Conestoga River Tours, Water Week 2025

Lancaster Water Week is an annual celebration of the 1,400 miles of waterways in Lancaster County, PA. Join us for over 60 events as we paddle, explore, volunteer, and take action for the streams and rivers of Lancaster County! Learn more: www.lancasterwaterweek.org

Life looks different from the water

Join the Conestoga River Club as we celebrate the Lancaster Conservancy's 9th annual Water Week activities with guided tours of Our River, the Conestoga. Tours are fully supported and favorable for all skill levels, families, and boaters visiting the Conestoga for the first time. Guided conversations will focus on the history, culture, conservation landscape, basic boating and water safety skills relevant to the section of river traveled.

Tour locations, dates, meeting place and times:
*please note location, date, and AM or PM trip when purchasing tickets.

1. Safe Harbor, Park June 10, 12. Meet at 101 Safe Harbor Rd, Conestoga, Pa 17516. Tours start at 8am and 1pm.
2. County Central Park, June 9, 11, 12. Meet near the Strawberry St entrance, Rockford Rd, Lancaster, Pa 17602. Tours meeting at 8am and 1pm.

* meeting addresses are approximate based on Google Maps information. Contact Todd Roy at todd.roy@conestogariverclub.org or call 717-719-8214 for more information.

What to expect:

1. This is a guided tour of the Conestoga River. This is an American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 1 boater trip. Please take the self evaluation Essential Eligibility Criteria copied here to determine your personal eligibility. There will be several safety guides on the water during the trip. Read more about ACA boater classification here.
2. A Safety Briefing and gear inspection will be given before launch.
   
3. This is a rental only event due to limited transportation.

As a Conestoga River Club Event, all participants should expect the following policies and procedures:

1. To be prepared to sign two waivers; a standard waiver of liability that covers: release to treat, photo release, standard hold harmless, and an insurance waiver. 
2. To be prepared to follow all Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission boating safety laws and regulations.
3. To be prepared to wear a US Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) while actively engaged on the water or within 10’ of the launch facility.
4. To follow the instructions of the group leader/ trip guide.
5. To arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled launch time. Anyone arriving after the posted launch time may be excluded from that trip.
6. Trips will be held "rain or shine". In the case of unsafe river conditions the event will be rescheduled.

Participants should bring:

1. A refillable water bottle or canteen, single use plastics are discouraged.
2. A wide brimmed hat or sun shade
3. Sunscreen/ sunblock
4. A change of clothing and towel, to be kept in participants vehicle.
5. Suitable footwear in the form of closed toe, full foot water shoes or sneakers with good traction are recommended. Open sandals, flip flops and other "slip on" footwear are not permitted. Your feet will get wet, plan accordingly.

The Conestoga River Club will provide:

1. Kayak, paddle, PFD for each rental ticket.
2. Water bottle refills and heathy snacks.
3. Event guide and safety personnel.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I bring my own Kayak? Unfortunately, no. 
2. Can I bring my child? Children over 12, that are capable of paddling autonomously are permitted with parental supervision. Children under 12 will be considered on a case by case. Please call Todd Roy at 717-719-8214 to discuss. 
3. Is this event safe for my skill level? We structure our events and the locations we choose to be comfortable for those who have never kayaked before, but recommend that you do a self assessment here. ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria
   

Participants should bring:

1. A refillable water bottle or canteen, single use plastics are discouraged.
2. A wide brimmed hat or sun shade
3. Sunscreen/ sunblock
4. A change of clothing and towel, to be kept in participants vehicle.
5. Suitable footwear in the form of closed toe, full foot water shoes or sneakers with good traction are recommended. Open sandals, flip flops and other "slip on" footwear are not permitted. Your feet will get wet, plan accordingly.

The Conestoga River Club will provide:

1. Kayak, paddle, PFD for each participant.
2. Water bottle refills and heathy snacks.
3. Shuttle from the meeting point to the launch area. Parking will be at the end of the trip corridor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I bring my own Kayak? Yes, but accommodation will need to be made for shuttle.
2. Can I bring my child? Children over 12 that are capable of paddling autonomously are welcomed with parental supervision.Children under 12 will be considered on a case by case. Please call Todd Roy at 717-719-8214 to discuss. 
3. Where do we meet/ how does this work? We actually meet at the end of the tour not the start. There are many reasons for this, but the primary reason is so that when the tour is over, you can depart at your leisure.