Vermilion Voyage

March 21-23, 2024

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. Participants will have the rare opportunity to consecutively paddle just over 50 miles of the Vermilion through Lafayette and Vermilion Parishes.

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 checklist of suggested supplies will be made available closer to the event date.

NOTE: lease 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. We suggest you sign up for Bayou Vermilion District's Beginner Paddling class before the Vermilion Voyage. You can view dates and register for the class by clicking here.

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. Paddlers will launch from the Nature Station around 8 a.m. and will stop for lunch at Vermilionville. There will also be an opportunity for a brief guided tour of the village and watershed exhibit. Overnight will be at Southside Park where primitive camping will be available with access to electricity, bathrooms and water. There will be evening entertainment as well as dinner provided by La Cuisine de Maman.

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 mid-way point where we also take an extended break to explore. Overnight will be at Richard’s Sale Barn where primitive camping will be made available with minimal access to electricity. There will be live music  in a historic cattle auction barn as well as dinner provided.

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. Paddlers will break for lunch around the mid-way point where we also take an extended break to explore. Paddlers will finish at Palmetto Island State Park with access to electricity, bathrooms and water. Dinner will be provided. Paddlers will be picked up and transported back to their car at Vermilionville along with their gear.

For more information or to register by phone, please contact Jesse Guidry by clicking here or call (337) 769-3816.

FAQs

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 understand that people will want to use their own crafts, we are trying to make this a worry free experience for you. The hassle of loading your boat on and off your vehicle and transporting it is something we're trying to eliminate.

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.

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?

Below is 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.

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