About Northern Extremes Canoe & Kayak
Northern Extremes is a paddling outfitter based in North Conway, New Hampshire, offering canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals on the Saco River and surrounding White Mountain waterways. The Saco is one of New England's most beloved paddling rivers — shallow, gentle, and lined with sandy beaches and swimming holes — making it perfect for families, beginners, and groups who want a relaxed day on the water. The company provides all gear, including PFDs, paddles, and dry bags, along with shuttle service to put-in and take-out points.
Self-guided trips are the core offering, with the most popular route covering a six-mile stretch of the Saco from the Humphrey's Ledge area to the Davis Park take-out in North Conway. Longer full-day routes extend downstream, and overnight camping trips let paddlers pitch a tent on one of the many sandbar campsites that dot the riverbank. Guided naturalist tours are available for groups interested in the ecology of the river corridor, and moonlight paddle events add a unique twist during summer months.
Northern Extremes also runs a winter program with snowshoe rentals and guided snowshoe hikes in the national forest, making it one of the few paddling outfitters in the region that operates year-round. Their base on Route 16 is easy to find, with ample parking and a friendly staff that can help plan an itinerary based on group size, skill level, and how much time is available. For anyone visiting the Mount Washington Valley in summer, a day on the Saco via Northern Extremes is an essential North Conway experience.
