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TOURS, CLASSES, LESSONS

EXPERIENCE TRAVERSE CITY’S HOT SPOTS

Don’t let fear of the unknown get in the way of creating your perfect vacation!

Paddle TC is here to help. We have experts on hand for lessons (group or individual). We also have the ability to set up tours (with or without a guide). We know the area, we know the equipment, and would love to pass the knowledge on to you. Let us know what you need to make you or any in your party feel more comfortable.

All tours require minimum requirements for the number of people, please see tour details below for specifics. If your party has less than the required amount of people, the cost will be based on the minimum. If we have two small groups we are always happy to combine groups to meet the requirements.

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A ‘HULL OF A RIDE’… A WATER/BIKE COMBO ALONG THE BOARDMAN RIVER

When: All Day* – Click Book Now below to reserve

Party size: Minimum guided group size of 4, Unguided parties of any size
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $45 (Bike & Kayak rental included) $35 for a child
Ages: 6 and up
Duration: ~ 2 hours
Distance: 3 miles (1.5 Paddle – 1.5 Mile bike on TART trail)
Begins and ends at: Paddle TC Booth – Clinch Park OR Hull Park (for your convenience, you can do this tour from either direction)
Guided: Guided or Unguided – Please call to schedule a guide
Paddle TC Staff – Jeffrey B, Hunter S, Tim B

What to bring: Backpack, water, sunscreen, high-energy snack, clothing, and footwear appropriate to paddling and peddling (your feet will get wet!).

As with all of Paddle TC’s tours, you can book this tour with or without a guide. This bike/kayak combo offers a taste of both worlds. Leaving Hull Park the Boardman River meanders its way through parts of East Front Street with the tourist-packed boardwalk then crosses under Union Street as it makes its way to Clinch Park on the banks of West Bay.

Enjoy the lake views or time your trip to take advantage of a show in the amphitheater or enjoy a picnic lunch in the gazebo or pavilion before jumping on your rental bike (that is waiting for you) and peddling back to Clinch Park via the TART Trail. What? You would rather bike first? We can accommodate that! In fact, you decide. You can bike from Hull Park to Clinch Park and paddle a kayak board upstream to Hull Park. Or vice versa. You can bike or paddle in either direction. Whatever you decide, the loop offers a few hours of outdoor fun in the sun. It’s one ‘Hull of a Tour’!

*The ‘Hull of Ride’ Tour is available on the weekends, but may not be available on the weekdays due to ongoing bridge construction. We have been acting on a case-by-case basis due to the developing construction in the area – as the construction changes, we adjust accordingly. Click here for more information about Traverse City Bridge Construction

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A ‘LOON – E’ ESCAPE… A WATER/BIKE COMBO TO CEDAR LAKE

When: Daily – call for an appointment

Party size: Minimum guided group size of 4, Call for availability
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: $60 Adult (Bike/Kayak rental included) $45 Child (Bike/Kayak included)
Ages: 14 and up
Duration: ~ 2 – 3 hours
Distance: ~ 8-9 miles (~6 Mile on TART Trail and 2 Miles on Cedar Lake)
Begins and ends at: Paddle TC – Clinch Park
Guided: Guided
Paddle TC Staff – Jeffrey B.

What to bring: Clothing and footwear appropriate biking, Backpack, Snacks, and Water

Loons, eagles, and all manners of waterfowl call Cedar Lake home. Cedar Lake is one of Traverse City’s best-kept secrets. This tour, with, or without a guide, begins and ends on your bike at Paddle TC’s rental booth on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. You will pedal approximately three miles on level terrain, skirting the bay, then heading north on the Leelanau Trail to reach your awaiting kayak and the wildlife that accompanies Cedar Lake. Paddling your vessel of choice, you can begin exploring the two miles of wooded shoreline of Cedar Lake. Many visitors are amazed to find this type of tranquil, nature so close to the downtown area. Keep your camera handy. Pedal. Paddle. Pedal! Pedal the three miles back to Paddle TC’s rental booth.

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KAYAKING + BREW TOUR = KABREW!

When: Everyday – Click Book Now below to reserve

Party size: 2-16 Adults
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $69 (Bike & Kayak/Paddle Board rental included)
Ages: 21 and up
Duration: ~ 4 hours
Distance: 3-4 miles (1.5-2 Miles Paddle – 1.5-2 Miles bike on TART trail)
Guided: Guided or Unguided
Staff – Max L. & Anthony R.

What to bring: $$ to sample libations, ID, clothing, and footwear appropriate for paddling and peddling. Your feet will get wet!

