May 7th Hours: 12pm - 7:30pm. Last boat out at 6:30. A great day to get some sun on the water!

Newton

Come paddle at the historic boathouse in Newton!

Enjoy the historic Lakes District of the Charles, a six-mile stretch of flatwater with little current. This section of river, which is largely bordered by parkland and forest, was once a haven for canoeists looking to escape the city — and is again today!

In addition to hourly and daily rentals of canoes, kayaks, and SUP boards, we also host relaxing Moonlight Tours and Kayak and Paddleboarding Classes.

Where to Stop While Paddling
There are a number of locations where paddlers can stop to eat, rest, or walk. State-owned Forest Grove Park is a small peninsula with a sand beach and short, informal walking trails located about a mile upstream. The City of Newton’s Auburndale Park is located about 1.5 miles downstream, and offers a sand beach, playground, ballfields, picnic area, and seasonal restrooms.

Paddling Safety Information
Before you come, feel free to read our Charles River Paddling Safety Information (also available in Spanish and Portuguese) and take our fun quiz

Paddling Maps

Click to enlarge the map.

On-site Rental Rates

Boat	0 - 1.5 Hours	1.5 - 3 Hours	Full Day
Single Kayak (1 adult)	$35	$45	$57
Double Kayak (2 adults)	$51	$64	$78
Kid’s Kayak (age 6-12)	$17	$30	$41
Kid’s Paddleboard (age 6-12)	$17	$30	$41
Paddleboard (1 adult)*	$35	$45	$57
Canoe (3 adults or 2 adults & 2 kids )*	$51	$64	$78
XL Canoe (up to 5 adults)*	$63	$74	$89
Paddleboat (up to 4 adults)*	$51	$64	$78
Rowboat (3 adults or 2 adults & 2 kids )*	$51	$64	$78

Location

2401 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, Massachusetts 02466

Parking: Rental parking is across the river, but “Newton boathouse Public Parking” into your gps. Use the stairs at the far end of the lot to return to Rt. 30 and cross the bridge– it’s less than a 5min walk. The small lot adjacent to the boathouse is reserved for visitors unable to manage the walk and pickup or drop-off of passengers and boats.

Get Directions