There’s something about the seasons that makes us long for connection. Not more clutter, not another gadget — but something real.
At Historic Bethlehem River Tours (HBRT), we believe the best gifts don’t fit in a box. They paddle beside you, glide through golden reflections, and tell stories that live long after the day is done.
For 2026, we invite you to Give the River — a year of experiences that tell a story.
A Calendar of Living History
Every HBRT experience follows our Experience Ladder: Discovery → Connection → Legacy. From first-time guests to lifelong adventurers, each paddle and pedal moves you closer to something meaningful.
Our 2026 Season blends storytelling, rhythm, and tradition into a year-long series of signature themed events — each one designed to be gifted or joined together.
Spring — Discovery Begins
March 20 · First Day of Spring – The canal awakens — every paddle feels like a promise.
April 4 · Easter Weekend – Joyful, serene, and photogenic — time together, not just time off.
April 23 · Earth Day Paddle – “Paddle for the Planet” edition — for every booking, we plant a tree along the D&L Corridor.
May 9 · Mother’s Day Tour – Gentle water, sunshine, and blooms — an experience to cherish more than flowers.
Summer — Connection in Motion
May 16 · Opening Day — SteelStacks Run – Beneath Bethlehem Steel’s towering icons, guests journey through stories of industry and renewal — each receiving a Forged in Bethlehem souvenir.
May 22 – 25 · Memorial Day Weekend (Two Tours Daily) – Double tours, full crews, and summer-opening energy that turns every guest into part of the story.
June 20 · Father’s Day + First Day of Summer – Adventure and connection — two generations, one river.
July 4 · Independence Day Paddle – Red, white, and blue paddles beneath the SteelStacks skyline.
Sept 4 – 7 · Labor Day Weekend (Two Tours Daily) – The ultimate celebration of summer’s peak — fireworks on the water, HBRT-style.
Fall — Legacy on the River
Sept 22 · First Day of Autumn – Crisp air, amber light, and reflections that feel like nostalgia itself.
Oct 3 · Eric’s Birthday Tour (Annual Tradition) – Our community favorite — a joyful, human-centered paddle celebrating friendship, laughter, and story.
Oct 31 · Halloween Paddle – Lanterns, costumes, and laughter echoing along the canal.
Nov 27 – 28 · Thanksgiving Weekend Tours – Warm cider, cozy kits, and gratitude — a reminder that connection is the real gift.
This season, when you gift one HBRT experience, we gift the second — so your story becomes a shared one.
An Adventure for Two — Gifted by You
Did You Know?
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor — the trail you’ll bike along — is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, recognized for its role in America’s Industrial Revolution. You’re not just giving a day outdoors; you’re giving a living chapter of American history.
Bring Back the Wonder
Every season we chase the perfect plan — but the truth is, what people want most is presence. Something to remember, not something to store.
When you give the river, you give laughter, history, sunlight, and stillness. You give two people a day that feels like it belongs only to them.
Paddle. Pedal. Perfect Day.
See You on the River!
