Starlight & Moonlight Canoe Tours

Experience canoeing by the light of the moon, or beneath a sky full of stars on the Cascade Lakes!

These tours are offered every night of the week! Our full moon and new moon dates are listed at the bottom of this page!

Don’t see the date you’re looking for?
Please call our office at (541) 389-8359 to check availability.

CARE TO MAKE YOUR TOUR PRIVATE?

Any group tour of 10 or more people (or price equivalent) can be made private and customized to your needs. Learn more >>

ABOUT THE TOUR

Adventure: Wanderlust Tours is the premier destination for canoe tours in Bend, Oregon! Join us on this astounding paddle on the high elevation mountain lakes in the mighty Cascade Range. 

Naturalist Guided Experience: Our renowned naturalist guides will highlight the sweet spots on these stunning lakes that might not initially meet the eye. During our 2 hours on the water, along with the fun and intrigue, we may impart an understanding of the heaven’s starlight illuminating the darkness. Age-old stories and myths mixed with astronomy will enlighten just as the stars do. The silence of the evening hours provides a chance to hear companions of the forest going about their evening activities.  Your crew will be energized with revelations about natural and cultural history that’ll keep your mind humming with delight long after you return home with fond memories of the tour.

Location: On this tour, you’ll take in the sights and sounds nighttime has to offer while paddling one of the beautiful, high-elevation Cascade Lakes. There is nothing more peaceful, or spectacular than being out on these pristine waters at night.

Plan your tour around a new or full moon with our list below!

DETAILS

$120 per person
Recommended for children 12 and older

DEPARTURE TIMES:
June 1 - July 14: 8:00PM - 12:00AM
July 15 - Aug 14: 7:30 PM - 11:30PM
Aug 15 - Oct 31: 7:00PM - 11:00PM

Transportation: Departing from our office, 30-45 minutes one-way

Tour INCLUDES

• Professional naturalist guide & award-winning interpretation

• Gear: canoes, paddles, PFDs, headlamps

• Drinks: Hot Cocoa or local craft beer from Deschutes Brewery — Please indicate which you would prefer at time of booking. (non-alcoholic options available, please inquire at booking)

• Treats: Local dessert from Sparrow Bakery

  • Gluten-free options for dessert are available.
    Please request ahead of time.

• Transportation departing from our office

PLEASE BRING

• Layers: warm clothing including a shell jacket for variable weather

  • Your guide will help you to board and launch your boat without getting your feet wet whenever possible, so feel free to wear long pants and athletic shoes.

• Miscellaneous Gear: Water bottle, camera (protect electronics with a waterproof case/bag), daypack (optional)

Our canoes have two paddling positions and include room in the middle for a third non-paddling passenger. Canoe tours are best for all ages and skill levels. The weight limit per a canoe is 1100 lbs.

Special Summer Night Sky Dates 2024

Watching the full moon rise over the mountains and into the night sky is a truly awe-inspiring moment. During the new moon phase, the lack of moonlight brings even greater illumination and depth to the galaxies and star systems above us.

June
6/6: New Moon
6/20-22: Full Moon

July
7/5: New Moon
7/20-22: Full Moon

August
8/4: New Moon
8/11: Perseids Meteor Shower Visual Peak
8/18-20: Full Moon (Super moon on August 19th!)

September
9/2: New Moon
9/16-18: Full Moon (Super moon & partial lunar eclipse on September 18th!)

October
10/2: New Moon
10/7: Draconids Meteor Shower Visual Peak (Meteor shower will last from Oct. 6th - 10th, peaking on Oct. 7th. The astrological forecast indicates excellent visibility with 5-10 meteors per hour.)
10/16-18: Full Moon (Super moon on October 17th!)

Reviews courtesy of Google & Trip Advisor

Unfortunately, we cannot allow dogs on our tours. Please reach out to Ponderosa Paws for your dog-sitting needs.