Multi-Day Canoe Trips
Since 1994, our company has offered fully-guided canoe, camping and hiking adventures on the Upper Missouri River.
We focus solely on guided trips, and our goal is to offer unrivaled service, locally-sourced and home-grown meals, the highest quality gear and as much historical & geological interpretation as you can handle while always having fun.
Join us to experience Montana’s most unique river trip!
Full summer calendar listed below.
Trip Options
Give us a call or send an email. Usually, a conversation can help inform your decision.
White Cliffs 3/4/5 Day Adventures
46 River Miles
Experience the Upper Missouri River much like the Corps of Discovery did—undisturbed and magnificent. Camp in actual Lewis & Clark campsites, visit tepee rings and petroglyphs and hike to spectacular off-river locations, including a slot canyon, the famed Hole in the Wall and learn about the spectacular and unique geology of this uncovered formation. Every night we read from the journals of Lewis and Clark and share stories of early homesteaders and the Native peoples who inhabited the area.
$950 - $1305
White Cliffs & Badlands 6/7 Day Adventures
107 River Miles
Float the famous Upper Missouri River White Cliffs AND the less-traveled and wilder Badlands. The White Cliffs are magnificent, but we promise, it only gets better. If you are traveling all the way to central Montana, it would be a shame not to see both sections of the Upper Missouri River—which are wildly different and equally amazing. After a few days, you will settle into the pace of the river, stress melts away and the river, history and landscape will engulf you. It’s truly a trip of a lifetime.
$1600 - $1795
Badlands 4/5 Day Adventures
61 River Miles
Montana’s Badlands aka “The Missouri River Breaks” are less traveled, wilder and absolutely stunning. The Monument borders expand significantly as the landscape steepens, becomes more rugged and far reaching. Visit several in-tact homesteads, catch sight of trophy-size Bighorn Sheep, cross the Nez Perce Historic Trail, explore dinosaur bone beds and revel in the multi-colored, vast landscape. Hike above the river at various points to absorb the magnificent view.
$1300 - $1400
Upper River - 2 Days
42 River Miles
Do you only have one night? Would you like to see the river but do not have time for a 3 or 4 day trip? This 42 mile trip is the perfect quick trip if you are limited on time but still want a few days of river solace and to experience the beauty of the Upper Missouri River. The trip departs from Fort Benton, which makes for a seamless launch. This itinerary is also ideal for families with small children who might not be ready for several days of camping. This section is highly underrated, underappreciated and rarely visited.
$475 per person
Reservation Information
Deposit and Cancellation Policy
We require a 25% deposit per person to secure your spot. We require final payment 60 days prior to the trip departure. Reservations made within 60 days of trip departure must be paid in full at the time of booking. We accept check or you can conveniently and seamlessly book online.
Due to the seasonal nature of our business, cancellations can prove very costly to us. However, we understand that things happen outside of our control. Refunds of monies will be given at the following rates:
Prior to 60 days before launch date, we will refund 50% of your deposit.
60 days or less before launch date, no refunds will be given.
In certain circumstances, you can opt to hold credit with us for monies paid, and postpone your trip for a following summer. A $300 handling fee will be applied. The remaining funds will be applied to a trip in the future. Contact us for details.
Discounts Available
Kids - Children 10 or younger receive 10% off the adult trip price.
When booking, call, text, email or add a comment to your reservation, and we will apply the following discounts after you secure the deposit.
Early booking discount – 5% early off when you send a deposit prior to January 31st
Large group – enjoy a 5% discount when you party reaches 10 or more people
Returning customer - 5% discount for returning customers
Veteran (active and retired service members) - 5% in honor of R. Hartung, best friend
Journalists - please contact us for details and arrangements
2025 Trip Schedule
All of the trip dates below are tentative until booked. Once, booked, we never cancel (regardless of group size). If your travel plans do not fit any of the dates below, give us a call. We are happy to adjust the launch dates if possible to accommodate your travel itinerary. We are committed to getting you on the river.
