Canoes????

[bsjs0708]

We are looking forward to enjoying everything the Fort has to offer. How is the canoing? We enjoy outdoor sports and want to rent some type if boat. DH wants to rent canoes. Are they big enough for 3 people? Is there enough to explore? TIA...Julie

 

[DisneyRose&Boys]

Good question, Julie. I'd love to hear the answer to that. My guys and I are looking for something different to do on our off days, and I've always wanted to rent a couple canoes. I hope someone knows more than I do (which isn't a whole lot, to be honest).

Take care,
Rose

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Here is the price list (as of 2/09) for the canoe and kayak rentals:

I believe that I have seen three people in the canoes. So, I think that is OK.

As far as what you can see, you will just be paddling around in the canals around the bike barn and 1400-1500 loops. You will see water, trees, people fishing, maybe go under a bridge, see a campsite from the water, and see more water and trees. Maybe a bird or two, or a turtle, and there is a slight possibility that you will see a small alligator. That's about it. It would probably be fun for a 1/2 hour or so.

TCD

 

[KristinU]

We rented a canoe last fall and had a great time - we saw deer, ducks, and armadillos along our route around the canals. Parts of the canals go right along sites, so it's a little like looping - LOL! Three fit just fine for us, just know that the center person will need to sit on the floor of the canoe (or a sweatshirt or something you could bring along), FYI - the term for the middle non-paddling person is duffer (just in case anyone needed a little trivia!). My DS is little, but I think a bigger kid or even an adult would be OK, as long as they're comfortable sitting on the floor.

We have a pic from canoeing on our blog if you feel like taking a look: www.alineradventures.blogspot.com

 

[big kahuna1]

We saw this gator behind the 1600 loop. He just caught a Deer and was the size of a canoe!

Just kidding.

























He was actually behind the 1500 loop.







No really, just kidding. If you see any gators they are usually quite small.

 

[bsjs0708]

Oh... thanks for the replies I am really looking forward to this!! And KristinU,THOSE ARE GREAT PICS!!! THANKS!!!!!!!

 

[dtum]

We rented two when we went. DD and DS in one and DH and I in the other. Kids got a big kick out of mom and dad's inability to steer a canoe. Saw a gator on our trip also.

 

[dale62676]

Renting a canoe is one of my favorite things to do at the fort!
It takes about a hour at a slow pace to do the loop, and more if you explore either end of the large canal. You can see the route on the FW map, or Google Earth. I know some folks have different versions of Google Earth, but on mine, you can see a lone canoe out on the large canal. Makes me miss FW so much more!

 

[DisneyRose&Boys]

Steve, that was WAY too funny. You almost had me there. I was thinking, "No way! That gator did NOT just get that deer at FW."

LOL You weirdo...

Rose

 

[bama_ed]

We rented two canoes on a recent trip and three can ride in one but as someone else said, the middle rider doesn't have a seat but can sit on the bottom of the boat, kneel, or something in between.

You rent at the bike barn (paddles and pfd's provided) and can paddle between the 600/1400 loops down by the new pet park, around the canal, back up by the 1500 loop, in by the pool back to the bike barn. A leisurely paddle is less than an hour. We saw a small gator in the canal on our trip plus lots of birds.

The only issue sometimes is the water level in the pond at the bike barn and the section out toward the canal. When we went the water level was down somewhat and coming back right under the bridge between the Meadow TP and the pool we scraped bottom (and yes, it was under my end of the canoe, thank-you-very-much). We pushed on past it but if the water is up you'll have no problem.

It's a fun diversion so plan it to avoid any strong sun and you should have a blast!

Bama ED