Strap the kayaks to the roof of a ferry, motor over 50 miles out to the largest island in the largest lake in the world, and have a bit of a paddle. This is not a small thing. This unique island park with its moose and wolves is a popular destination for backpackers, but since it is an island, Uncommon Adventures thought that it would make more sense to explore it from the water. Since nine days are planned for this trip, there will be plenty of time for day hikes, brisk swims, good lake trout fishing and listening to the loons. This a magical place wraped up in ancient rock, thimbleberries and the unforgiving waters of Superior. To insure your safety and maintain the flexibility of small camps, UA limits this trip to only five participants. This can be a challenging destination with weather conditions that can get a bit "interesting". Though not appropriate for first time paddlers, for those with a little water time, Isle Royale is truly a Superior Jewel.
Trip Details
Duration
9 Days
Location
Lake Superior
Season
August 11-19, August 31-September 8
Trip Type
Lake Kayaking
Nearest City
Copper Harbor, MI
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Michigan, United States
Distance Traveled
Maximum per day: 12 miles, weather permitting.
Minimum Age Limit
14
Paddling Skill Level Required
Intermediate to Advanced
Grouped By Level
Yes
Fully Guided
Yes
Guest Capacity
5
Kayaks Supplied
Quality low-cost rentals available.
Kayak Brands
Wilderness Systems Tempests, Perception, Dagger
Accommodations
Wilderness Camping
Showers Available
Solar
Transportation to Start Site
Via Ferry
Dining
Menu Preview...Superior Poached Lake Trout and Cherry Caesar Salad
The fish: Lake Superior continues to yield exceptional catches of beautiful Lake Trout and Isle Royale waters offer some good trolling from kayaks. Poach a large filet per person in a covered pot in a solution made of white wine, lemon juice and garlic for eight to ten minutes. Sprinkle with Italian herbs as the steam gets rolling.
The Salad: Shred Romaine lettuce (one head/four people), add a handful of dried cherries, half a chopped red bell pepper, a handful of walnuts, dress with caesar dressing and sprinkle with croutons.
About Liquor
BYOB
Additional Activities
Paddling and navigation skills, Berry picking, trout and salmon fishing/eating, Aurora Borealis viewing, waterfall showers... can't beat that.
Rates
$1,195.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
A $150 registration is required to hold your reservation and is refundable until 30 days of departure. Your balance is also due at this time. Once your deposit is received, you will receive a personal equipment list, a participant profile (so that Uncommon Adventures may tailor your trip to your interests and tastes in food), and any other pertinent.
Note: The trip price includes more and UA's group sizes are smallest of any outfitter!
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous in Copper Harbor (lodging provided) 7:00pm for a quick backcountry packing orientation.
Day 2: 7:00am boarding of the Isle Royal Queen for the five-hour ride to Rock Harbor. Organize and pack for the short paddle to the first campsite. Go over basic strokes, braces and rescue drills.
Days 3-8: The heart of the trip - you'll find yourself paddling and average of four or five hours per day, sandwiched with day hikes, fishing, shooting photos, looking for moose and listening to the music of the largest freshwater sea. You may choose a layover at a particularly nice campsite to allow more time to explore and linger a bit. You should be prepared for temps between 40-80 ... bring a wool hat and a swimsuit. You'll be covering 50 to 70 miles total with a fairly relaxed pace. You can count on learning new paddle skills and having a truly spectacular experience. In the afternoon of day 8, you'll be ferried back to Copper Harbor for a fine meal at the Harbor Haus and a good night's sleep.
Day 9: After breakfast, part company for your homeward travels.
This Package Includes
Lodging Before and After Island
Guides
Group Safety Gear
Terrific Food
Notes
Beginners are welcome on this trip if they participate in a basic strokes/rescue clinic with Uncommon Adventures at their base in NW Michigan, or a similar program close to them.
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