Day Trips
General Day Trip Information
To ensure that we have boats available, it’s always best to have reservations, especially on weekends and holidays.
Upon arrival at OARS, check into the office and complete any necessary paperwork. A staff member will go over any questions you have. We will discuss points of interest, popular islands, and the take out locations. Next, you’ll proceed to the on-site launch area to get fitted for life jackets. Our staff will assist you into your boat, and away you’ll go!
During the weekends and holidays, we offer a completely hassle-free experience, where you decide what time you’d like to leave, and what time you want to catch a shuttle home. Starting at 1:00 PM, we shuttle people back from Fisherman’s Cove every 
hour, on the hour, until 7:00 PM. If you have your own boat, you can use our shuttle service as well! All prices are included below.
Please remember, at times we are extremely busy and we do our best to get everyone back to OARS in a timely manner!
Included in all Day Trips
Rates include PA sales tax, canoe and/or kayak rental, paddles, life vests, and shuttle services.
Shuttle Only
If you have your own boat, you can use our shuttle service as well. Shuttle only prices are shown with each trip.
Daily Rates
You can also rent and haul our boats on your own, if you’d like. The cost is $25 per 8-hour day, depending upon availability. Please call ahead.
French Creek Trips
Takiteazy to Franklin – 8 miles
Canoe Tandem: $35 | Kayak: $30
Shuttle Only, Canoe or Kayak: $20
Utica to Franklin – 11 miles
Canoe Tandem: $40 | Kayak: $35
Shuttle Only, Canoe or Kayak: $20
Carlton to Franklin – 15.5 miles
Canoe Tandem: $45 | Kayak: $40
Shuttle Only, Canoe: $25 | Shuttle Only, Kayak: $40
Cochranton to Franklin – 19.5 miles
2 days, 1 night (2 boat minimum)
Tandem Canoe: $50 / $60 | Kayak: $45 / $55
Shuttle Only, Canoe or Kayak: $30
Shaw’s Landing to Franklin – 25 miles
2 days, 1 night (2 boat minimum)
Canoe: $60 | Kayak: $55
Shuttle Only, Canoe or Kayak: $30
Meadville to Franklin – 28 miles
2 days, 1 night (2 boat minimum)
Canoe: $70 | Kayak: $60
Shuttle Only, Canoe or Kayak: $30
Allegheny River Trips
Oil City to Franklin – 7.5 miles
Canoe: $35 | Kayak: $20
Shuttle only, Canoe or Kayak: $20
Franklin to Fisherman’s Cove – 9 miles
Canoe: $40 | Kayak: $35
Shuttle only, Canoe or Kayak: $20
Franklin to Kennerdell – 16 miles
1 day (2 boat minimum)
Canoe: $50 | Kayak: $45
Shuttle only, Canoe or Kayak: $25
Franklin to Kennerdell – 16 miles
2 days, 1 night (2 boat minimum)
Canoe: $60 | Kayak: $55
Shuttle only, Canoe or Kayak: $25
Franklin to Emlenton – 34.5 miles
2 days, 1 night (2 boat minimum)
Canoe: $70 | Kayak: $60
Shuttle only, Canoe or Kayak: $35
Arrive Early
Please, arrive at the office 30-45 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED DEPARTURE TIME. We will probably have multiple groups taking trips the same day as you, so please be considerate of others and arrive before your scheduled departure time. This allows us ample time to get you checked in and get all your gear in order. Relax, be safe, and enjoy!
Liability Release
In order to speed up the check in process, download a liability form here (PDF) and fill it in prior to your arrival. Carefully review the form and bring a signed copy for each guest in your group.
Things to Bring
- Cooler for snacks and drinks
- Water shoes or old tennis shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof bag or dry sac
- Insect repellent
- Trash bag (OARS practices Leave No Trace.)
- Cell phone and watch
- Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. You may want to bring a change of