Vermilion Voyage 2026

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/.

Info: 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. Music and dinner will be provided.

Info: 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. Overnight will be at Richard’s Sale Barn, where primitive camping will be made available with minimal access to electricity. Dinner will be provided.

Info: 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 Vermilionville, along with their gear.

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Host or Publisher Bayou Vermilion District