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Minnesota

Off the Map: Voyageurs National Park & Canoe Country

Program No. 21938RJ
Paddle and hike in one of the few places in the Lower 48 where nature’s vastness and grandeur can leave us in awe — Minnesota's famed Boundary Waters.
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National ParksWater SportsOutdoor AdventuresSmall GroupOff the Map
Length
8 days
Rating (4.8)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,999

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8 days
7 nights
20 meals
7B 6L 7D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Hinckley, MN
2
Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Hike Shovel Point
Silver Bay
3
Sigurd Olson House, Listening Point, Canoeing
Ely, MN
4
Kawishiwi Falls, Wolf Center, Molter Museum, Bear Center
Ely, MN
5
Voyageurs National Park, Study Cruise to Kettle Falls Hotel
International Falls, MN
6
Paddling Lake Kabetogama
International Falls, MN
7
Hiking Ash River Trail
Hinckley, MN
8
Program Concludes
Hinckley, MN
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At a Glance

Beloved by generations of canoeists and wilderness enthusiasts, Minnesota's Boundary Waters is one of North America’s truly untouched places. Go off the map to discover the beauty of Minnesota's North Shore, Burntside Lake and Voyageurs National Park – the only water-based wilderness park in the U.S. Gain a deeper connection with nature as you leave modern technology at home and learn about the region's geology & history, and remarkable flora and fauna on hikes and canoe adventures through remote landscapes and to hidden waterfalls, ancient pine forests and legendary gold mines. Study the conservationists who are the heroes behind this unspoiled nook of North America as you immerse yourself in the beautiful land they’ve tried so hard to protect.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Trail hikes on challenging but not-too-taxing terrain--rocks and roots and uneven ground with some occasional inclines, leading to grand overlooks and hidden waterfalls. Canoeing opportunities--wind and weather permitting--will include 2 sessions, 2-4 hours each, on scenic flatwater. Instruction included for novices and inexperienced paddlers.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Uncover the best of the Great North Woods as you’re led by celebrated author, musician and wilderness expert Douglas Wood, and join him in exploring the famed home and deep woods hideaway--Listening Point--of conservation giant Siguird F. Olson.
  • Enjoy paddling outings on Burntside Lake and gorgeous Lake Kabetogama, and a day-long boat-adventure to Historic Kettle Falls, on the U.S-Canada border, accessible only by boat or plane.
  • Explore the glories of Voyageurs National Park, among charming and intimate islands and from sweeping overlooks.

General Notes

This program is part of our “Off the Map” series, exploring truly remote areas of the United States as a way to connect with local culture and landscapes, and disconnect with the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. Our goal is to bring you to places that have limited access to Wi-Fi, cell service and other technology so you can enjoy authentic learning experiences without modern distractions.
Featured Expert
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Douglas Wood
Douglas Wood has been called "Minnesota's Renaissance Man." An author, artist, naturalist, musician and wilderness leader, he is the creator of 38 books for adults and children, and the recipient of many honors and awards. As a group leader, he has led scores of trips from southern Minnesota's Bluff Country to the Northwest Territories, focusing not just on the natural world of geography and geology, flora and fauna, but on the timeless relationship between nature and the human spirit.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Douglas Wood
Douglas Wood View biography
Douglas Wood has been called "Minnesota's Renaissance Man." An author, artist, naturalist, musician and wilderness leader, he is the creator of 38 books for adults and children, and the recipient of many honors and awards. As a group leader, he has led scores of trips from southern Minnesota's Bluff Country to the Northwest Territories, focusing not just on the natural world of geography and geology, flora and fauna, but on the timeless relationship between nature and the human spirit.
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