Canoe Trips
To go on a wilderness trip you don't need to know how to paddle, you
don't have to have experiences in the wilderness, you simply need to be
open to discover and listen to new things about yourself, your
relationship to God and what is around the corner. Each group's
interests and needs vary, and we plan each trip accordingly. 
A majority of WW trips are by canoe in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Wilderness and the Canadian Quetico. Our trips are led by one or two
trained WW trip leaders. All overnight trips begin with a day of orientation to work on canoeing and portaging skills and low-impact camping.
Who goes on Wilderness Wind trips?
Whether you are 2 or 83 years old or somewhere in between, someone like
you has been on a Wilderness Wind trip. Each person has their own
reason or set of reasons for coming on a trip.
Most trips are formed from an established group of people such as:
- community groups (inner-city youth, disabilities),
- church youth groups or small groups,
- men's or women's groups,
- families, parents and their children or youth
- simply a group of friends.
Information about how to orchestrate a group trip is available in Planning a Wilderness Wind trip.
Wilderness Wind also offers what we call open trips.
Rather than being comprised of people from an established group, these
trips are available to individuals or smaller groups to join. Open trips
often have a relational focus such as a parent and child, a pastor's
retreat, women, men or the input centers around a particular theme.
Duration and type of trip:
The duration of each trip is determined by the interest of the group.
Though the typical trip is five or six days, we have worked with trips
from three to ten days in length.
WW's most common routes range from 20 to 50 miles, which includes
portages. A group of beginning canoeists may average 1 1/2 miles per
hour the first day and steadily increase speed and efficiency as the
trip progresses. Experienced groups can go 4 to 6 miles per hour.
Portages, the land trails where the group will carry their packs and
canoes, range in length from 20 feet to more than a mile. As much as we
can, we tailor the trip to your group's interests and will discuss with
each group whether they want a lay-over day, what their interests and
expectations are and how much of the day they want to paddle.
A typical day in the wilderness:
Wilderness and typical don't usually go together, nonetheless there are
activity patterns during a day of paddling. Waking, sometimes with the
sun, is followed by breakfast, breaking camp (getting bear-bags down
and packing up tents and personal belongings) and individual quiet
time. The traveling part of the day begins with a group discussion
about the day's route. Depending on the desired paddling distance and
the weather, we may have lunch at our next campsite or continue
paddling after lunch. Once a suitable campsite is located, we set up
camp and gather fire wood. Evenings involve time to relax, community
meal preparation and discussion. Some groups enjoy one or two lay-over
days in the course of their trip. Leaving the campsite set up while
going on a day trip can create a different rhythm and experience.
About trip leaders:
Wilderness Wind trip
leaders are trained within the Boundary Waters. They know the history,
geography and some of the ecosystems you will be paddling through. Trip
leaders teach the required skills and facilitate the kind of experience
the group chooses. WW trip leaders will lead group discussions that
promote wilderness discovery and care as well as spiritual development.
Their priority is to offer you a safe and fulfilling experience that
addresses your interests (relationally, spiritually, physically) within
this ever-changing wilderness setting.
Click on the links below for more information:
Pack list
Fees
Meal Options
Facilities
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