Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

Canoe and camp with us in the beautiful Boundary Waters in Ely, Minnesota while learning the skills needed for canoeing, portaging, and wilderness camping. Over one million acres in size, the Boundary Waters covers much of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Paddle among towering pines in this home to moose, lynx, wolves, and bald eagles. The glaciers left behind rugged cliffs and crags, canyons, gentle hills, towering rock formations, rocky shores, sandy beaches and thousands of lakes and streams, interspersed with islands and surrounded by forest. Explore this scenic wild with us!

When: Friday, August 2 – Friday, August 9

Cost: $525

Cost Includes: guides, all equipment, meals while paddling, all permits, camping fees, two nights stay in a hostel, and transportation from WSU in 12-passenger van.

Activity Level: Intermediate - Advanced, must be able to canoe independently for up to eight miles a day in open water, be able to lift and carry a canoe (with the help of another) for up to two miles, possess strong swimming skills, and take care of personal needs while camping on primitive islands. *No prior canoeing experience necessary

Registration: Up to 7 participants. $100 deposit to register. Remaining balance due one month before trip. Registration required by Friday, July 5 in the Outdoor Resource Office, 037 Student Union.

Tentative Itinerary:

Day 1, Friday, August 2:  Meet at WSU ORC at 2:00 p.m. to pack the van and depart from WSU by 2:30 p.m. Drive 18 hours overnight to Ely, Minnesota stopping for bathroom breaks and dinner.

Day 2, Saturday, August 3: Arrive at Williams and Hall to get outfitted with canoes, paddles, and lifejackets. Spend the day exploring the town and sleep in a hostel.

Day 3, Sunday, August 4: Rise and shine! We will head out early for our first day on the water. We will pack up our canoes, paddle through nine lakes with eight portages to arrive at our first campsite. Here we will set up camp at Ima Lake and have our first backcountry meal while taking in the scenery.

Day 4, Monday, August 5: This day we will paddle all day through nine lakes and eight portages to get to camp on Kekekabic Lake.

Day 5, Tuesday, August 6: Witness the beautiful Eddy Lake Falls while paddle through three lakes and portaging through six areas. This evening we will camp on South Arm Knife Lake at Sunset Rock campsite.

Day 6, Wednesday, August 7: View the giant Thunder Mountain as we paddle through four lakes and four portages. This evening we will camp on Birch Lake.

Day 7: Thursday, August 8: Our final day, we will take a photo opportunity at the BWCA wooden sign as we paddle four lakes and one portage. Once we paddle into the docks at Williams and Hall, we will take a much needed shower and head out for a dinner out.

Day 8: Friday, August 9: Travel day! Drive 18 hours back to Wright State with the goal of making it back by 10 p.m.