Grab your sunscreen! The City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department is giving canoe tours of the Tennessee River once again this year.

Paddlers can tour the Holston and Tennessee Rivers, beginning in Holston River Park and traveling to downtown Knoxville.

Joe Walsh, Director of Knoxville Parks and Recreation, said this program is a great chance for families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts to see Knoxville at its best.

"We are fortunate to have such an extraordinary escape to nature that runs through our downtown," said Walsh. "Since we have the means to provide canoe tours to the general public, we want to give Knoxvillians an experience they will never forget."

The Parks and Recreation Aquatics staff will be on each tour to help out with canoeing techniques and Ijams Nature Center is providing a nature guide for the program.

All ages and skill levels are welcome to canoe, although participants must be able to swim. Paddlers are encouraged to bring lunch in a waterproof container for the canoe tour's lunch break.

The tour includes Red Cross approved life vests, paddles, transportation to the canoe put-in location, and a pre-trip safety demonstration. The City has 16 two-seater canoes available for reservation.

Tours will be held at 8 a.m. on Saturdays on June 12 and 26; July 10 and 24; and August 14 and 28. Reservations must be made by the Wednesday before the desired canoe date. Cost per person is $20. Group rates are available.

To make reservations, call 311.