Apostle Islands Forest Bathing Retreat
Price
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
Join us for an immersive experience celebrating the human connection with nature on this tour of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. From forest bathing activities led by David Motzenbecker from Motz Studios, to adventurous kayaking led by Wilderness Inquiry guides, this trip offers a next-level opportunity for those looking to find deeper, facilitated engagement with the splendor of the natural world. On this tour, you will experience day trips from our Little Sand Bay Base Camp including the beautiful Mawikwe Sea Caves, Bark Bay Slough, or one of the many majestic Apostle Islands. Enjoy delicious food, breathtaking sunsets over Lake Superior, and facilitated activities to find deeper connection to the nature around you. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is great for beginning sea kayakers and seasoned paddlers alike.
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 – Arrive at Little Sand Bay Base Camp and learn about the importance of nature connection.
Your trip starts in the early afternoon at Wilderness Inquiry’s Little Sand Bay Base Camp. Get settled into your campsite, participate in a sea kayak orientation, and begin to explore this area’s beautiful hemlock and cedar trees. Return to camp and enjoy a hearty meal cooked camp-side. After dinner, join your colleagues for a presentation on the benefits of nature connection followed by a bonfire and conversation.
Day 2 – Begin your day with Forest Bathing, followed by a paddle to the Mawikwe Bay Sea Caves.
Start the day with breakfast and great coffee followed by a relaxing 3-hour forest bathing walk. After lunch, depending on the direction of the wind, explore the spectacular Mawikwe Bay Sea Caves. Later in the afternoon, join our Forest Bathing Guide for a conversation about Finding Meaning and Resilience in Nature. Then find a place that draws you in for some quiet journaling and reflection time before dinner together.
Day 3 – Paddle to Sand Island, tune into your senses, and share stories around the campfire at night.
After breakfast, paddle out to Sand Island. Visit sea caves and the historic lighthouse on the northeast shore of Sand Island. Weather permitting, paddle in and out of the caves’ sculpted rock chambers. After a picnic lunch on a sandy beach, we’ll experience some sensory-focused invitations to deepen our connection to the water and the Earth. Enjoy one last night at base camp with a yoga session, followed by great food and good company sharing stories over a toasty fire.
Day 4 – Enjoy one last wander in the woods before saying farewell to your trip mates
Enjoy one last morning forest bath with your new friends. Quiet journal and reflection time spent in nature, then depart for home after a picnic lunch with a reading and resource list for further exploration of the art of forest bathing.
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.
Book This Tour
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