Kayaking + Brew = KaBrew. Take a kayak trip along the Boardman River in Traverse City and stop along the way at some of the best craft breweries in Northern Michigan and you have what is called a KaBrew! Join us on a KaBrew adventure any day of the week from 3:30 -7:30 pm or other times please call to make an appointment.

Oddly enough, your KaBrew adventure will start on a bike. Pedal to the Right Brain Brewery to enjoy your first pint. Head to the Filling Station for your next round. After the Filling Station, you will continue on your bike to Hull Park where your kayak awaits. Launch the kayak and float down the Boardman River to either The Rare Bird or The Parlor. Jump back in the kayak to paddle downstream for your last brew at The Workshop!

Repeat through the summer as necessary!!

Our KaBrew are run by Kayak Brewery Tours!

Sample KaBrew Trip Schedule

10:30 am: Check-In at Kayak Bike & Brew Lounge
11:00 am: Hop on a bicycle and ride to…
11:15-12:00 pm: Right Brain Brewery
12:00 – 12:45 pm: The Filling Station Microbrewery
1:00: Launch Kayaks at Hull Park
1:30 – 2:15 pm: Rare Bird Brewpub
2:50 pm: Clinch Park Beach
3:00 pm: End at The Workshop Brewing Company!

*The above schedule is a sample tour, we also have 3 other potential breweries.

Please arrive for check-in 30 minutes prior to your tour.

We also offer other tour times throughout the day, click the book now button for details.

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PADDLE BOARD SUP YOGA

When: Daily, 8:00 am or 9:00 am, or by appointment

Party size: Minimum group size of 4, Call for availability
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Cost: $30 (Paddleboard rental included) Cost is $10 if you bring your own paddle board.
Ages: 6 and up
Duration: ~ 1 hour
Distance: <1 mile depending on route choices of group
Begins and ends at: Paddle TC Booth – Clinch Park
Guided: Guided
Paddle TC Staff – Emily H.

What to bring:

Sunscreen, clothing appropriate for fitness or bathing suit, water bottle

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is all the rage. SUP is the fastest-growing water sport in the world. Combine surfing with kayaking and you’ve got stand up paddleboarding.

The reason so many people are drawn to paddleboarding is that it’s an amazing full-body workout that improves your core strength, cardio fitness, balance, and flexibility with virtually no impact. Plus, it’s fun to get out on the water to enjoy the tranquil beauty of West Bay, so it hardly feels like exercise.

Even though paddleboarding is a total-body workout, people of all ages and fitness levels can try the sport. Many SUP boarders use it for a cross-training workout. It improves your core strength and balance, especially when incorporating yoga on the board.

Paddle TC offers many SUP lessons including SUP yoga lessons, as well as group and individual technique lessons for boarders of all levels.

The yoga classes located at Clinch Park on West Bay are typically scheduled for early mornings or evenings when the bay is calmer.

Please reserve your spot online today, groups may be combined if attendance is low.

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‘BREWBI’… A BREWERIES BY BIKE TOUR

When: Daily 4:15 pm – 6:30 pm, or by appointment

Party size: Minimum group size of 4, Call for availability
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $35 (Bike rental included)
Ages: 21 and up
Duration: ~ 2 hours
Distance: 2 – 8 miles depending on route choices of group
Begins and ends at: Paddle TC Booth – Clinch Park
Guided: Guided or Unguided
Paddle TC Staff – Nick F.

What to bring:$$ to sample libations, ID, Sunscreen, clothing, and footwear appropriate for biking, a backpack (if desired)

Michigan is taking the craft brewery industry by storm and Traverse City is right in the thick of it! Join in the fun. Let our guides come up with the perfect combination of breweries for you and your group. The brewmasters in Traverse City await you! Your brewbi (breweries by bike) will stop at a minimum of three local breweries and may include: a trip along Boardman Lake, a pedal upon the beloved TART Trail, or a bicycle ride through TC’s historical downtown district. If you have one, bring your TC Ale Trail Passport and collect stamps along the way. With so much to experience and so many breweries to choose from, you might just want to try this trip multiple times this summer. Remember, each trip is subject to your unique interests and tastes! Bathrooms are available throughout the tour.

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‘ON TOP OF THE WORLD’… A BIKING TOUR THROUGH THE OLD STATE HOSPITAL

When: Daily – call for an appointment

Party size: Minimum guided group size of 4, Call for availability
Difficulty: Moderate – Advanced
Cost: $40 Adult (bike rental included) $30 Child (bike rental included)
Ages: 10 and up
Duration: ~ 2 hours
Distance: 6-7 miles (2 Mile Trail and Hill Climb)
Begins and ends at: Paddle TC – Clinch Park
Guided: Guided
Paddle TC Staff – Jeffrey B.

