While it’s more than feasible for experienced canoeists to brave either the Allagash [1] or St. John [2] by themselves, hiring a guide can make a trip more fun by providing information on natural and human history, and smoothing the logistics of boat travel in a remote area.
A good choice is Allagash Canoe Trips (207/237-3077, www.allagashcanoetrips.com [3]), a family-run business whose guides have more than 100 years of experience on the river between them. Chip Cochrane, his wife, Lani, and his father, Warren, lead week-long trips on the Allagash ($930 adults, $750 children under 18) that begin at Chamberlain Lake and include several scenic hikes along the way.
They also offer a shorter trip on the Allagash starting at Churchill Dam ($825 adults, $660 children), and a trip down the St. John River ($930 adults or teens) in early spring that begins with a floatplane ride to the upper ponds. Trips leave from Greenville with a shuttle service available from Bangor [4].
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-england/connecticut/western-connecticut/the-connecticut-wine-trail
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-england/maine/downeast-and-the-north-woods/the-north-woods/allagash-wilderness-waterway/canoeing-the-st-john
[3] http://www.allagashcanoetrips.com
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-england/maine/downeast-and-the-north-woods/downeast/bangor