Umiak

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters covers nearly every way to get outside in Stowe, whatever the season. From spring through fall, Umiak rents canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards and leads guided paddles on the Lamoille River and the Waterbury Reservoir, with river shuttles so you can float downstream and skip the paddle back up. Fall brings foliage paddles, along with a waterfall and covered bridge tour for anyone who’d rather stay on dry land. When the snow arrives, the guides switch to snowshoes and lead tours through the woods and maple sugarbushes, along with sledding outings and backcountry ski trips. The shop in Stowe’s lower village sells and rents gear for paddling, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing, and the staff are glad to help you figure out where to go and what to bring.

Umiak’s shop on South Main Street is about 10 minutes from Topnotch, and its summer locations put rentals right at the water’s edge. Tours and rentals change with the seasons, so check Umiak’s website for current offerings and booking details. Wherever you paddle, clean, drain, and dry your boat before moving to a new lake or river. Then come back to Topnotch for dinner at The Roost and trade stories about who came closest to tipping the canoe.