I’m writing this from sunny Costa Rica, where we’ve taken a quick trip to see how other outfitters run their trips—and, honestly, to escape the cold for a bit!

Two thoughts are top of mind:

Practice What You Preach:

• I always encourage folks to slow down, relax, and step away from daily stress. Spending time at Downriver and out on the river is about just that—taking a break, reflecting, and recharging, surrounded by friends and nature.
• It took nearly five vacation days for me to stop worrying about next year, our staff, our customers, and all the responsibilities of running a business. But once I did, I felt truly refreshed and ready for what’s next. I hope you’ll find your own moments to unplug and reset in 2026.

Appreciate Home:

• Costa Rica has been incredible—hiking, paddling, rappelling, and exploring this natural paradise. Spotting new animals and plants is a daily adventure. But it’s also made me realize how lucky we are to live and work in the Shenandoah Valley.
• Back home, I can look out and see deer, wild turkeys, woodpeckers, cardinals, great blue herons, and bald eagles. While I traveled 2,000 miles to experience some place special, I’m reminded that our own backyard has a magic all its own.

As local guides here share their country with pride, I can’t wait to welcome you back to our special corner of Virginia in the year ahead.

Looking forward to seeing you on the river in 2026!

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Downriver Canoe Company is gearing up for another exciting season on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. As we enter 2026, discover what’s new, what’s improved, and why your next river trip should start with us.

2026 Facility Upgrades for a Better Experience

We’re investing in major facility improvements this year:

• Improved outdoor reception and client waiting areas for smoother check-ins
• Expanded retail space featuring river essentials and local merchandise

These upgrades are designed to make your visit easier and more enjoyable from start to finish.

New Corporate Team-Building Programs Launching in 2026

Looking for unique corporate retreats near Washington D.C.? Our new team-building packages offer:

• 1- and 2-day guided canoe and kayak trips
• Team challenges and group activities
• Relaxation and reflection in the scenic Shenandoah Valley
• If you are interested in being involved with this new program, send us an email to somebody@downriver.com

These programs are perfect for businesses seeking creative, memorable team experiences.

Events for the adventurer

We already have some fun events lines up for the spring including a canoe race, adventure race, a mountain bike races, and a fly-fishing tournament. Click on over to Adventure Enablers for more details.

Plan Your Shenandoah River Trip for Spring and Summer 2026

Our season runs April through October. Start planning your Shenandoah River adventure early:

• Most popular trip: 7.5-mile float from Burner’s Bottom (canoe, kayak, raft, or tube)
• Dog-friendly trips welcome
• Unique 2-day trips with car-side camping at Golden Rock
• All logistics handled with our comprehensive shuttle service
• Online reservations are open one our website at https://www.downriver.com/reserve-now/

Stay Connected for Updates and River News

Follow Downriver Canoe Company on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for:

• River condition updates
• Trip planning tips
• Announcements about new amenities and programs

Book your 2026 river adventure today and experience the best of the Shenandoah with Downriver Canoe Company.

The post Downriver Canoe Company: 2026 Season Preview & What’s New This Year appeared first on Downriver Canoe Company.

As years, work, and family life went by, we slowly migrated out further and further west from the hustle and bustle of DC and Northern Virginia to a quiet spot nestled right on the Shenandoah River in Front Royal. Remote work and running events gave us the luxury of being a little more off the grid, having more adventures, and becoming fully engrossed in the amazing outdoor recreation opportunities the area has to offer. Hikes in the national park, mountain biking in the national forest and state park, and daily paddles on the river have become part of our schedule.

As our kids Syd and Sam started to embrace the outdoors, they were lucky enough to get summer jobs with John and his crew at Downriver. Whether it was running the front desk and greeting guests with a smile or hucking boats and driving vans up the river to Trip 3, they both loved the environment, hard work, coworkers, and community of working on the river. Margo and I really appreciated the opportunity John gave our kids, and it helped build a bond with him and the business.

This brings us to May 2024. After an event we had been hosting out of Downriver, John approached me asking if I would be interested in taking over the business. My immediate thought was yes and how amazing that would be. But filling John’s shoes and taking on such a legacy was a daunting prospect. I know others had approached John about the business, and having him come to me with the offer…I knew it was a great honor. I know that John having started and run Downriver for 53 years and now looking to move on was not an easy decision for him. This was his baby, his daily life, and a business he had traversed from a tiny spring back in 1974 to the beautiful flowing river it is today. I let him know I would think about it and talk it over with Margo. As a family, we went through the pros and cons of the opportunity, and I think it was a foregone conclusion that the pros would be the longer list. I let John know I would be honored to take over the business, keeping it family-run and holding tight to the same vibe that drew me to it 15 years prior.

So for the 2025 season, I, along with family, friends, and much of the fantastic existing Downriver crew, will be opening our doors on April 1 for what I hope will be a great season. Am I worried about the weather, river levels, safety, getting guests through the doors, marketing, carrying on a legacy, staffing, repairs, maintenance, afternoon thundershowers, too much rain, too little rain, and a whole host of other things that keep me up at night? Yes, I am. Would I let that stop me from embarking on a new adventure with people who I know and love and that I know will be challenging but have rewards and fulfillment that you just cannot get working behind a desk or for someone else? No, it will not.

All of us here at Downriver Canoe Company hope to see you all out on the river with us this summer. We promise whether you are floating in a tube, casting a line to get a bite, bonding with your kids, or out for a fun day with your family, friends, or coworkers, we will make it as much of an adventure as we have had getting to where we are today.

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