Family Paddle at Dusk: River Mammals

As the sun dips low and the river quiets down, the Ipswich River comes alive with some of its most charismatic residents. On this family canoe trip, you'll paddle the river at dusk with a certified instructor, watching for muskrats, beavers, and otters while learning to read the clues they leave behind—gnawed tree stumps, bank burrows, and the telltale slap of a broad tail on water.

Before you launch, your instructor will guide everyone through the basics of canoe safety and paddle technique, so the whole family feels confident on the water. The Ipswich River was once listed among the most endangered rivers in the country; an evening on it quickly shows you why it's worth protecting.