Apostle Islands Family Paddle and Hike

TERRAIN/ROUTE: Most of the time is spent with your family along the beaches and shorelines of the Apostle Islands National Lake Shore. We have several activities to choose from, each revealing a different dimension of this beautiful area.

ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TRIP: You will stay at Wilderness Inquiry’s Little Sand Bay Base Camp and take day trips from there. An average day’s activities consist of paddling a North canoe or sea kayak, hiking, and exploring the area. The North canoes hold 6-10 paddlers and or our large stable kayaks hold 2-3 people. This trip is open to families with kids of all ages; however it is recommended for kids age 5 and older. Outings typically consist of 2-5 hours, depending on weather conditions.

YOUR GROUP: The group size ranges from 6 to 18 participants, plus 2 or more Wilderness Inquiry guides. Each group consists of families of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities. Our trips are cooperative adventures and people pitch in with camp chores as they are able.

MEALS: Your family will enjoy preparing meals together in our rustic base camp kitchens using fresh, healthy ingredients for bountiful dishes. Rise to the smell of freshly brewed coffee to enjoy with your breakfast of eggs, oatmeal, or granola. We’ll pack picnic lunches with plenty of snacks before heading off to explore. In the evening, we’ll prepare dinners as a group and enjoy s’mores over the campfire. If you have special dietary restrictions, be sure to list them on your registration.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: Wilderness Inquiry will provide all sea kayak gear and group equipment. You will be assigned the same gear for the duration of your trip, and it will be sanitized between trips. You will need to provide your personal gear as outlined in the packing list. If you are new to outdoor activities, you do not need to spend a lot of money. Wilderness Inquiry can usually arrange for you to borrow most items.

COVID POLICY: We continue to monitor and update our COVID-19 policies. Wilderness Inquiry strongly encourages everyone to be fully up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination and take other necessary steps for the health and wellness of all. We ask you to self-screen for any signs of illness prior to your trip’s departure. Please contact Wilderness Inquiry if you are exhibiting signs of illness. We will also continue to follow all guidance and requirements of locations that we travel, keeping in mind some international destinations do require vaccinations and/or negative covid tests. We will update this policy as new information and guidance becomes available. 

SAFETY WHILE ON TRAIL:  Though not required, some individuals may choose to wear a mask, and we expect all participants to respect this choice. Please ensure proper hygiene including, but not limited to, hand-washing and/or sanitizing before eating and after using the restroom. Individuals who become ill or test positive for COVID-19 during a Wilderness Inquiry experience will be isolated to the best of the group’s ability and are responsible for their own transportation and expenses to depart the trip.

GROUP EXPECTATIONS: To facilitate a safe and inclusive environment where we can all come together as our true selves, feel supported, and enjoy the outdoors in community, we have developed community agreements that align with Wilderness Inquiry’s core values and brand promise. We ask that you review these before your adventure so you can help Wilderness Inquiry create an inclusive environment for all.

Community Agreements as We Adventure Together

☐ We are safety conscious so everyone can have fun!

☐ We seek to understand each other and celebrate our differences.

☐ We are curious, open-minded, and communicate respectfully.

☐ We are open to trying new things and pushing outside of our comfort zone.

☐ We support each other and collectively contribute to group tasks.