Vermilion Voyage 2025

Paddlers Paradise: Paddle Over 50 Miles of the Vermilion River through Lafayette and Vermilion Parish

By Bayou Vermilion District

Date and time

March 21 · 7am - March 23 · 5:30pm CDT

Location

Vermilionville Historic Village

300 Fisher Road Lafayette, LA 70508 United States

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Agenda

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Day 1 – Nature Station to Southside Park | 21.52 miles


The event will launch from the Acadiana Park Nature Station on Friday. Participants will park their cars at Vermilionville at 7 a.m. and will be transported in groups by shuttle to the Nature Station...

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Day 2 – Southside Park to Richards Sales Barn | 17.38 miles


The second day will start with a grab-and-go breakfast launching from Southside Park at 8 a.m. Paddlers will break for lunch around the midway point, where we also take an extended break to explore. ...

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Day 3 – Richard’s Sales Barn to Palmetto Island State Park | 11.68 miles


The third day will start with a grab and go breakfast launching from Richard’s Sale Barn at 7 a.m. Lunch will be provided before paddlers are picked up and transported back to their car at Vermilionv...

About this event

  • Event lasts 2 days 10 hours

Lafayette Travel and the Bayou Vermilion District have partnered to create the Vermilion Voyage, a three day overnight paddle down the Bayou Vermilion launching from the Acadiana Park Nature Station to Palmetto Island State Park.

Registration for the event is $350 and includes paddle craft, life jacket, guide, shuttle service, insurance costs, breakfast, lunch and dinner with some beverages as well as evening entertainment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own water, snacks and other essentials they may need for the trip (see suggested packing list in FAQs). A full check list of suggested supplies will be made available closer to the event date.

NOTE: Please note, while this voyage is considered a Class I (paddler is familiar with basic strokes and can handle a tandem canoe competently in flat water) please take into consideration the daily mileage.

For a more detailed look at the Vermilion Voyage from some of the guides that will be joining you as well as a brief history of the Vermilion River visit LafayetteTravel.com/Discover-Lafayette/Vermilion-Voyage/.

Frequently asked questions

What if I register as a single person?

All individuals who register as one person will be paired with another registrant or guide to fill the two person canoe. If this is an issue that will prevent you from registering we ask that you please contact the organizers so we can assist.

Can I bring my own craft on the voyage?

Yes, this option will be available to the first six (6) who make the request. We have one trailer that can haul six (6) canoes/kayaks, hence the limit. If we have additional space we will update the number at that time. Keep in mind your registration fee covers the cost of your canoe. While we unde

Do I have to pay the whole registration fee if I am using my own canoe/kayak?

Yes. The cost of the trip is mainly for your guides, insurance, meals and evening entertainment. The cost of the canoe is not large enough to discount the registration cost.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Yes, all attendees MUST be 18+ years of age or older. If the attendee is under 18 years of age they MUST be accompanied by a parent of guardian.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

All cars will be parked for the duration of the trip in the Vermilionville parking lot, which is locked overnight. Transportation will be provided to the starting point as well as back to Vermilionville after the trip.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

For more information or to register by phone, please contact Jesse Guidry at jesse@lafayettetravel.com or call (337) 769.3816 or Greg Guidroz at environmental@bayouvermiliondistrict.org or call (337) 233.4077 x. 215.

What's the refund policy?

Refunds are allowable up to 30 days before the event. Within the 30 day period before the event no refunds will be issued.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No you do not need a printed ticket. All you need is your ID for check-in.

What should I bring?

See below for a list of required and optional gear that you should pack for the trip. If you are in need of any of these items we recommend you check out Pack & Paddle, one of the supporters of the Vermilion Voyage as well as the Backpacker.

Packing List

Required Sleeping Bag Pillow Tent (small sized; 2-4 person) Rain Gear (jacket and pants) Dry Bags (using heavy duty commercial grade trash bags to line duffle bags can be substituted) 3-4 Quart size Water or Nalgene Bottles Drinking Cup

Packing List Continued

-2 Pairs Light Weight Pants (convertible pants-to-shorts will save space in your gear bags) -2 Light Weight Long Sleeve Shirts -2 Light Weight Short Sleeve Shirts (or t-shirts) -1-2 Shorts (depending on the weather) -4 Pairs Underwear -1 Fleece Jacket -3 Pairs Socks (preferably

Packing List Continued

Water Shoes or Sandals 2 Small Hand Towels or Bandanas Sun Hat Sunglasses Sun Screen Bug Spray Lip Balm Head Lamp (with new batteries) Toothbrush & Toothpaste Deodorant 1 Roll Toilet Paper in a Ziploc Bag Hand Sanitizer Medication (Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, Allergy Medicine, etc.) First Aid Kit (small

Packing List Continued

-Snacks (jerky, nuts, fruit, etc.) -Large Sponge for Bailing Water (Car wash sponges work great) -Emergency Whistle Optional -Dry Camp Shoes/Boots -Sleeping Pad -Knife or Multi-tool -Extra Rope -Water Proof Cell Phone Case -Camera (optional) -Binoculars

Packing List Continued

-Paper & Pencils -Ice Chest (optional; preferable small soft ice chest with ice packs as opposed to ice) -Canoe Seat Back -Paddling Gloves

Organized by

Since 1984, the Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District has worked to beautify, conserve and manage sites along the Vermilion ensuring the preservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural resources for the citizens of Lafayette Parish. The Bayou Vermilion District’s mission focuses both on the environment and the unique culture of Lafayette.