Canoe Dock

Members can use our canoes for free.

Paddling the Ipswich River just got a lot easier. Now you can launch a canoe or kayak from the new dock at Ipswich River Watershed Association headquarters at Riverbend. IRWA members may use IRWA boats for free once they have signed our Canoe Use  form. Others may become IRWA members for $40 (or more!) or use their own boats. The hill from the parking area to the dock is quite steep, especially when you’re carrying a boat uphill so you might be particularly glad to become a member. You can use our boats for free and keep the Ipswich River out of danger at the same time.

Many thanks to Fields Pond Foundation and New England Biolabs for providing funding for the dock, rack, trails and signs.  And to volunteers Norm Isler, Dan Heiter and the rest of the New England Biolabs crew for making it easier for people to get out and enjoy the river.

You can buy an Ipswich River Canoe Map (great for kayakers too) online or at Riverbend.

For a fun family adventure from Riverbend, load up the kids and canoe upstream for a picnic along the river, or turn your canoe downstream and head for the Peatfield Street boat launch, only a 15 minute paddle downstream. You’ll pass painted turtles, ducks, and maybe even a great blue heron on the way. If you take out at the Peatfield Street public boat launch you can walk from there to Riverview Pizza or even to Zumi’s for ice cream and then paddle back to Riverbend!

Dr. Bob says, “I give you the Ipswich River and, by extension, the waters of the world” as he cuts the ribbon at the Canoe Dock Grand Opening in May 2010.

The canoe dock is fun for all ages!

The canoe rack is right near the dock, for easy river access.

Canoe to Ipswich River Watershed Office