When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
Canoe Colorado
Why Canoe Colorado is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Canoe Colorado in Denver, Colorado, has been a trusted source for canoe and kayak enthusiasts since its establishment in 1976. Located at 9990 E Kentucky Dr, this store features an extensive inventory of over 100 canoes and kayaks, along with a wide selection of high-quality paddles, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and other gear tailored to enhance paddling experiences. The store operates by appointment only at their warehouse, ensuring personalized service and expert guidance. Canoe Colorado caters to both seasoned paddlers and novices, emphasizing quality, performance, and value in their product selection. While they do not offer rentals, they provide recommendations for local state parks and other outfitters who do, including guided trips and shuttle services. The store also places a strong focus on safety and proper equipment usage, helping paddlers prepare for various situations on the water. This makes Canoe Colorado an ideal meeting spot for friends and paddling groups looking to gear up, share tips, and embark on outdoor adventures together in the beautiful Colorado waterways.
Here's what people think of Canoe Colorado
As of recent, Canoe Colorado holds a 3.9-star rating based on 14 reviews.
Canoe Colorado holds a solid rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 14 reviews, reflecting a mix of customer experiences. Positive reviews often highlight the knowledgeable and friendly staff, extensive inventory, and the quality and performance of the boats and gear purchased. Customers appreciate the personalized appointment-only shopping experience, finding value in the expert advice offered by the owner and staff. The emphasis on safety and proper preparation has been noted positively by both novice and experienced paddlers. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to the lack of rental services, which may disappoint those seeking to try canoeing without investing in equipment first. Additionally, a few customers mention limited payment options, as Canoe Colorado accepts only cash or checks, with no credit cards, which can be inconvenient. The appointment-only warehouse viewing setup also requires advance planning and may not suit those looking for casual browsing. In conclusion, Canoe Colorado is appreciated for its expertise and quality gear but could improve accessibility and payment flexibility to enhance overall customer satisfaction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Bob Pailet
Jerry is super knowledgeable and patient. He spent two hours with me at his warehouse where dozens of canoes are stored. If you want to buy a very good canoe I strongly recommend him.
Michael “mikecarson.wmv” Carson
This is most interesting. Prior to working with Jerry I checked out the Google Reviews and noticed some one star reviews. As a business owner myself I understand how difficult it is to please everyone, so I was curious when I called him. I had my eye on a Wenonah Prism listed on his website and no communication issues on the phone or website. I live in Phoenix, AZ and couldn't find this boat anywhere else, so I decided to take the 12+ hour drive to Denver. I met with Jerry at our appointed time, and had nothing but pleasant conversation. I come to find out that the boat I was interested in was a pricing error of a couple hundred dollars lower than listed on the website. He honored it without hesitation. He also helped size me for a bent shaft canoe paddle and gave me a great discount! I'm not sure what happened with the previous reviewers, but I had a nice experience. Thanks, Jerry and happy paddling.
Highcountry Hunter
Like another reviewer, my phone calls with this guy were rude and very unpleasant. As a brand new canoeist looking to buy my first high-end boat, I called twice to ask questions and find a canoe that would be perfect. The first call he was very short, unhelpful and seemed to be entirely put-out from the moment he picked up the phone as if I were bothering him. I chalked it up to everyone having a bad day. I called again to follow-up, arrange a date to buy an almost $4,000 tandem canoe and he actually hung up on me as I was asking final questions about two boats I wanted to decide between because he was tired of providing information that I could go look up online! How incredibly rude and unprofessional. Take your business elsewhere folks! I ended up buying and ordering from an awesome company in MN and they're arranging delivery for only $150! Amazing and super helpful people that had me dialed in and excited over the course of a 5 minute call. I'm actually going to buy a solo canoe from them too. That's what I was hoping from Canoe Colorado but apparently he doesn't care about customers or making easy money (I'll spend $7,000 on these two boats) - never experienced this in my life - especially as a brand new person to canoeing looking to establish a long-term relationship with a local business. I'm inclined to tell Wenonah and Northstar that he's a bad dealer not representing the values and customer friendly spirit they're both known for.
Vince Mingils
I met Jerry when I thought I was giving a fellow paddler a decent deal on a canoe I was selling. After helping him carry and lift the boat onto his truck, he basically bragged that he planned to resell the canoe on “his site” for almost double what he paid me for it. Nice... I understand that’s how business works sometimes, but I was disappointed nonetheless. Had I known I was selling my canoe to a salesperson I probably would have waited and sold the boat to a person or family that was actually going to use it. There are many quality second hand canoes available on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other paddling groups around Colorado. If you are looking for a new boat I encourage you to look there instead before overpaying for a similar canoe.
Kate Crombie
Weird, unpleasant conversation. Hung up on me when I said a time to meet would not work. Business is listed as if in Windsor, but apparently, anything you'd like to purchase is in Arvada. Put some effort into your business if you plan to make it profitable.
How to reach Canoe Colorado
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Website: None
Why Canoe Colorado may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Canoe Colorado with your friends? Meeting up at Canoe Colorado offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, quality gear, and a personal, appointment-only shopping experience that makes it an ideal destination for groups who appreciate nature and paddling. Since 1976, Canoe Colorado has been dedicated to providing top-tier canoes, kayaks, and paddling equipment, ensuring that every visit feels like a curated event tailored for enthusiasts and beginners alike. This focus on quality and performance, combined with over 100 boats in stock and a selection of ultra-light paddles and personal flotation devices (PFDs), means your group can prepare for memorable outings with confidence. The intimate setting — showing boats and gear by appointment only — creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for friends or family to explore options together, ask questions, and plan adventures in a way that larger, more commercial stores can’t replicate. Furthermore, Canoe Colorado's knowledgeable staff can share invaluable local insight into the best Colorado waterways, making your meetup not just a shopping trip but a gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences.
What activities does Canoe Colorado offer for group meetups? Although Canoe Colorado does not rent boats, it specializes in selling and outfitting paddling enthusiasts with the best gear needed for successful canoeing and kayaking trips. This makes it perfect for groups who want to invest in high-quality equipment for shared adventures. You can gather with friends to discuss and select from a large inventory of canoes and kayaks, including performance boats designed for various skill levels and water conditions. Beyond just the boats, the company offers accessories such as paddles, PFDs, and other essentials, so your group can fully equip themselves to enjoy rivers, lakes, and reservoirs around Colorado. The appointment-only system facilitates personalized consultations, creating an interactive group experience where everyone can weigh in on the choices and plan coordinated excursions. Additionally, Canoe Colorado's team can recommend local outfitter services and guided trips, connecting you with professional river guides for shared group excursions if your party prefers organized tours rather than DIY paddling.
Why is Canoe Colorado the perfect place for a group meetup? The uniqueness of Canoe Colorado’s approach — a warehouse showroom by appointment — fosters an intimate, focused environment ideal for group collaboration. Rather than a busy retail store where each customer is rushed, friends and family can take their time exploring a vast inventory of over 100 boats and accompanying gear. This setting naturally encourages conversation and collective decision-making, great for building excitement about future trips together. The staff’s deep knowledge and personal attention help groups navigate choices tailored to different skill levels and preferences, so no one is left behind in the planning process. Importantly, Canoe Colorado’s emphasis on quality and value ensures that your group invests in reliable equipment that enhances the safety and enjoyment of your outings. Its location in Denver, Colorado, a hub for world-class paddling, adds convenience, enabling easy access for groups based in or visiting the city. Even though they don’t rent boats, their connections with local outfitters facilitate complementary services, allowing groups to enjoy full paddling experiences without having to own all the gear initially.
What local paddling opportunities can groups explore with gear from Canoe Colorado? With the high-quality canoes and kayaks purchased or gathered at Canoe Colorado, groups have myriad options for paddling throughout the region. Colorado boasts numerous rivers and lakes perfect for varying skill levels — from the gentle stretches of the South Platte River near Denver to more challenging waters in mountain areas. Having reliable, well-fitted equipment gives your group the freedom to explore these diverse aquatic environments safely and enjoyably. For those new to the sport or wanting guided adventures, Canoe Colorado advises connecting with local clubs like the Rocky Mountain Canoe Club or professional outfitters such as Centennial Canoe Outfitters and Rimrock Adventures, which offer rentals, shuttle services, and guided trips. This network means your meetup can easily transition from gear selection at the warehouse to real-world adventure on the water, creating bonding experiences in nature that are both invigorating and relaxing. Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend getaway, outfitted with expertise and top gear, your group will thrive on Colorado’s waterways.
How does Canoe Colorado support paddling culture and the community? Beyond its role as a retailer, Canoe Colorado serves as a cultural touchstone for paddlers in the region, fostering community engagement among enthusiasts. By maintaining a focused inventory that emphasizes quality and performance, they attract serious paddlers who share a passion for the sport. The appointment-only model encourages personalized interactions where knowledge and experience are shared, amplifying community spirit. Additionally, Canoe Colorado promotes involvement in local paddling clubs and supports connections with outfitters who offer guided trips and river shuttles, enriching the local paddling ecosystem. This helps groups not only acquire gear but also integrate into the broader paddling culture — an essential aspect for ongoing enjoyment and skill development. Even though they accept only cash or check payments, this old-school practice reflects their commitment to a more personal, authentic business approach that many customers appreciate. For groups organizing meetups, this creates a sense of camaraderie and trust, enhancing the overall experience.
What practical benefits does visiting Canoe Colorado bring to group meetups? Organizing a meetup at Canoe Colorado offers practical advantages beyond just access to gear. The appointment-only policy means your group can schedule a convenient time slot that accommodates everyone’s availability, avoiding crowds or rush. This allows for focused attention from staff who are keen to assist with fit, function, and compatibility of equipment, saving your group time and reducing decision fatigue. Since Canoe Colorado maintains a large inventory of both new and used boats, your group can find options that suit different budgets, making paddling more accessible. The convenience of a central Denver location helps attract diverse groups — from local paddlers to tourists seeking authentic Colorado outdoor experiences. Finally, by selecting gear together, your meetup transitions from a simple social gathering to an actionable event with clear goals—outfitting for future adventures, building skills, and creating lasting memories on the water.
How can Canoe Colorado enhance the social aspect of your meetup? Gathering at Canoe Colorado naturally stimulates social bonding as group members explore technical details, share preferences, and dream up future excursions. The interactive, relaxed environment supports friendly debate about boat types, paddling styles, and destinations, fostering deepened relationships beyond typical meetups. As your group tests paddles and tries on PFDs together, you’re not just shopping — you’re engaging in a shared journey toward active, healthy outdoor lifestyles. For groups with mixed experience levels, the knowledgeable team helps ensure everyone feels included and empowered to participate in future outings. The focus on community, quality gear, and Colorado waterways encourages a spirit of adventure and mutual support that leaves your group energized and connected long after leaving the showroom. This kind of purposeful gathering is ideal for friends, families, or clubs wanting to combine socialization with meaningful preparation for outdoor exploration.
In summary, Canoe Colorado is much more than a purveyor of paddling equipment — it is a hub for community, quality, and shared adventure. Whether you are seasoned paddlers or newcomers looking to rally your friends around an active, nature-centric meetup, this appointment-only warehouse setting provides personalized service, expert guidance, and an outstanding selection of boats and gear. Coupled with Colorado's rich waterways and nearby outfitters offering guided trips, it is an excellent choice to gather, gear up, and launch memorable group paddling experiences.