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Naturalist Guided
Family BWCA
Canoe Trips
2008
"...The way Wolf Ridge does it is excellent... The wilderness naturalists
from Wolf Ridge have been the best anywhere in our opinion
for teaching and helping us be in the wild..."
Family Canoe Trip Participant

Wolf Ridge canoe trips are unique!

  • Professional Naturalists guide our family canoe trips. Each trip includes 5 days in the BWCAW.
  • Wolf Ridge family canoe trips are educational. Our naturalist guides offer trail classes designed to teach your family about the natural and cultural wonders of the BWCAW.
  • We welcome and will work with families of all ages and experience levels.
  • Each family BWCA canoe trip has eight open spots, is first come first serve, and is open to multiple families. Families who wish to reserve a private trip for only their family can do so by filling/paying for six of the eight available spaces.

“Thank you! This was one of the
best family trips EVER!”
2005 Family Canoe Trip Participant

2008 Trip Dates
& Costs

5-Day Canoe Trips
June 22-28
July 13-19
July 20-26
July 27- August 2
August 3-9

4-Day Canoe Trip
 August 10-15

Basic Costs
5-Day: $405/adult, $355/under 18
4-Day: $355/adult, $305/under 18

Important: Each trip has eight spots, is first come first serve, and open to multiple family registrations. To reserve a private family trip, a family must fill/ pay for 6 of the eight available spaces.

Minimum Group/ Trip Cost
5-Day: $1520
4-Day: $1320

“This was the best experience we could have hoped for--- our children had a perfect first BWCAW experience; Thank you!”

2006 Family Canoe Trip Participant

BWCAW Information Packet
 (pdf format)


Is a BWCA canoe trip
right for your family?
Wolf Ridge wants to facilitate memorable and successful family canoe trips. Therefore, we feel it is important for families to have realistic expectations. Please consider the information below when making decisions about a Wolf Ridge BWCAW trip.

Trail classes: Wolf Ridge designs its family BWCA canoe trips to be educational. Our naturalist guides offer daily trail classes. Each class may range from 15-60 minutes in length. They are fun and interactive opportunities to learn about the natural and human history of the BWCAW.

Community of wilderness travel: Families should expect to learn about and participate in all aspects of wilderness travel on a Wolf Ridge family BWCAW canoe trip; paddling, portaging, cooking, cleaning, and setting up/striking camp. The BWCAW is a primitive camping area with pit toilets and fire grates. You and your naturalist guide will become a small community that works hard together to provide for all of your daily needs.

A popular destination:The BWCAW is the most popular wilderness area in the country. Participants should expect to see other people. Designated campsites are available on a first come basis; therefore, desirable sites may be occupied. You may need to travel farther in order to find an open site.

Physical challenges: Participants should be prepared to help carry 10-60 lb packs and/or 65 lb canoes over portages that can be rocky, muddy, wet, steep and uneven at times. Portages can range in length from 10 yards to over a 1/2 mile. On paddling days, participants can expect to travel 1-9 miles between campsites. Moderate to strenuous effort will be required.

The spirit of adventure: There may be rain and lightning. The wind might blow against the bow of your canoe and the bugs may find you. Someone (you!) might burn dinner. And there may be other challenges you did not predict. The essence of wilderness travel is the challenge of adventure and how one chooses to face it. Your spirit and sense of humor will serve you well. Remember that your BWCAW experiences will become stories that your family will laugh about and share for years to come.

Program Cost Includes:

  • Naturalist Wilderness Guide (professional naturalist, experienced wilderness guide, certified in Wilderness First Aid, Lifeguarding, and CPR)
  • All group camping equipment (see below)
  • Private dorm room with bathroom and shower the night before and after the trip
  • Meals in the Wolf Ridge dining hall before and after the trip
  • Adventure Ropes or Rock Climbing
  • Homecooked (no freeze dried) meals on trail
  • Van transportation to and from BWCAW
  • BWCAW permits and 5 (or 4) days in the BWCAW
Equipment that Wolf Ridge provides:
  • 17 ft. Royalex Wenonah Sundowner canoes
  • Extrasport PFD's and Carlisle plastic paddles
  • Granite Gear Superior One portage packs
  • Eureka 2, 4, or 6 person Timberline tents
  • Primus multi fuel stoves and fuel
  • Cook kits and backcountry ovens
  • Katadyn Pocket water filters
  • Emergency cell phone and First Aid kit
  • Full length self-inflating sleeping pads
  • Utility and Repair kits
  • Bear ropes
Join us for an unforgettable family
experience during the summer of 2008!
Call 1-800-523-2733 (MN, ND, or WI) or 1-218-353-7414
For registrations, ask for Judy.
For questions about the trips, ask for Dave Graf.
You can also e-mail us: adventure@wolf-ridge.org
Download a printable registration form