What to bring: Clothing and footwear appropriate for mountain biking and Water

You’ve heard the stories. You’ve read about the amazing renovations. Now, come and see for yourself! But, you better bring your ‘A’ game as this biking tour requires some serious leg and lung power as you navigate through the woods and meadows of the Old State Hospital. The hospital and its grounds are one of Traverse City’s most spectacular historical destinations. Your tour guide will answer questions, feed you local tidbits, stories, and antidotes as you pedal by beautiful views and landscapes including the largest black willow tree in Michigan. This guided, two-hour adventure begins with a lung-searing climb to ‘the top of the world’ to what many would call the best vista in Traverse City. It is totally worth the pain. Your ride continues with a ride through glacial hills, a botanic garden, and one of the premier historical restorations in the country. Your alpine efforts will be well rewarded with a stop at the Grand Traverse Commons where you can grab a tasty treat, sample some local libations (21 and older), or browse a variety of unique stores at the famous Mercato. This is definitely a biking experience you won’t soon forget! Bathrooms are available midway through the tour.

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A ‘STATELY’ HIKE… A HIKE THROUGH THE GROUND OF THE OLD STATE HOSPITAL

When: Daily – call for appointment

Party size: Minimum guided group size of 4, Call for availability
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: $15 Adult $10 Child
Ages: 8 and up
Duration: ~ 1.5-2 hours
Distance: 1.5-2.5 miles (Trail and Hill Climb)
Begins and ends at: Left Foot Charlie, located on the State Hospital grounds
Guided: Guided
Paddle TC Staff – Jeffrey B.

What to bring: Clothing and footwear appropriate hiking and Water

You’ve heard the stories. You’ve read about the amazing renovations. Now, come and see for yourself! Get up close and personal as you enjoy the two-hour hike around the grounds of the Old State Hospital, discovering the history behind the restorations that have received national recognition. You will understand why the history, grounds, gardens, renovations, and variety of unique shops have catapulted this area of Traverse City into one of the most sought-after destinations in Northern Michigan. The repurposed hospital and its grounds are one of Traverse City’s most spectacular historical attractions. Your tour guide will answer questions, feed you local tidbits, stories, and antidotes as you hike the grounds of the Old State Hospital. This guided, two-hour hike spans spring-soaked hills, meandering woodland paths, meadows, and the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. After a quick stop at the Visitor Center, you will finish your journey along level terrain as you trek through the Grand Traverse Commons. Your trip concludes, back where you started, adjacent to Building 50, where you can grab a tasty treat, sample some local libations (21 and older), or browse a variety of unique stores at the famous Mercato. Bathrooms are available at the beginning and end of the tour.

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‘IT’S A GEAR CHANGER’… AN EGO BUILDING BIKE RIDE ON THE VASA TRAIL

When: Daily – AM only, or call for an appointment

Party size: Minimum guided group size of 4, Call for availability
Difficulty: Advanced
Cost: $60 Adult (bike rental included) $45 Child (bike rental included)
Ages: 14 and up
Duration: ~ 4 – 5 hours
Distance: ~ 31 miles (~15 Mile on VASA Single Track)
Begins and ends at: Paddle TC – Clinch Park
Guided: Guided
Paddle TC Staff – Jeffrey B.

What to bring: Clothing and footwear appropriate for mountain biking, Backpack, Snacks, and Water

The beauty and terrain-changes of the Pere Marquette State Forest beacon all that want a workout as well as unbelievable vistas along the way. Your legs will complete the much-needed warm-up on the flat, paved eight-mile trek heading east of Traverse City to hook up with the VASA Trail (of cross-country skiing fame). Then, our Paddle TC staff will take you on a fifteen-mile, fast-paced ride through the network of unmarked, single-track trails known to the locals. Just as your legs and lungs are calling for relief, the eight-mile, flat terrain return trip on the paved trail will serve as the perfect cooldown! This thirty-one-mile workout is one that you may want to sign up for time and again!

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KAYAK RENTAL

It has been said that water living reigns supreme. Whoever first uttered those words must have been sitting atop a kayak as there is no other vessel that makes you feel like you are part of the water as a kayak. Paddle TC has single and double kayaks available for your next water adventure.

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PADDLE BOARD RENTAL

Have you tried it yet? It’s fun! It’s a total workout. And, it’s all the rage! We have the board that is right for you, whether you are a beginner or an experienced boarder.

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BIKE RENTAL

The very best way to get around downtown Traverse City is on a bike. Let Paddle TC set you up. You’ll look sweet upon the seat of an Electra Bike Townie or Cruiser from Paddle TC. Imagine whipping through town while avoiding the vehicle congestion as you make your way to the destinations of your choice.

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THINGS TO DO IN TRAVERSE CITY

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