Water Activities in Lancaster, PA

The Susquehanna River

The Susquehanna River is an excellent spot for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boating. You'll want to explore the river's quiet beauty, learn about her resources and the history and culture of our river towns from a series of riverside interpretive panels.

Scattered along a 53-mile span from the Mason-Dixon Line to Harrisburg, the Susquehanna Water Trail has placed these panels to allow visitors to better understand the natural, cultural or historic events and resources of the river.

Canoeing, Boating, Kayaking & Tubing

One of your best bets for various types of boating in Lancaster County is the Susquehanna River, and there are many places along the river that have access ramps, including one at Columbia Crossings River Trails Center.

For a guided kayaking trip, check out Chiques Rock Outfitters. Their expert guides will empower you with the skills to safely navigate the waters. If you're looking for an activity that the whole family can enjoy, book with kayakLanCo. Their Conestoga River tour is the perfect option for adventurers of all ages!

Sickman's Mill Outfitters offers tubing and kayaking trips down the Pequea Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River that runs for 49.2 miles from the eastern border of Lancaster County to the village of Pequea.

Just across the Susquehanna River, in Wrightsville, is the home to Chief Uncas! A 1912 electric-powered boat. Take a cruise down the Susquehanna on one of Susquehanna NHA River Discovery Tours!

The Conestoga River is also a popular waterway for canoeing and kayaking. The Class 1 river runs for 60 miles, emptying into the Susquehanna.

Another great spot for canoeing and kayaking is the Pennsylvania Fish And Boat Commission’s 106 acre Speedwell Forge Lake, located above Lititz, PA. With ample spots to park and put in, this spot is beautiful, especially during the fall.

Before you hit the water, remember that unpowered watercraft require either a Launch Permit or Unpowered Registration to be either launched or retrieved at a PFBC Access Area.

River Towns

When you dock your boat or reel in your line, you often don't have to go far for more things to do and places to eat! PA Dutch Country river towns such as Columbia, Wrightsville and Marietta offer spectacular water views and activities, but they are also rich with heritage and history, fine dining and antique shops.

Fishing & Fly Fishing

There are many great spots for fishing in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. A current fishing license signed in ink is required of persons age 16 and over to fish or angle for any species of fish and to take fishbait, baitfish and species of amphibians and reptiles from lands and waters of the Commonwealth. Purchase your fishing license on the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission website, in-person with a license issuing agent or call 877-707-4085. Read more about PA's fishing regulations here.

Boating & Fishing Resources

Be sure to reference the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission's Lancaster County map for information on the following:

• Fish stocking
• Recreational fishing license and boat registration issuing agents
• Fishing and boat accessible areas
• Waters with special fishing and boating regulations
• ...and much more!

For more recommendations on how to enjoy the outdoors in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, visit the Lancaster Conservancy.