Connect with the James
James River Guided Paddles
Join the James River Association on guided canoe and kayak programs on the James River and its tributaries in the Richmond region.
James River RX
The James River Association is prescribing you a dose of nature!
Pints and Paddles
Catch up with other Lynchburg locals and enjoy an hour long after work paddle on the iconic James River.
We believe the best way to develop an appreciation for the James River is to connect with it!
We offer guided canoe and kayak programs to connect people to the history and natural resources of the James and its tributaries through outdoor recreation from March until November. We also offer monthly James River Rx sessions that use ecotherapy practices to connect people to nature through art, journaling, meditation, and a variety of other mindful practices.
Spending time in nature, especially near water, offers great benefits to our emotional, mental, and physical well being. Take care of yourself and join James River Association staff members on an upcoming program to learn about the river and become a better steward of our natural resources.
Preregistration is required for all programs. Participants must review and agree to the Essential Eligibility Criteria and the Release and Waiver of Liability to participate. The James River Association will provide canoes and kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices to participants. Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing appropriate for being outdoors and getting wet.
Registration fees are considered donations to the James River Association and are not refundable. In the event a program is canceled, James River Association staff members will make an effort to reschedule it. Registration opens approximately 2 weeks prior to trip date. Registration links will be provided below as they open.
Introduction to Canoeing (Ages 16+) $15/participant
Join the James River Association for canoe instruction at Turkey Island Creek. Participants will learn introductory canoeing skills from James River Association staff members certified by the American Canoe Association. Canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices are provided by the James River Association.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Turkey Island Creek This paddle has been canceled.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Turkey Island Creek 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Explore Turkey Island Creek by Canoe (Ages 16+) $15/participant
Join the James River Association and REI for a guided tour of Turkey Island Creek by canoe. Participants will launch from the James River Association’s Turkey Island Creek property and learn about the natural and historic resources of Turkey Island Creek and the James River. Canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices are provided by the James River Association.
Saturday, April 11, 2020 Turkey Island Creek 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Explore Richmond’s Riverfront by Canoe (Ages 16+)
$15/participant
Join the James River Association for a guided tour of Richmond’s riverfront by canoe. Participants will launch from Great Shiplock Park and learn about the natural and historic resources of Richmond’s riverfront and the James River. Canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices are provided by the James River Association.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 Great Shiplock Park 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Great Shiplock Park 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Great Shiplock Park 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, July 8, 2020 Great Shiplock Park 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Great Shiplock Park 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020 Great Shiplock Park 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Explore Hopewell’s Riverfront by Canoe (Ages 16+) $15/participant
Join the James River Association for a guided tour of Hopewell’s riverfront by canoe. Participants will launch from Hopewell City Marina and learn about the natural and historic resources of Hopewell’s riverfront, the Appomattox River, and the James River. Canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices are provided by the James River Association.
Wednesday, June 17, 2019 Hopewell City Marina 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2019 Hopewell City Marina 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon (Canoe Programs – Ages 16+) $20/participant
Celebrate James River Week and the Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon with the James River Association! Join staff members on a guided canoe program launching from Henrico County’s Osborne Park & Boat Landing. Participants will learn about the natural resources of the James River and the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, which make their annual spawning migration up the James River in late summer.
Thursday, September 17, 2020 Osborne Park & Boat Landing 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm $20
Thursday, September 17, 2020 Osborne Park & Boat Landing 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm $20
Explore Powhatan Creek by Kayak (Ages 16+) FREE – Pre-Registration required
Join the James River Association for a guided tour of Powhatan Creek by kayak. Participants will launch from James City County Marina and learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and the James River. Kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided by James City County.
Monday, April 6, 2020 James City County Marina This paddle has been canceled.
Monday, May 4, 2020 James City County Marina 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Monday, June 1, 2020 James City County Marina 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 20, 2020 James City County Marina 10:00am – 12:00pm
Monday, July 6, 2020 James City County Marina 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Monday, August 3, 20 James City County Marina 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Monday, September 7, 2020 James City County Marina 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Explore Powhatan Creek by Canoe (Ages 16+) FREE – Pre-registration required
Join the James River Association for a guided tour of Powhatan Creek by canoe. Participants will learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and the James River. Canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided by the James River Association. For one-way paddles a shuttle will be provided by James City County.
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020 James City County Marina 10:00am – 12:00pm
Program will begin at the James City County Marina and end at Powhatan Creek Park.
Monday, October 5, 2020 Powhatan Creek Park 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
This is an out-and-back paddle and does not require a shuttle.
The James River Association is prescribing you a dose of nature! Research has shown that intentional time in nature is good for our physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s time to slow down, put down your phone, notice what’s around you, and simply breathe in the fresh air. Participants should expect a brief meditation, connection exercises like journaling, art, exploration, and sharing this experience with others in the group.
There are recurring James River Rx sessions in the James River Park System in Richmond on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Based on participants, needs, and seasons the time could change. There will also be special events throughout the watershed at various points in the year.
These experiences will be led by Amber Ellis, JRA’s Watershed Restoration Manager, who has a certificate in Ecotherapy through the EarthBody Institute. If you have any questions about our James River Rx program, please contact aellis@jrava.org for more information
“Loved the location, off of the beaten path, loved the people in attendance. Amber guided us through with love and care-for ourselves and nature. Looking forward to attending more! Thank you!”
“I was much calmer for the rest of the day, and I felt much more connected and renewed in my appreciation of nature and my life.”
James River Rx attendeeJames River Adventures is located in Amherst County across from historic downtown Lynchburg where you can enjoy cruising the city’s riverfront and within minutes be in a beautiful, natural river setting teaming with fish, birds and other wildlife. This section of the river provides a spectacular view as the river winds through riffles, pools and rock ledges. Take your own historic journey and join us for some fun on the James!
This summer we are teaming up the Water Dog for Pints After Paddles!
Every Thursday beginning at 5:00 pm. Register through JamesRiverAdventures.org.
Catch up with other locals and enjoy an hour long after work paddle on the iconic James River. After the paddle, we will reconvene at the Water Dog to celebrate spending time outside in Lynchburg!
Can’t make it to one of our Connect with the James programs? Join us at James River Adventures in Lynchburg. We offer canoe and kayak trips, stand up paddleboards, and tubing trips from April to October. Join us for an hour, an afternoon, or a whole day on the James!
