P.O. BOX 269 BALDWIN, MI 49304 Toll free call: 800-272-3642

FAQ'S

WHO CAN GO RAFTING?
Just about anybody can go rafting. Baldwin Canoe Rental has four and six person rafts. A nice feature about taking a rafting trip is that you don't have to get wet unless you want to. Our rafts are very stable, making them safe for young children as well as senior citizens. If you want to see the beauty of the outdoors, but are afraid of the water, a raft trip should be in your plans.

WHO CAN GO CANOEING?
While some people feel confident in taking small children canoeing, we are careful about recommending taking very small children on the river. Much depends on your experience in canoeing. Another factor is the time of year and the temperature of both the air and the water. We usually leave this decision to you, however we reserve our option to make any final decision regarding who we put on the river at any given time.

WHO CAN GO KAYAKING?
Kayaking is a great option for anyone, regardless of paddling experience. Our kayaks are not the type that you commonly see on television, rolling over and coming up the other side. Our kayaks are very stable and should a person tip, they simply fall out. Everybody that kayaks wears a life jacket. Kayaking is easy to learn, and most people really enjoy the feeling of being in total control.

HOW DO I MAKE RESERVATIONS?
The fastest way to secure a reservation is to call 1-800-272-3642 and make reservations with a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover). Or, call us and we will send you information and a reservation form, which can be filled out and returned with a check or money order. Group leaders should always get the payment up front from the individuals planning to go on the trip. Reservation are always confirmed in writing, time permitting.

WHEN'S THE BEST TIME TO MAKE RESERVATION?
As soon as you know the date and approximate number of people in your group, call us and we will place you on the schedule and give you a few days to get the money collected. The Pere Marquette is one of the most popular canoeing rivers in the Midwest. Summer Saturdays often fill well in advance of your trip date. The sooner you call, the better chance for reserving your date.

OFFICE HOURS:
From April 1, through October 15, office hours are from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. after hours calls are recorded and promptly responded to the next day. We can be faxed at 1-231-745-4138

WHAT TIME DO TRIPS START?
The U.S. Forest Service dictates the hours of operation, mandating paddling hours to be from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Groups should plan their trips so as to be off the river by 6:00 PM. Our posted paddling times are considered average paddling times. Extra time should be added for any stops made for picnicking, rest stops, and/or swimming. Be sure to give yourselves plenty of time and be off the river by 6:00 PM.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Always bring an extra change of clothes for after the trip. Paddling is done in all kinds of weather so plan accordingly. We always recommend wearing river shoes, sandals or an old pair of sneakers. When taking additional clothing on the trip, we recommend a secure dry bag that can be tied into the craft.

CAN I BRING MY DOG?
Dogs and other pets are permitted in the campground when kept on a leash, and under the immediate control of the owner. We do not recommend taking your dog on the river, however it is allowed. If you choose to take your dog on the river, you must provide for transportation in that our busses are not permitted to haul dogs. Again, if possible, we suggest leaving your pet at home.

DO YOU HAVE AN ALCOHOL LIMIT?
Baldwin Canoe Rental discourages the consumption of alcohol while paddling. However, we do allow up to 4 cans per person, per trip. It is unlawful to operate a watercraft while intoxicated.

HOW CAN I SAVE MONEY?
July and August Saturdays are Primetime. If you can plan your trip other than primetime, you can save. Plus, if you bring a group and call to make advanced reservations, we offer special group rates.

CAN I FISH WHILE CANOEING?
Most people don't try this for a number of reasons. The river moves along quite rapidly and most of your time is taken guiding the canoe. There are limits on fish and part of the river is "flies only" fishing. From the few people that have tried this, the success has been almost nothing. We simply do not recommend fishing from the canoe. During Salmon and Steelhead seasons we rent canoes for serious fishermen to get from one hole to the next on the river. We also spot vehicles for people with their own canoes.

CAN I BRING A TUBE?
Tubes are not allowed to be taken on canoe, kayak, or rafting trips. Tubes move too slow and are not allowed to be tied to other watercraft.

SHOULD WE BRING OUR OWN LIFE JACKETS?
Some people like to bring their own life jackets, especially for young children. However, Baldwin Canoe Rental includes your choice of life jackets or safety cushions. Everyone must have a cushion or a jacket. Children six and under must wear a life jacket at all times while on the river. We recommend jackets for all children.

DO YOU HAUL PRIVATE CANOES?
If you own your canoe and are part of a group canoeing with us, we won't haul your canoe. However, we will bring you back with your group free of charge. You then can go and pickup your canoe. If you own your canoe and are not with a group renting canoes, you need a car spot. We do spot cars for a fee depending on how far down river you canoe. Note: all private watercraft must have a daily permit from the U.S. Forest Service.