• Canoeing on both small and large lakes and creeks in America's premiere paddling destination
• Watching for moose, mink, beavers, pileated woodpeckers, and the ever present loon
• Enjoying a route with low mileage, few portages, and ample time to do as you choose. The BWCA is a photographer's paradise!
• Ending our days with a hearty meal and stories around the campfire, or an evening paddle to do some stargazing
• Learning or refining paddling and camping skills

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota is one of the most magical and accessible wilderness areas in the United States. Home to loons and herons, deer and moose, white pine and balsam fir, it is a quiet area, far removed from everyday life where the quiet lapping of the water replaces the radio and the evening entertainment is gazing at the sunset,  the rising moon, or the crackling flames of the campfire. Away from the busyness of everyday life and surrounded by vast beauty, it is easier to remember what really matters. It is also easier to reconnect with your playful self as you swim and play in the water, have water fights on hot days, and hang out at camp. On this trip we combine some great paddling with time to both explore and relax, creative and delicious meals (that you don’t have to cook!) , and the camaraderie of other delightful women.
 

any woman in basic good health. Beginning canoeists are offered the instruction they need to build new skills with confidence. More experienced outdoorswomen have ample opportunity to improve their techniques and learn new wilderness living and traveling skills. The pace on this trip is very relaxed. Rating: 1  [2]  3  4  5  

• five nights of camping in two women tents. Our campsites have firegrates and pit toilets and typically overlook the water, providing great views of sunrise and sunset as well as the rising moon.

• experienced guides and paddling instruction
• BWCA permits
• all meals from dinner on Saturday through breakfast the following Thursday
• group camping and canoeing gear
• transportation from Duluth to Sawbill Lake is available on a cost-share basis (this means that we will rent a vehicle that is large enough to carry every one and then share the price among every one)
  

at 4 p.m. at Sawbill Outfitters on July 17. If you are flying in, transportation from the Duluth airport is available on a cost share basis leaving 1:00pm Sunday

12 pm on July 22. If you are flying, you can plan to fly out from Duluth after 3 pm

you can download the complete trip information here

This itinerary is meant to be illustrative. The final itinerary will depend on permit availability and other factors.

July 17: The trip begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Sawbill Lake outfitters, where we have a brief orientation. The rest of the first afternoon is spent learning how to pack Duluth packs, set up tents, and making sure you have the clothing you need for the next five days. We spend this first night at the National Forest campground right on Sawbill Lake. If you are taking advantage of the shared transportation from Duluth, plan to leave Duluth by 1 p.m.

July 18: On Sunday morning we review how to paddle and handle a canoe before setting out on Sawbill Lake. We paddle up Sawbill Lake to our first campsite. After setting up camp, there is time to swim, fish, or just relax. After a hearty meal, our evenings may be spent telling stories around the campfire, or going on an evening paddle for some stargazing.

July 19 and 20: We paddle to Kelso Lake for the next two nights. A beautiful bog extends north and east on the Kelso River, making it a great area for in-depth exploration. In late July the pitcher plants are in bloom and the Sundew and Butterwort, two other carniverous plants, can be found there as well. Deer with young have been sighted on the edge of the bog, as well as blue herons and moose - it's truly a wonderful area for discovery. Our layover day here gives us ample time to explore the area and perhaps go hiking on the long portage that is nearby.

July 21: We spend our last night in Alton Lake, a large and beautiful lake with many islands and lots of places to explore.

July 22: Alton Lake is separated by a short (30 rod) portage from Sawbill Lake. Our last morning can be leisurely and still arrive back at our take out point by noon. We usually go out for lunch together at the Coho Cafe in Tofte, and you can plan to be back in Duluth by 3 pm.