Every summer, the town of Perth-Andover, New Brunswick, invites paddlers of all stripes to engage with the Saint John River as it pushes and pulls with a quiet insistence. The Perth-Andover Summer Paddle Fest is more than a recreational event—it's a practical immersion into the river’s many moods, a chance to gauge your skills against the current while basking in the simplicity of open water. Spanning several days, the fest offers multiple paddling routes, slaloms, and challenges for every experience level, from casual kayak novices to seasoned canoe racers.

The routes vary from gentle floats along tree-lined shores to stretches where the river dares you to keep pace with it. Distances range from short 5-kilometer jaunts that let beginners test the water, to 20-kilometer rides that demand stamina and focus. Elevation change is minimal on the river itself, but wind and current form the unseen terrain to navigate—sometimes softly coaxing, sometimes firm in their resistance.

Planning for the festival requires a mix of enthusiasm and preparation. Footwear that dries quickly and grips well on wet surfaces is non-negotiable, and a layered approach to clothing guards against sudden summer chills or sun exposure. Hydration is key—the river may suggest carefree drifting, but your body insists on balance. Tide and current charts are handy guides, helping paddlers pick optimal launch times to harness the river’s flow rather than fight it.

Morning trips bring fog that drifts low over the water, muting colors but sharpening the senses, while afternoons light up sweeping vistas of mixed forest and farmland that line the riverbanks. Wildlife is never far; osprey dive boldly for fish, while turtles peek through reeds like cautious watchers. The event also offers workshops on technique, safety, and river ecology—critical for respecting the powerful, living waterway that the Saint John is.

Beyond the paddle, Perth-Andover offers camping spots just steps from the river’s edge, with opportunities for fireside gatherings when the day’s efforts settle into calm stories and plans for the next day. Whether you're timing your first dip or chasing a personal best, the Summer Paddle Fest places you in direct conversation with a river fiercely itself—welcoming but demanding, alive with challenge and reward.

The Perth-Andover Summer Paddle Fest isn’t just a day out; it’s a layered adventure, a practical test of skills and a sensory journey through one of New Brunswick’s most dynamic river corridors. Prepare well, paddle hard, and expect a stage where nature leads and adventure follows.