An Impressive Kayak Tour along the Detroit River - Some Advice on Enjoying Yourself Most

 Some people will associate Detroit with steel and industry, and the Detroit River with waterway. While others regard the river - a strait between Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie - as a pretty drawing, the perfect place to drive a motorboat, catch fish and kayaking.

The Detroit River is about 30 miles or 50 kilometers long, flowing from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. It is divided into three parts by Ambassador Bridge and La Salle. This river boasts a series of islands and acts as the border between Canada and the US.

Many paddlers will come here every year, particularly in midsummer, to feast their eyes. Some will kayak only the upper section while others prefer to flow along the whole river. Since the first time comers are always inclined to spend a lot of time on sightseeing, it will take them more time to finish the tour. On average, it takes 5-8 hours to complete the trip.

    
Here are some advices on canoeing the upper section of the river, from Lake St. Clair to Ambassador Bridge.

You can start from Kayak Cove on the Canadian side, which is said to be the best way to enter the river mouth. Free public parking is available in the nearby park. This part of the river flows from east to west with the prevailing winds blowing opposite the current and building some impressive waves. Moving downstream, you will pass Peche Island, which is the home to nesting Great Horned Owl and a pair of Bald Eagles.

If you are on the American side, you can take off from Belle Island, where you can see the Detroit Yacht Club and the Detroit Boat Club. Coming around the end of the island to the east, you just need to paddle back upstream to come to the International Peace Fountain. This is a beautiful and impressive fountain that shoots streams of water in the air with pulsating jets and lights.