Detroit River Sports

What to expect: My wife and I went for the first time on the sunset canal tour. We arrived a little early and found that we would be going with a group of about 12. They had a basket in the building for us to lock up our belongings such as wallets and car keys. There were thankfully clean restrooms for us to use after driving about 45 minutes to the place. Especially before a 2 hour kayak trip. There were two employees who guided the group. The guides gave us life jackets and paddles and gave us a quick tutorial on how to navigate a kayak etc. With the help of the guides we individually boarded the kayaks which requires a large step down off a dock so I would not recommend for the overweight or physically fragile. Once we all boarded we paddled down a canal out to the Detroit River and then down to another connecting canal. The water on the river was a little choppy that day but that made it fun. Several beginners in our group managed it easily. We went by many homes, past a couple nature parks and under a handful of bridges. Some homes kept up nicely and others showing evidence of urban decay. We had waterproof, floatation covers on lanyards for our phones so we were able to snap photos and quick videos along the way. Our knowledgable guides stopped us at a few spots teaching us about historical sites such as the Purple Gang house during prohibition and the Fox Indian Massacre. We were far up stream from the city, and Belle Isle starting out on the border of Grosse Pointe Farms so the city was close enough for a beautiful sunset but not as close as I initially thought it would be. Expect to get wet. My shorts were soaked when we were done. All in all it was a wonderful experience and something I would definitely recommend!!!

We had an amazing experience, it was our first time kayaking ever! The tour guides were so patient and you can tell they love their job! Thanks again!

This was an awesome experience! We did the historic tour. There were 3 amazing guides with us. I have some kayaking experience. There were several people with no experience in our group, and with the guidance of the staff they did great. It was a perfect mix of easy canal, and a bit more challenging river kayaking. I will be back to do a different adventure soon!

I had an AWESOME time! This was my first time kayaking ever and the staff were so supportive. I could not get the hang of it but they walked me through everything and one guide stayed close by to help the entire time. I was so scared! It was so much fun though. I went on the historic tour and it was fun to hear all the fun fact of belle isle and the fisher mansion. I would definitely go!

I came here today to go kayaking with my daughter at Detroit River sports I have never kayaked before I lost my nerve and didn’t go, but my daughter did they were really patient here with me. There was a gentleman named Alex, who was super nice Once I decided not to go. My daughter had the car keys and everything with her on her kayak. He caught up with the team, got the keys and everything for me just Great and I’m gonna try this again. I really am. I’m just wasn’t expecting us to be in single kayaks. I thought that my daughter and I would share one. I will definitely try this again. I did not realize how many of the people that were kayaking. Today were beginners, and they went out by themselves.

The experience is cool, but the tour was way too large. The should have divided it up by experience level and each tour guide lead a small group instead of four tour guides leading 20+ people. SO much waiting around time that felt wasted. Also, give your tour guides mics. You couldn’t hear anything they were saying. Would not recommend or book again unless large changes were made.

What a great tour! The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable, however, we couldn’t hear the guide on the Detroit River section of the tour due to wind, boats on the river, and the strength of her voice. There are only three stops with narration, so we missed 1/3. You can buy small megaphones for less than $30 on Amazon.

We organized a large group with our non-profit FAN. Ana, Kim, the manager and the other guides were amazing! We felt safe the entire time. The canals were peaceful and the river was exhilarating! Many of us were first timers. Some had been kayakers in the past and had lost their opportunities to get on the water in the shuffle of life. The new kayakers are overjoyed to have a new sport/hobby to share with others, and the old kayakers are happy to have it back in their lives. We can't wait to be back! Thank you, DRS!