Voyageurs National Park 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
Paddle through Minnesota’s spectacular North country as you explore waterfalls, hidden coves, and scenic waterways. Listen for the cry of the loon and the howl of the timber wolf, as you glide through the crystal clear waters of the North country’s big lakes. View ancient rock exposures, spectacular lake country scenery, abundant wildlife, and unmatched stargazing!
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
- 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 – Paddle into pristine Kabetogama Lake before setting up camp at Bald Rock
Meet your trip mates at Ash River Visitor Center. Unload North canoes and gear, participate in a canoe orientation, and learn necessary details for a safe and fun trip. Paddle into Kabetogama Lake toward your first campsite on Bald Rock. After a delicious dinner, discuss trip expectations around a warm campfire.
Day 2 – Enjoy a full day of paddling before setting up camp on Cutover Island
Get up early for breakfast, break camp, and get to exploring! The day may consist of a full day of paddling, crossing many lake miles. Paddle west past Wolf Island and out into Kabetogama Lake. Stop near secluded Shoepack Beach for lunch. Set up camp on Cutover Island and spend the evening exploring your surroundings. Don’t forget to look for shooting stars or northern lights!
Day 3 – Fish, swim, and explore the shore on this layover day
Enjoy a layover day in this area and the many activities the park has to offer. Sit back and soak in the wilderness, take a day paddle to the artistically distinct Ellsworth Rock Gardens, explore the hidden trails and blueberry patches of Cutover Island, or fish from a North canoe. The evening can be spent swimming, fishing, and relaxing around a cozy campfire.
Day 4 – Paddle to your final campsite at Ek Bay and enjoy an afternoon of hiking, fishing, and geological exploration
Paddle to your final campsite in Ek Bay and set up camp. Explore and fish the bay from a canoe or hike to the backcountry lakes. Here you will find ancient geological features that are half as old as the Earth. Spend your last night in the wilderness telling tales and reliving your adventures around the warm fire.
Day 5 – Enjoy one final paddle before saying farewell to your trip mates
Rise early for hot coffee and breakfast and paddle to the take-out point near the Ash River Visitor Center. The trip officially ends after lunch in the early afternoon.
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.
- 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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