Project Description

Voyageurs Wilderness Canoe

FOLLOWING FOOTSTEPS OF HISTORY

About this Trip

The Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota are the wilderness setting for this classic Camp Nicolet and Northpoint Adventures trip, a tradition since camp’s second decade (the 1950s). Originally led by Nicolet founder Wendall Schrader in unison with family friends and seasonal camp staff for nearly 30 years, the trip made a resurgence in 2006 at the request and enthusiasm of senior campers and staff. Originally named, “The Canadian,” Voyageurs Wilderness Canoe ventures to the border of the United States and Canada as participants paddle the Basswood River connecting the Horse River with expansive Basswood Lake. A circle trip encompassing 52 miles paddling and 14 portages, 6 challenging days are spent in the camaraderie of the trip group and seasoned Northpoint Adventures leaders. A seventh day is added for travel to and from camp. Great care is given to the trip menu, with evenings spent enjoying hot beverages and delicious food at lakeside campsites situated on smooth rock slabs native to the area. Think back to your early trips (Sylvania Wilderness Canoe), and you’ll hear again the familiar sound of the loon’s call, or perhaps the sound of a wolf’s howl and an owl’s hoot far in the distance. Awake to lifting fog and a morning of drifting along in your canoe on glassy water, achieving mileage well before the winds of the afternoon gain momentum. Although steeped in unending beauty, Voyageurs Wilderness Canoe as a trip is advanced in nature and challenges backcountry mettle. Upper body strength is gained through longer paddling days and difficult, often muddy, portages. Working together tackling the portages is paramount. The feeling of accomplishment upon return is lifelong, and soon you realize you inspire others at camp to tackle this goal. This trip is strongly recommended for CIT I participants interested in Rocky Mountain Backpacking.

Details

Voyageurs Wilderness Canoe teaches participants advanced wilderness skills including; the incredible importance of Leave No Trace ethics in the context of minimal impact on a National Forest, the incredible importance of good decision-making and safety in remote wilderness, the importance of supporting every member of the group during a very challenging wilderness experience, goal-setting and debriefing accomplishments throughout, honing map, compass, and navigation skills, wilderness first aid basics, the importance of wilderness hygiene on a 6+ day experience, and self-sufficient wilderness food preparation skills. Led by veteran Northpoint Adventures guides certified in 1st Aid/CPR, Lifeguarding, and/or Wilderness First Aid.

  • July 18th through July 24th, 2024

  • Offered during Session II

  • Recommended for Participants ages 15/16+

  • Advanced level paddling experience – 52 miles over 6 days

Difficulty

Advanced

Trip Length

7 Days

Who’s Coming?

July 18th through July 24th, 2024

Participants:

  • To Be Announced

Trip Leaders:

  • Valentina Illera Mejia

  • Katie Singleton

  • Lucy Darrow

Packing List

The following items are necessary for a safe and comfortable Voyageurs Wilderness experience. If you have questions, please e-mail Northpoint Adventures.

THE BASICS
– 1 Fleece Top
– 1 Nylon Jacket (for paddling)
– 1 pair Rain Pants
– 1 pair Quick-Dry Long Pants (nylon sports pants, hiking pants) – 1 pair Long Underwear (Hot Chilis, Under Armour, etc.)
– 2 polypropylene T-shirts, one long- and one short-sleeve
– 1 cotton T-Shirt for around campsite
– 1 pair Nylon Athletic Shorts
– 1 Swimsuit
– 1 pair cotton Socks for around campsite
– 2 pair Wool or Smartwool socks
– 1 pair of Pajamas or sleeping attire
– 1 Baseball Cap or Visor
– 1 Stocking Cap
– 1 pair Gloves or Mittens
– Undergarments (underwear, sports bras, etc.) for 7 days

FOOTWEAR
– 1 pair of Hiking Boots – for ankle support while portaging & in campsite – 1 pair of Sandals you can strap to your feet (Chacos, Tevas, etc.)

EXTRAS (but still important…)
– 1 Chapstick or Blistex
– Toothbrush & Toothpaste
– 1 Headlamp – important to have your own
– Camera*
– Bug Spray – preferably Black Fly Formula
– Sunscreen
– Sunglasses
– 1 Pocket Knife or Leatherman tool
– 1 package of Wet Ones or similar hand wipes
– 1 small Towel or “Pack Towel”
– 1 small Sleeping Bag
– 2 Nalgene-brand Water Bottles (wide-mouth, one-quart size. MUST be Nalgene-brand to
work with our water purifiers.)
– 1 Crazy Creek Chair or Sleeping Pad – not both, space is limited*

*denotes optional item

Northpoint Adventures will provide remainder of gear, including life vests, paddles, river packs, cooking and eating utensils, and more.

Photos

This mini-gallery is from our past trips! Additional photos are found on our Facebook Page.

Maps

Take a moment to explore the route!

Voyageurs Trip Map