Borchers, located in the heart of Grayling, has a long history of providing canoe and kayak trips down the AuSable River.

Founded by Ernie Borchers in 1936, it is one of the oldest liveries in Grayling. Borchers has a long tradition of being family owned, operated, and oriented.

From our Grayling location, we provide various length trips for all skill levels beginning with a 2 1/2 hour leisurely float to Burtons Landing.

We also offer 4 & 5 1/2 hour trips to Stephan Bridge and Wakeley Bridge landings. The river flows at a gentle 3 to 5 miles per hour, and ranges in depth from 18 to 36 inches. Many natural stops along the river allow canoeists a break, where they may choose to wade or swim. The name AuSable means of sand which is evident by its sand and gravel river bed. Although many different species of fish may be seen in the AuSable River, the Grayling for which our town is named, is now extinct in the area and may only be found in Alaska and the Arctic.

Borchers AuSable River canoe & kayak trips offer a variety of natural beauty amidst the crystal clear waters. As canoeists make their way down the AuSable River from our location in Grayling, they may see an array of wildlife, such as beaver, muskrat, blue heron, mink, and deer. There is even a chance they may see a bald eagle. Silent paddling will encourage the wildlife to stay put, allowing canoeists a closer look than ever imagined.

Borchers has ample parking in our large grassy yard. Pull in, park, and sign up for your trip. Your canoe or kayak will be waiting at our dock for your trip down river. At the end of your trip, a Borchers driver will be waiting with a van and trailer to transport you and your watercraft back to Grayling.

Back in the '30s canoes were made of wood and canvas and had to be stored in the boathouse. Borchers now offers both aluminum and polyethylene canoes as well as kayaks and we have remodeled our boathouse for our canoeists' convenience.

While signing up for your trip, check out our t-shirts, hats and can holders. Borchers also has ice, snacks, sunscreen and other river necessities.

Trips, Times and Rates

In case of rain, we ask our customers with reservations to wait until 1:00 pm. If the conditions are not suitable for canoeing by then, a rain check will be issued. The rain check must be used by reservation within 12 months.

All prices are for 2 persons per canoe. Additional passengers over 12 years of age are $3.00 per person.

Borchers Day Trips

Two, Three, and Four Day Trips

Five Day Trips

Maps of the AuSable River

Upper AuSable River: