
"I went on a solo canoe trip with Dave on the St. Croix river in 2025. Some of my friends might classify me as an avid indoorsman, so this trip was a bit outside my wheelhouse. It was transformational for me. Dave was born to do this-professional, extremely skilled, great teacher, and fun to be around. In addition, the scenery and solitude of the place filled me with gratitude and peace (corny I know, but I don’t know how else to describe it). I will absolutely do another trip with Adventure Maine Guides."
- Chris D.
Richmond, VA

"Dave’s lifelong passion for the wilderness and for teaching are his calling card, but his ability to manage three moderately competent aging guys in tight quarters (and vast wilderness) over multiple days was a gaping unknown to the three of us in the group. Dave proved to be all we hoped he would be--a guide, a flexible leader, a knowledgeable professional, and a ton of fun to be with. Our trip was so memorable that the guys are trying to schedule the next outing with Adventure Maine Guides."
- Michael W.
Cleveland, OH

“Dave and Norm are just what you want in true consultative partners: people with a ton of experience who will listen to what your organization needs, and then tailor their help to you. They balanced embracing the eccentricities of our traditions with identifying and pushing us on our blindspots, all of which helped us mature our program and create better outcomes for our campers and counsellors. On top of that, they are just a ton of fun to be around! Highly, highly recommended.”
- Michael H.
Camp Pasquaney
Hebron, NH

We wholeheartedly recommend Norm and Dave for outdoor adventure leadership. Both are Certified Maine Guides and have been the backbone of our summer camp's wilderness camping and canoeing program for years. Their unparalleled commitment to safety, combined with meticulous planning, partnership, and consistently helpful advice, has elevated our wilderness excursions into one of our most popular and beloved programs. They don't just lead trips; they ensure transformative, safe, and expertly organized experiences for young people.
- April & Wes D.
Hidden Valley Camp
Freedom, ME

We paddled to campsites only accessible by water, cooked delicious meals over the fire, climbed a mountain with 360 degree views, and spent the evenings watching meteor showers.
Dave planned and executed the most perfect 3-day canoe/ hiking adventure for our group of educators who came to the trip with varying degrees of outdoor experience. Some of us had paddling skills and others were starting from scratch, and we all ended the trip feeling strong and confident in the canoes. Everyone in the group felt comfortable and safe under Dave’s care while simultaneously being stretched in the best way. Dave leads with the perfect mix of expertise and humor; we all learned new skills and also laughed so hard our stomachs hurt. If you crave a Maine adventure off the beaten path, but you want a confident and experienced guide to show you the way, Dave is your guy. We ended our time together by making plans for next year’s trip with Dave.
-Emilie T.
Bangor, Maine

Norm is an exceptional Maine Guide and truly one of the best people that you could hope to lead a canoe trip. I joined an 8-day trip on the Allagash as a relatively inexperienced paddler, and Norm made the entire experience feel safe, welcoming, and incredibly fun.
Before we even launched, he patiently taught paddle strokes and whitewater basics so everyone felt confident on the river. Throughout the trip he was calm, knowledgeable, and clearly very experienced on the water. Everything was thoughtfully organized—from smooth logistics to delicious meals each day.
Norm also created a great group atmosphere and made sure we enjoyed every part of the Allagash experience, including swimming at Allagash Falls and taking time to appreciate the beauty of the river and wilderness.
If you’re looking for an authentic Maine canoe trip with a skilled, patient, and genuinely great guide, I can’t recommend Norm highly enough. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.
-Jen T.
Portland, ME
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