Charles River Canoe & Kayak

Specialties

Charles River Canoe & Kayak specializes in canoe and kayak rentals with locations throughout the Boston area (Cambridge-​Kendall Square, Boston-​Allston/​Brighton, Newton-​Nahanton Park, and Waltham-​Moody Street). All locations have stable single kayaks, fun double kayaks, and family-​friendly canoes. We offer group and corporate outings, birthday parties, ten-​person canoes, and much more!

We offer amazing guided tours like our Skyline & Sunset Tours from Kendall Square, our Boston Harbor Tours from Kendall Square, our Barbeque Kayak Tours from Kendall Square, and our Kayak Eco-​Tour from Newton-​Nahanton Park.

We also have a full-​service Paddling Store at 132 Charles Street in Newton and a Paddling School that offers classes and sea kayaking trips.

History

Established in 1973.

Our original Charles River Canoe & Kayak location in Newton/​Auburndale was created when our founder, Mike Farny, envisioned recreational use of the Charles River, a remarkable resource that was largely ignored by the Greater Boston community.

Our Boston location in Allston/​Brighton opened in 1993 and, for the first time, allowed Bostonians to access the river that they’d walked along and across for generations.

In 2009 we opened a second rental center on the Charles River Basin, this time in Kendall Square, Cambridge. Paddlers experience spectacular skyline views right off our dock, whether renting or on a tour. Paddlers can also enjoy one-​way trips to and from our Allston/​Brighton location.

In 2010 we opened a rental location in Newton’s Nahanton Park on one of the longest uninterrupted stretches of the Charles.

Coming in 2015: a new location at Moody Street Dam in Waltham, on the calm and beautiful Charles River Lakes District.

Meet the Manager

Pete N.

Manager

Pete has been with Charles River Canoe and Kayak for five years and is very excited to be managing their new location in Waltham. Whether it be in Long Island, NY where he grew up, the New England coast, or the Caribbean, Pete is on the water any chance he gets. He is ACA Stand up Paddleboard level 2 certified and enjoys paddleboard racing and surfing. He is joined by his awesome staff in Waltham who love to paddle and focus on great customer service.