Best Places to Live in the US for Canoeing?

I grew up in NYS.

If I were to pick a location solely based on canoeing, it would be along Hwy 30 from Saranac Inn to Lake Clear to Paul Smith's. If I factored in the winters, it would be either Potsdam (above the Tug Hill/Ontario snowbelt) or Utica/Little Falls/Gloversville (also out of the crazy snowfall area.) Tupper Lake or Long Lake aren't bad either, if you just factor in canoeing.

Alternately, MN has lots of water and would be a great area... Ely would be ground zero for me if I had nothing to do but worry about canoeing.

Maine has an appeal, but the winters might do me in, especially inland, where the land is cheaper. Wisconsin and Michigan are supposedly nice too, but I've not been there and have no suggestions.

Seeker said:

Ely would be ground zero for me if I had nothing to do but worry about canoeing.

Maine has an appeal, but the winters might do me in, especially inland, where the land is cheaper.

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I wouldn't discount winters in Ely, though I'd love to live there myself.

I’d love winters in Ely. Plenty of things to do and that’s the best time to socialize - local people connect and are more at ease without the hectic tourism craziness. Wife and I are listing the WI cabin. If I thought she’d go for it, I’d rent a place there for a winter. I’m not sure I’d enjoy a complete summer there.