Apostle Islands Family Paddle and Hike
Price
Trip Duration
Max People
Group Type
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Take your family on this kid-friendly adventure on the South Shore of Lake Superior between Cornucopia and Bayfield. The Apostle Islands are known for sea caves, sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and sunken shipwrecks. On this Apostle Islands vacation, you and your family will paddle through sea caves, hike scenic trails, and enjoy wide sandy beaches. Camp with your family among the tall hemlock trees at our cozy and well-outfitted base camp at Little Sand Bay. Our talented and caring staff will have activities to keep kids of all ages engaged and having fun.
On our family trips, youth travel at 25% less than adults. Youth fee discounts will be reflected upon booking your trip reservation. Our Apostle Islands Family Paddle and Hike trip is best suited for kids 3 years of age and older. Please contact us at 612-676-9400 if you have questions or would like more details.Â
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Bountiful meals prepared together in base camp kitchen
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Shared, spacious tents
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Welcome to Little Sand Bay Base Camp! Get to know your trip mates and explore the area
Your trip begins at our Little Sand Bay Base Camp. Your family will learn how to set up camp, go over safety practices, and begin to explore this area full of beautiful hemlock and cedar trees. Your guide will provide an orientation to sea kayaking and our 24-foot North canoes. After dinner you’ll make s’mores around the campfire.
Day 2 – Enjoy a paddle and swim at Siskiwit Lake and hike to a nearby waterfall
Enjoy a lovely breakfast, then set out for your first full day of adventure. Head inland to beautiful Siskiwit Lake where the waters are warm. Enjoy a morning of kayaking, canoeing, and swimming before drying off with a picnic lunch. After lunch, head to Siskiwit River Preserve. Here you will hike along cascading waterfalls before finishing the evening watching the sunset over Lake Superior at Little Sand Bay.
Day 3 – Paddle to the sea caves and hike in the first Tribal National Park in the United States
After breakfast, paddle to Roman’s Point and enjoy the sights of bald eagles as you follow your leaders through sandstone sea caves. As you eat your lunch on a sandy beach, feel the joy of this magical place. After lunch hike at Frog Bay National Park. Here you will enjoy an expansive view of the Apostle Islands and dream of your next adventure to this unique and beautiful lakeshore. Spend the evening back at basecamp around the fire playing games and listening to stories. Depending on the weather and wind direction, this day’s itinerary is subject to change.
Day 4 – Enjoy one final adventure before saying farewell to your trip mates.
Pack up camp and have breakfast before one final adventure – perhaps a hike at Meyer’s Beach above the Mawikwe Sea Caves where one day you paddle below. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you bid adieu to new friends!
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.Â
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.





