About Umiak Outdoor Outfitters
Umiak Outdoor Outfitters is Stowe's go-to shop for paddling, snowshoeing, and backcountry adventure, with a main retail store on South Main Street and a boat rental outpost at Waterbury Reservoir. Named after the traditional skin-covered boat used by Arctic indigenous peoples, Umiak has built a reputation as the definitive water and wilderness outfitter in the Stowe area, offering a breadth of activities and rental equipment that few single shops can match.
In summer, Umiak runs guided river kayak and canoe trips on the Winooski and Lamoille Rivers, SUP lessons on Waterbury Reservoir, and river tubing excursions that are a favourite with families and groups looking for a relaxed day on the water. The Waterbury Reservoir outpost provides direct water access for kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals without needing to transport boats on your own vehicle. Guided trips include all equipment and instruction, making them accessible to complete beginners who have never held a paddle.
Come winter, the shop pivots to snowshoe tours through the quiet forests of the Green Mountains, cross-country ski and fat bike rentals, and even dog-sled tours — an experience that is uniquely memorable and difficult to find outside a handful of New England operators. The retail store on South Main Street stocks a curated selection of paddling gear, winter clothing, and outdoor accessories from brands like NRS, Perception, and Tubbs. For visitors who want to experience the quieter, more immersive side of Vermont — away from the alpine ski slopes and into the rivers, reservoirs, and snow-covered backcountry — Umiak Outdoor Outfitters is the essential first stop in Stowe.