Do you have 8 or more people? You can have a private trip! Pick any launch date, not necessarily one from this list. Call us for more information.
White Cliffs | 3 days/2 nights
June 8-10
June 17-19
June 24-26
July 13-15
July 27-29
White Cliffs | 4 days/3 nights
May 19-23 (Private)
June 4-8
June 12-15
June 18-21
June 26-29
June 27-30
July 2-5
July 9-12 (Private)
July 10-13
July 16-19
July 23-26
July 30 - August 2
August 6-9
August 13-16
August 20-23
August 29 - September 1
September 3-6
September 10-13
White Cliffs & Badlands
6 days/5 nights
June 8-13
June 24-29
June 29-July 4
July 13-18
July 27-August 1
White Cliffs & Badlands
7 days/6 nights
June 8-14
June 17-23
June 24-30
July 2-8
July 13-18
July 16-22
July 21-27 - (Private)
July 27-August 2
August 6-12
August 20-26
August 29 - September 4
September 10-16
Badlands | 4 days/3 nights
June 10-13
June 26-29
July 15-18
July 29 - August 1
July 5-8
July 19-22
August 9-12
August 23-26
September 1-4
September 13-16
Badlands | 5 days/4 nights
June 10-14
June 19-23
June 24-28 (Private)
June 26-30
July 15-18
July 29 - August 2
Overview and What to Expect
-
Our curated and thought-out itineraries offer a balance between experiencing serene, peaceful paddling and time out of the canoe to take in the magnificent and varied hiking opportunities, explore, indulge in the history, spend quality time with your fellow travelers, and, of course, relax riverside. Every day is different: daily paddling distances range between 8-26 miles. We offer optional (but amazing) hikes every day ranging from a short jaunt to a bit longer hike. We take breaks throughout the day to stretch, swim and rehydrate. Expect to learn about the rich and fascinating history, geology and more, which is our focus and truly enriches the experience. Guides will spot wildlife and the birding is wonderful.
-
The Upper Missouri is a flat water river with no rapids. Appropriate for all ages and ability levels. Suggested age minimum: 4+ years old. Canoeing or camping novice? No problem! We are here to help, offer instruction and make you feel comfortable and included. Generally, we paddle at a relaxed pace, however, this trip is still an adventure into a remote, wilderness area. You should be in reasonable physical condition.
-
Our groups rarely exceed 14 people. New to group travel? Small group size is our priority, yet we find that meeting and getting to know ‘strangers’ is one of the most enriching aspects of the trip. We typically utilize a ratio of 4 guests to 1 guide.
-
We have the utmost respect for folks who decide to embark on an adventure by themselves. Don’t worry, you won’t have to share a tent. We have solo tents. Also, you will most likely be in a canoe with a guide (not a stranger). Furthermore, our guides will make sure you feel integrated with the group, and they always work towards creating group cohesion.
-
Our expert guides include the owners and a small group of dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate outdoor enthusiasts. Our passion and dedication to the river is unmatched, and we look forward to ensuring an adventuresome and memorable experience for all guests. We are knowledgeable about the history, wildlife and geology of the river, and we pride ourselves in creating an inclusive experience.
-
You provide the following:
Your personal clothes and gear (reference our comprehensive list when packing)
Sleeping bag (you can rent a clean, lightweight bag for $30 if absolutely necessary)
Pillow
Sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.
Optional snacks, beverages and alcohol
Gratuity for the hard working guides: We recommend the following gratuity guideline: $15 - $25 per person per guide per day. But, any amount is appreciated and welcomed.
Additional considerations:
Travel Insurance - For your convenience, we work with Travelex Insurance Services to provide plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Inquire for information.
Shuttle to and from the airport - flying in and don’t want to rent a car? Contact us for current pricing and scheduling information
-
We are very experienced in accommodating any and all food allergies/preferences/restrictions. We collect detailed information about your dietary needs (if any). Do you have picky kids? No problem, we will contact you to chat about their favorite foods and appropriate modifications to our menu items so they feel nourished and comfortable also.
