Boundary Waters Canoe Area Paddle Adventure
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
Located along the Canadian border, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is known for its expansive wilderness. Join our five-day Boundary Waters trip to paddle the pristine lakes of this northern gem. Experience stillness, silence, and solitude as you travel among the pines, birch, and cedar. Listen to loons call as the sun rises to burn mist off of a mirror-still lake. Relax around an evening campfire and watch for shooting stars and northern lights. Our lightweight Wenonah canoes make paddling and portaging easier than ever.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Delicious, healthy campfire meals & snacks prepared together
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Shared, spacious tents
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- BWCAW permits & fees
- 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 – Meet your trip mates and paddle to a campsite on Sawbill Lake.
Your trip starts in the afternoon at one of the BWCAW ranger stations. You will drive to your entry point where the group will unload the trailer and pack gear into large dry bags. The first day, you will paddle from the Sawbill Lake water access to a campsite along the lake’s shores. In camp you will prepare dinner and enjoy an evening around the fire as you discuss trip expectations.
Day 2 – Paddle and portage to Kelso lake.
Wake up early for great coffee and breakfast and review canoeing skills. Break camp and get underway, taking a short portage into a narrow channel. Keep an eye out for wildlife enjoying the calm waters before paddling into Kelso Lake. Find a campsite in the lake’s open northern reaches and settle in for an evening around the fire.
Day 3 – Spend a layover day on Kelso Lake.
Paddle the Kelso River into Lujenida Lake and see a boulder perched atop three small stones. Take a longer portage to Zenith Lake if the group is feeling ambitious or return to camp and spend the afternoon swimming, fishing, or practicing your canoeing skills.
Day 4 – Paddle south and portage into Alton Lake.
As the group learns to work together, more time is set aside for fishing, bird watching, exploring, or learning camp crafts.
Day 5 – Enjoy a peaceful early morning paddle and say farewell to your group mates.
Cross Alton Lake and take one last short portage to Sawbill Lake. Pack up the van for the ride home, officially ending the trip in the late morning.
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.
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