Invite 127 // Jun 24

My life in Maine can be neatly divided into two chapters — before canoe and after canoe.

In the BC times, I spent most of it hiking and camping: state parks, the White Mountains, calendar reminders for busy campsites, early arrivals at crowded trailheads. I stuck to the land and looked out at the water on occasion.

In 2020, I bought a red Old Town canoe off Facebook Marketplace. I drove to Belfast to pick it up, strapped it to my Corolla, and before I was even halfway back to Portland, I found myself pulled over at a roadside pond, hauling my old new canoe into the water.

After a few paddle strokes, I was hooked.

When I really need an escape, I'll find a campsite on an island or a boat-access-only spot and paddle out for the night. At sunset, I'll drift into the marshiest corner and watch for moose or listen for a beaver slapping its tail. If the stars are out, I'll lay a sleeping pad in the bottom of the canoe, paddle out a few hundred meters, and just lie there looking up.

Maine summers are short and sometimes hectic. If you get the chance, find a canoe and get out there.

✌️ Max

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Maine Oyster Festival

Fri, Jun 26 - Sun, Jun 28 | Freeport | Free

Sample oysters from farms up and down the Maine coast at this free weekend festival, with boat tours to working oyster farms running alongside it all weekend.

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Full Moon Observation at Camden Hills State Park

Mon, Jun 29 | Camden | Free

Watch the Strawberry Moon rise over Penobscot Bay from the summit of Mount Battie, bringing your own binoculars or telescope for a self-guided viewing.

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Full Moon Paddle

Mon, Jun 29 | Old Town | Paid

Paddle Pushaw Stream under the full moon with all gear provided, watching for nocturnal wildlife like beavers and owls along the way.

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Weekly Community Paddle

Tue, Jun 30 | Portland | Free

Kayak Casco Bay on an early morning group paddle from East End Beach, open to sea kayakers of any level with rentals available on site.

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2026 Speedy KAT

Sat, Jul 11 | Millinocket | Paid

Race singletrack trails on Hammond Ridge near Katahdin with a 5K trail run, a downhill MTB time trial, and kids' races all on the same day.

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Norway Triathlon

Sat, Jul 11 | Norway | Paid

Swim Norway Lake, bike through the Western Maine foothills, and finish with a 5K run, with relay teams welcome for those who want to split the race.

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Lake Ecology Paddle

Sun, Jun 27 | Holden | Paid

Paddle Fields Pond while taking hands-on measurements of lake health indicators like pH and dissolved oxygen to understand what makes a freshwater ecosystem thrive.

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Better with friends. Some of life's best outdoor experiences are shared with others. Share this newsletter with a friend to inspire your next group adventure by forwarding this email or sharing a link to subscribe.

Coming Up (Previously Featured)

​Maine Summer Hiking Series | Wed, May 13 - Sat, Sep 26 | Donation Based​

​Teens to Trails: Choose Outside Challenge | Mon, Jun 15 - Fri, Aug 14 | Free​

​Explore the New Davis Forest | Wed, Jun 24 | Free​

​After Work Dirt: Trail Race | Thu, Jun 25 | Paid​

​Learn to Fish: National Women's Fly Fishing Day | Sat, Jun 27 | Free​

​East Bayside Trail Fest | Sun, Jun 28 | Donation Based​

​Queer Bikepacking: Adventure Day | Sat, Jul 11 | Paid​

​Women at Sea Weekend Sea Kayaking Workshop | Sat, Jul 18 - Sun, Jul 19 | Paid​

​Island Ripple Run | Sun, Jul 19 | Paid​

​Tough Mountain Challenge | Sat, Jul 25 | Paid​

​Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest | Sat, Aug 1 | Paid​

​SEEK: Coastal Science & Kayaking Program | Mon, Aug 3 - Fri, Aug 7 | Free​

​Maine Woods Rambler | Sat, Sep 26 | Paid​

👋 I'm Max. I created the Maine Outsider to help people connect with organizations offering outdoor events and experiences around the state.

I monitor 300+ newsletters, but can't know everything. If you're hosting an event or have a tip about an upcoming experience, use our tip line to let me know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!