After 40 years of outfitting river trips, a mainstay of the Allagash is retiring

MAINE PUBLIC • August 26, 2026

Just about anyone who's spent time on northern Maine's Allagash River has heard of Norm. As the owner of Pelletier's Campground in St. Francis, near Fort Kent, Norm L'Italien has outfitted and shuttled paddlers for 40 years, and has a reputation for his deep knowledge of the river and wealth of stories. But, now in his 70s, he says the demands of the job are taking a toll, and that this season will be his last. L'Italien said he's looking forward to spending more time with the grandkids, traveling to see his Army buddies and, finally, paddling a portion of the iconic river he's helped so many others experience.