-
Our guides are trained in first aid, CPR and Wilderness First Aid. We are VERY experienced and have already encountered most situations and are prepared to make timely decisions and take the necessary actions to resolve the situation or initiate an exit or evacuation. We carry a professional first aid kit (it’s a big one!) and AED’s. We utilize a Garmin InReach in case of emergencies and follow strict protocols depending on the situation.
Have additional questions?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us below.
What We Provide
Wenonah fiberglass and Kevlar canoes with paddles (12 oz. carbon fiber bent shaft). Read more about our high-end gear and equipment - definitely the best on the river!
Canoe backrests
Life jackets
Waterproof dry bags sufficient to carry all of your gear (multiple sizes, large and small)
Tent - varying sizes & capacities (we will coordinate sleeping arrangements)
Inflatable extra thick ThermaRest sleeping mattress
Complete camp kitchen, including chairs and tables, utensils, etc.
Large waterproof tent to cover dining area
First aid kit
Gear Boat (on most trips)
Food: 3 meals per day starting with lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day, including ALL cooking and clean up. Varying snacks throughout the days. Browse our sample menu
A cooler of locally-crafted beer
Drinking water, juice, iced tea, lemonade, Gatorade, coffee, hot chocolate, tea
Drinking ice: multiple coolers of drinking ice for beverages and cocktails. We encourage you to bring any and all beverages you prefer.
We bring multiple reference books, including the only comprehensive mile-by-mile history digest authored by us. We also bring games appropriate for adults and kids!
In Addition
Advice and logistics assistance throughout the planning process
Detailed preparation and packing list
Consistent and reliable communication for everyone in your group
Pre-trip meeting then night before Launch (not mandatory). We meet at the Grand Union Hotel (or another convenient location depending on where you are staying). During this meeting, we will do introductions, give you dry bags and instruction on packing them efficiently, answer any last minute questions you might have, establish a time to meet at our headquarters the next morning and offer a brief safety talk.
Helpful Resources
The White Cliffs - Detailed Itinerary and More
The Badlands - Detailed Itinerary and More
Hiking in the Upper Missouri River Breaks
Weather, Difficulty and Flow Rates
Quick Facts about the Missouri River and Name Origin
Preparing and Packing for a Canoe Trip
Missouri River from the Sky
Wildlife on the River
Geology
Recommended Reads
Visit our Blog Resources page for more helpful articles and to learn more about this magnificent river corridor.
-
Planning and Logistics
We are here to help make your adventure a reality and, hopefully, if you have time, you stay a bit longer in our great state. These pages offer multitudes of resources to help you plan your trip to Montana and understand the logistics behind every tip option.
-
Private Canoe Trips
Are you organizing a group of adventures, families or friends? We understand this is no easy task, and we can help. We specialize in private and custom canoe trips of all sizes. Whether you prefer to be with only your family or friends or have a group of people, we can arrange a private trip.
-
Kids & Families
Our canoe trips are an ideal experience for families - take everyone on an adventure of a lifetime. A multi-day trip is the perfect way to connect to nature, unplug from technology and the stresses of life AND give your kiddos a chance to wonder and explore. These trips offer incredible and fun hiking options - kids love to scramble around on the rocks, play in the mud, cast a fishing line and watch the stars.
The Upper Missouri River Guides Difference
-
![]()
Our Experience and Highest Quality Service
We have intentionally kept our business small and intimate. We provide unrivaled service to make your adventure enriching and memorable and create a luxury-style experience. BUT, we strive to create a participatory environment and hope you learn from us as we hope to learn from you.
-
![]()
Our Passion for the Outdoors
We are an eclectic, dynamic group of outdoor enthusiasts with a wide arrays of talents, interests and off-season jobs. We all share a deep passion for nature and what it offers the soul. We cherish our great state and all its natural wonders. We fully realize our job is hard work but wildly rewarding, and we know we have the best job in the world!
