Water Wonders
Take Virginia’s rivers, lakes and streams into your own hands this summer. Whether you’re an adventurous spirit looking for a challenge or someone looking for a carefree float on a relaxing stream, Northern Virginia’s got you covered.
By Matthew Tracy
DC Sail 
This community sailing program is one of the best recreational and competitive sailing programs in the region. Great for all ages, it uses all proceeds from its programs to provide sailing opportunities to the underprivileged. / Washington, D.C.
Drive time: 35 min.
Downriver Canoe Company 
With a view of the stunning Shenandoah Valley, this company offers canoeing trips down the flowing mountain river of the South Fork of the Shenandoah. Paddle the crystal clear water through its diverse terrain. / Bentonville
Drive time: 1 hr. 15 min.
Front Royal Outdoors 
Offering self-guided canoeing, solo and group kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, Front Royal Outdoors offers scenic trips through the legendary Shenandoah Valley, and it’s perfect for family or individual trips. / Front Royal
Drive time: 1 hr.
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center
This family-run business offers something for everyone. Take a solo or group ride rafting or with a kayak or tube on the Shenandoah River. Camping spots are available to make a weekend out of it. And the Rockin the River full pass gets you tubing, live music, craft beer and camping. / Purcellville
Drive time: 1 hr.
James River Reeling & Rafting
Course through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains by kayak with the chance to spot wildlife such as deer, osprey, gray herons and bald eagles. / Scottsville
Drive time: 2 hrs. 30 min.
James River Runners, LLC
Entering its 36th year of professional outfitting, this outfitter is one of the first locations on the James River. While other outfitters use public lands for overnight experiences, James River Runners offers private riverside land. / Scottsville
Drive time: 2 hrs. 45 min.
Mariner Sailing School at Belle Haven Marina
This is one of the most popular sailing spots located right on the Potomac River, with staff and instructors that will leave you with a lifelong skill. It’s great for canoeing and kayaking, too. / Alexandria
Drive time: 30 min.
Massanutten Adventures Canoe & Kayak
Paddle down the Shenandoah River through both flat water and class I rapids, and you might catch a view of bald eagles, blue herons and more until the trip’s end in the town of Shenandoah. / Harrisonburg
Drive time: 2 hrs.
Outdoor Adventure Experiences 
Explore the many rivers of the Shenandoah Valley, either with a group on large and stable rafts through the faster sections or by yourself on individual tubes that float down the slower parts of the river. / Dayton
Drive time: 2 hrs.
River City Adventures, LLC
River City Adventures offers something for all ages and experience levels with rapids ranging from class I-IV. Take a turn on some of the biggest whitewater rapids on the James River with your friends, or pilot your own raft. / Richmond
Drive time: 2 hrs.
River Riders Inc. 
This river company offers water adventures on the gorgeous Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers in Harpers Ferry, as well as guided rafting trips on world-famous whitewater runs. / Harpers Ferry
Drive time: 1 hr. 15 min.
River & Trail Outfitters
Offering some of the best experiences in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, this outfitter gives you your money’s worth on the beautiful Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, as well as the Antietam Creek. / Knoxville
Drive time: 1 hr.
Riverside Outfitters
Take on the Falls of the James or the Lower River White Water if you’re up for a surf on the big waves, then head back to the Riverside Outfitters shop for a drink and a great view of the James. / Richmond
Drive time: 2 hrs.
Shenandoah River Adventures
Close to all the popular spots and sites of the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah River Adventures offers the perfect paddling trip for a relaxed getaway. / Shenandoah
Drive time: 2 hrs.
Shenandoah River Outfitters
Boasting a diverse landscape made up of quiet farmlands, mountain views and former Native American clearings, a canoe or kayak trip here is perfect for a peaceful family trip. / Luray
Drive time: 2 hrs.
Washington Sailing Marina
Home to sailing clubs around Northern Virginia, this Alexandria sailing spot offers everything you need to get started in sailing, from boat rentals to lessons. Its windy location in Alexandria is perfect for sailing. / Alexandria
Drive time: 30 min.
Drive times from Fairfax City.
(July 2015)