Canoe and Kayak Trips

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 1932, 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, 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 canoe & kayak trips offer a variety of natural beauty amidst the crystal clear waters. As canoeists make their way down the AuSable 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 Borchers 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.

• Season and hours
• Trips, Times and Rates
• Map of the AuSable river
• Local Organizations

Sundae Sundays

We sober canoeists!

Season and Hours

River trips available Spring, Summer and Fall.

River hours are from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm^*, Sun - Fri.
8:00 am to 6:30 pm Saturday.
* Subject to weather and scheduling changes.

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:

Lower AuSable River:

Canoeing Tips

STAY SOBER

• Operating a watercraft while intoxicated is illegal.
• Please: No more than one six pack of beer per canoe.
• Hard liquor, kegs, party balls, glass containers and styrofoam coolers are prohibited.
• Maintain your partying within reasonable limits.
• We reserve the right to check coolers.
• We reserve the right to refuse service.

DO YOUR PART

• Keep the river clean. Littering is punishable by a fine of up to $400.
• Use heavy-duty coolers and water proof bags or containers and tie them to canoes.
• Leave wildlife and plants undisturbed.
• Protect the river for future generations.

PRACTICE SAFE CANOEING

• Michigan law requires that any person 6 years of age or under wear a life vest while canoeing. We provide life vests for all persons wishing to wear them.
• Bring old shoes for wading or swimming.
• Remember sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellant.
• Dress in layers, mornings are often cool.
• Leave valuables and non-waterproof cameras in the car.
• Secure keys in bags or pockets.

THE RIVER IS A QUIET PLACE

• Leave portable radios behind.
• Much of the property on the river is privately owned by our friends and neighbors, please respect their rights and privacy; stop only at public landings.
• Please share the river with fisherman, leave room and quietly pass them.
• Travel single file, do not tie or raft your canoes together.

COOPERATE WITH MARINE DEPUTIES

• Their job is to assist canoeists and other river users. They enforce regulations regarding litter, trespassing and improper river use, making river travel safer and more enjoyable.

Have a good trip!
Mark, Cheri, and the Borcher's Canoe Crew

Proud Member and Supporter of the Following:

• Grayling AuSable Paddlesports Association

• Michigan Association of Paddlesport Providers

• Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Grayling Visitors Bureau