Just imagine paddling on a pristine section of the Presumpscot River that historians say the long-ago Wabanaki Chief Polin loved.

Discover Downtown Westbrook is recreating the thrill with a fun-filled and educational series of canoeing events available beginning in June. The program is titled “Dusk to Dark: A Paddle on the Presumpscot.”

The series is a community tourism venture to promote Westbrook. “A goal is to connect people to the river,” Amy Grommes Pulaski, executive director of Discover Downtown Westbrook, said in an interview last week.

The canoeing trips will take place on six dates: between 7:30 and 10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11; Saturday, June 28; and Thursday, July 10; between 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays, July 26 and Aug. 9; and 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23.

The venture goes out onto the river from the boat launch at 58 Lincoln St., just a few blocks from downtown. Historian and City Councilor Michael Shaughnessy will relate tales of the river and the Native Americans that inhabited the area. “We belong to the river, not the river to us,” Polin was once quoted as saying.

Each of the six dates will include six canoes with two people aboard each and professional, registered Maine Master Guides will lead the way. Some of the trips are likely to be enhanced by light of a full moon.

The cost is $70, according to Abby Wilson, Discover Downtown event and volunteer coordinator.

Canoeing is for ages 12 and up and no experience is necessary. Basic canoeing and safety instructions will be provided. However, participants must be able to swim and paddle a canoe for more than an hour. All equipment will be provided, including a life jacket unless an individual’s own is preferred.

Those participating are advised to bring a rain jacket and a water bottle.

The experience is 2.5 hours with 1.5 hours on the water.

Each tour needs weather cooperation, Pulaski said. They are generally rain or shine, but severe weather like a lightning storm could force a postponement to the following day.

Visitors to Westbrook for the river outing could spend time dining downtown or visiting artists in shops at the Dana Mill, 90 Bridge St., before their trip.

Registration links will be finalized this week, according to Wilson May 19. “We will take registrations up until 24 hours (before) the experience,” Wilson said.

For more information or to book a trip, go to downtownwestbrook.com/paddle-the-presumpscot or call 887-9122.