Join us as we explore the sea kayakers' paradise of the Apostle Islands on the south shore of Lake Superior. Three-day trips base camp on the mainland and paddle out among the islands on day trips. Explore sea caves, sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and sunken shipwrecks. Experience breathtaking sunsets over Lake Superior and listen to waves crash along the shore.
Sample Itinerary
Please note: While the itinerary presented is an accurate depiction of what your trip will be like, it is only an example. Our trips are real adventures in the outdoors--not pre-packaged tours that happen on a schedule.
DAY 1: Meet at Wilderness Inquiry in the afternoon or at Wilderness Inquiry's base in Little Sand Bay in the evening. Share introductions, roast marshmallows over the campfire, and discuss the coming days' events.
DAY 2: Review personal gear for the day, and participate in a sea kayak orientation. Learn to size your wet suits, review safety procedures, and work on paddling skills. After lunch, travel along the shore, practicing kayaking skills. Visit York Island if time and weather permit. Spend the evening at base camp relaxing by the fire.
DAY 3: Get up early for breakfast and paddle out to Sand Island. Visit sea caves and the historic lighthouse on the northwest shore of Sand Island. Eat lunch on a remote beach and, weather permitting, paddle in and out of the caves' sculpted rock chambers. Enjoy a sunset paddle back to base camp for dinner. Listen to stories about many of the Apostle Islands' shipwrecks around the campfire that evening.
DAY 4: Depending on the direction of the wind, explore the spectacular Mawikwe Bay sea caves or drive to Red Cliff to explore Buffalo Bay and paddle among shipwrecks from long ago. Your Apostle Islands adventure will end in the early afternoon, after one last lunch with new friends. Those using WI's van transportation can expect to return to Minneapolis in the evening.
Travel, Terrain, Etc...
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Much of the time is spent along the beaches and shoreline of the islands. The islands are made up of red sandstone, covered with a mixed forest of birch, pine, oak, and maple. Except for a few cliffs, the terrain is gentle and rolling. We have several routes to choose from, each revealing a different dimension of this archipelago. Wind and weather largely determine the route, and storms may delay paddling.
TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: You will travel in 21-foot Grand San Juan sea kayaks, which hold 2 or 3 people plus all necessary gear. An average day's travel consists of 3-6 paddling hours, depending on weather conditions. Be prepared for the possibility of a wind bound day. We will provide other activities if weather prevents paddling. Travel distances vary from 4-10 miles each day. To protect the environment, WI uses Leave No Trace camping techniques.
WEATHER: Temperatures in the summer months range from 45 F to 85 F. Rainfall can vary, but you should expect at least one day of rain. Weather in the area is strongly influenced by Lake Superior and can change suddenly.
LODGING/BATHROOM FACILITIES: This is a camping trip. At night you will sleep in a comfortable Eureka Timberline tent. Typically, there are 3 people per 4 person tent (although other arrangements can be made). We recommend that you bring your own personal sleeping bag and "camprest" foam core inflatable mattress (a limited number of sleeping bags and mattresses are available for individuals who need them). Bathroom facilities consist of an outhouse or a foldable commode chair set up in a privacy tent. We make every effort to ensure privacy and cleanliness.
GROUP SIZE: The group size ranges from 10 to 15 participants, plus 2 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities.
CAMP CHORES: Our trips are cooperative in nature. WI staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where they can. Part of the adventure involves learning about daily camp activities.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: If you are new to outdoor activities, you need not spend a lot of money on gear. Wilderness Inquiry will provide all necessary kayaking and camping equipment. All you need to provide is your personal gear, such as clothing and a sleeping bag. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation. If you need to borrow personal gear, that can usually be arranged.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to complete this trip.
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Wilderness Inquiry is proud to serve Caribou Coffee on all our trips. Great food, great coffee, and great company are just some of the ingredients that make Wilderness Inquiry trips special.
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[ Dates & Fees ]
The unique geological features, rich cultural heritage and diverse ecological system of the Apostle Islands has attracted visitors for centuries. One story says that Jesuit missionaries, believing that there were only 12 islands in this 21-island archipelago, named the region after the twelve apostles in the Bible. Another, quite different story is that they were named after a well-known band of pirates - the Apostles.
The history of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore predates these missionaries by eons, however, as the region's bedrock can be traced to Precambrian times. Nearly a billion years ago, sand and silt were deposited in this region via northwesterly flowing streams and rivers. Under the weight of additional layers the sediment slowly compacted and began to bond together.
These layers eventually experienced tremendous pressure as the ice age began and glaciers thousands of feet thick covered the forming sedimentary rock. The cycle of advancing and receding glaciers continued to shape the Apostles landscape until 10,000 years ago. Although the glacial activity formed much of what we see today, other dynamic processes continue as differential erosion alters the islands' beautiful sandstone arches, pillars and caves.
These geologic wonders are partly responsible for attracting the native inhabitants and present day visitors. The Chippewa, or Ojibwe, were the first people in recent history to inhabit the islands. Hunting, fishing and maple sugaring provided food and supplies, and were eventually traded with the Europeans. During the mid-1800's the islands' resources attracted European settlers and for 80 years these resources were seriously exploited. Brownstone was quarried and used to construct buildings and lighthouses, forests were cleared and turned into farmlands, commercial fishing increased and mills and mines were established.
By the time of The Great Depression, the islands' natural resources were scarce. While unfortunate for the people of the US, the Depression saved the archipelago as it all but stopped development of the islands.
Today, the islands, which were dedicated a National Lakeshore in 1970, are governed by the National Park Service. Ecological succession has returned this system to a natural balance and visitors enjoy abundant wildlife, heavily forested islands and geologic wonders worthy of the Park Service's protection.
For more information, visit these links:
National Park Service - Official Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Website
Wilderness Suitability Study for the Apostle Islands
"The Riddle of the Apostle Islands: How do you manage a wilderness full of human stories?" by William Cronon
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Support the Apostle Islands, join the Friends!
Bayfield Chamber of Commerce - There's lots to do in Bayfield!
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