Join Wilderness Inquiry on an inclusive and exciting 5 night LGBTQIA+ adventure to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area over Labor Day weekend. This trip has been thoughtfully designed by queer folks- led by queer folks- for queer folks. You do not need to be a seasoned outdoor expert, nor have any prior canoe experience to join this trip, but you should feel comfortable being in remote wilderness, participating in physical activity, and sleeping in tents.
There will be a total of 9 people in the group, including 3 instructors. This trip includes optional transportation to and from the Minneapolis/St Paul area and starts with a night of bunkhouse lodging at Ely Outfitting Company- a gay owned outfitter in Ely, Minnesota. On the second day, we will launch our canoes and spend 4 nights camping, paddling, and hiking in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Pre-trip meeting details:
There are two pre-trip sessions planned for confirmed participants to prepare for this trip:
August 5th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm: Required, in-person pre-trip meeting at Wilderness Inquiry headquarters in Bloomington, MN
Date TBD that works for participants: Optional introductory canoeing and portage practice session at Lebanon Hills (2-3 hrs on a weekend)
When:
8/28 12:30 PM to 9/2/25 11:00 AMWhere: Ely Outfitting Company (View Map)
Fee: $250
Description:
This trip is offered at a reduced fee thanks to the generous partnership between Save the Boundary Waters and Wilderness Inquiry. All transportation, lodging, food and group gear is included in the trip fee. We will be able to accommodate different dietary needs, and participants will be asked to supply their own outdoor appropriate clothing. A suggested packing list for personal gear and clothing will be shared with participants after registration. If you prefer to drive yourself to the meeting place in Ely, please select your preferred meeting place when registering.
Registration is first-come-first serve with a 20% deposit required to hold your spot. Please note that your registration must be "accepted" by Wilderness Inquiry before your participation is confirmed. If for any reason your registration cannot be accepted, your 20% deposit will be fully refunded. All participants must be at least 18 years or older in order to register.
For more information about what to expect, please follow the link below to visit our BWCA Itinerary page. Please note that this trip has some unique elements that are different from our standard BWCA trip. More trip specific information will be shared with you after your registration is confirmed.
https://www.wildernessinquiry.org/itinerary/boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness-5-day-adventure/