-
![]()
Best Equipment & Safety
We distinguish ourselves from our competitors by offering the best river canoes and equipment available, most notably our high-tech, kevlar Wenonah canoes, and ultra-light carbon-fiber paddles. We offer a range of tent options, most notably our double occupancy tents have a peak height of 7 feet. Our guides are competent, trained in safety and highly skilled in this remote setting.
-
![]()
Supporting Local Communities and Small Businesses
We support communities and responsible tourism.. We share recommendations for other adventures and direct you to our favorite small businesses. We source locally and support local businesses whenever we can. From Fort Benton to Livingston, Kalispell to Helena, and all communities in between, we love our state and all it has to offer.
-
![]()
Guide Ratio and Small Trips
We maintain a 4 person to 1 guide ratio, ensuring ample time to assist you, provide historical interpretation and free time to explore. Our sweet spot with trip is between 8-14 people (unless you arrange a private trip with a large group). We think one of the most enriching parts of a trip is getting to know strangers, but we also wish to keep the trip intimate and manageable.
-
![]()
Locally-owned and Operated
The owners and guides are local Montanans with deep roots in communities across the state. Fort Benton is the center of our operations, and we support this special community as much as possible. We could not succeed without the dedicated help and friendship of local residents. We hope you visit and stay to explore more of our great state.
-
![]()
Original Owners & Still Guiding!
We retain one of the ORIGINAL owners (and Brett is still guiding 20+ years later). Yes, we are the only guide service that can claim the owners still guide trips regularly. Brett, Haley and the entire guide team work closely together to constantly improve our services. We believe this consistency sets us apart from other companies, and we hope to keep it in the family for generations to come.
-
![]()
Our Menu and Love of Food
You will hear this again and again: we love cooking for people. We are avid gardeners and source locally when available, We are dedicated to creating fresh and nourishing meals. Most of our menu is homemade and hand-crafted to create a menu of classic comforts with creative and thoughtful additions. We are experienced in accommodating any and all food restrictions and requests.
-
![]()
We Authored a Guidebook
Our history digest and guidebook is the only available, comprehensive resource solely dedicated to this section of the Missouri River. It is the go-to reference and demonstrates our passion for the history of this area. It also includes a detailed geology section and more. The passages bring the river to life and allow you to experience the deep, profound connection to the past as you experience the adventure today.
-
![]()
Community Involvement
We serve on multiple non-profit boards throughout the community and focusing on the Missouri River Monument. We also regularly donate trip participation for fundraising auctions and more. We donate Fort Benton organization and school clubs. We believe supporting community is a privilege and help where we can.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We provide all necessary equipment, including canoes or kayaks (based on availability), paddles, life jackets, seat backrests, camp tables and chairs and dry bags for personal items. We offer expert guides and as must historical, geological and wildlife interpretation you can handle. We will provide a packing list for your convenience.
-
We require a $75 deposit per person to secure your spot. We require final payment one week prior to the trip departure. Reservations made within one week of trip departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
-
Deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel a week prior to the launch date, you will not be charged the final payment amount. If you cancel within the week, and we have collected the final payment, this full amount is also non-refundable.
If you need to change the dates, we may be able to transfer your funds to that dates, but we can’t guarantee this. Each cancelation or rescheduling request will be handled on a case by case basis. We understand cancelations happen, but we also need to provide regular and guaranteed work for our amazingly hard working guides. Thank you for your understanding.
-
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
For more information on the available plans click here or contact Travelex Insurance 800-228-9792 and reference location number 26-0056.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. V94
-
We will provide a gourmet lunch (locally sourced or food from our own garden or that we foraged, hunted or fished), snacks and beverages including, cold water, iced tea/lemonade & seltzer water. We can loan you a cooler and provide ice if you wish to bring additional beverages. Browse our sample menu page and get hungry for our amazing food.
Have additional questions?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us below.