History of North American Canoe Tours

Staff Bios | History of North American Canoe Tours    
Ivey House History | Why We Are GREEN    

Thirty years ago David Harraden had a vision to create an eco adventure center in Everglades City. He offers travelers an opportunity to experience this harsh and unique environment safely. His goal has always been to provide a memorable and pleasant vacation to travelers who pass through the Ivey House doors.

• 1979, NACT acquired a Commercial Use Permit to be able to operate within the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress Preserve, providing day and overnight guided canoe and kayak adventure for those who desired local knowledge and expertise. This evolved to include canoe, kayak, and equipment rentals. Striving to reciprocate the use of the area, NACT has assisted with park clean-ups, volunteer work and also provided the materials for the Sunday Bay Chickee in 1991.

• 1980, NACT began providing canoe adventures on the Connecticut River in CT, the Allagash River in ME, and the Suwannee River in GA and FL.

• 1982, NACT became the State of Connecticut concessionaire providing canoes and paddle boat rentals at six state parks throughout the state.

• 1984 NACT was approached by the State of Connecticut Parks Department to operate the tubing concession at the Satan's Kingdom State Recreational area. After a successful bid process, NACT began operating the Farmington River Tubing in the spring of 1985. An aggressive marketing campaign, a well trained staff and public enjoyment have increased sales and led to a renewed concession contract. NACT has continued as the tubing concessionaire for the last 25 summers!

• 1989, NACT purchased the Ivey House located in Everglades City, Florida and turned it into a popular Bed & Breakfast. Keeping the old boarding house atmosphere, the rooms are simple with shared bathrooms.

• May of 2001, after eleven years of increased occupancy, an addition was added to the Ivey House B & B. The addition includes eighteen upscale guest rooms with private bathrooms, TV, refrigerators and phones, a restaurant, gift shop, adventure desk and a screened courtyard which houses the pool and waterfall. The Ivey House is now open year round for guest's enjoyment.

Throughout the past thirty years, North American Canoe Tours has attracted qualified personnel and has devoted time to training and development. Our talented staff helps to create awareness and cultivate appreciation for each of the areas, by giving our guests extensive information and undivided attention while they are enjoying their adventure.

North American Canoe Tours and the Harraden family are leaders in eco-tourism in the surrounding areas of Everglades City and on the Farmington River, thus providing visitors from around the world a memorable, safe, enjoyable and memorable vacation.