount is 25% off the trip price for folks under 18 years old.