The huge Canadian wilderness park known as the Quetico is just a 15 mile paddle from Camp Voyageur. A few old Voyageurs who ventured into the Quetico several years ago recount the 10 things they loved most about this remote paddling destination.
Our annual newspaper has been in circlation since 1951. Check out our latest edition!
I bought my new shoes in 2012 at Scheels in Mankato on the cusp of my first solo backpacking trip. Merrells, size 9.5. Walnut grey with black soles. Mom didn’t believe I was actually going, until we walked out of the shop with my new hiking shoes. Then my new backpack, tent, and ultralight sleeping bag arrived in the mail. Who knew paying tuition on a credit card could rack up so many travel miles? Who knew donating plasma twice a week could be so profitable? Away I flew atop my new shoes, to the islands of Puerto Rico. My...
The Superior-Quetico Region of North America has been inhabited by people for around 10,000 years. From Paleo-Indians to French Voyageurs, many cultures have left their mark on the U.S.-Canada Border region. History buffs and common folk alike can appreciate the rich history of the area. The region also contains unique animals not seen in other parts of North America. Below we feature some interesting historical artifacts and other cool treasures we’ve encountered on recent wilderness adventures. Note: It is unethical and sometimes unlawful to remove or damage these treasures. We leave them right where we found them.
Veteran camper Christian W. recently released the exclusive lyrics for his new hit single Today Was a Duff Day, featuring counselor Paul Nelson. He recounts a recent trip which was full of Duff Days, or days on the trail where campers don’t pack up and move out, but rather use the campsite as a basecamp for a day full of fun activities and relaxation. Listeners of the 2019 WELK Pirate Radio Show were the first to hear his new hit single, which has since meteorically risen to the top of Wandering Elk’s Hot 100. Today Was a Duff Day Just...
10 days in the Canadian wilderness. Final trip of the summer. An all-star crew. We knew right away what kind of crew our Trip Director had put together, so we looked at the map to plan our route with hunger in our eyes. The route went through many revisions to meet everyone’s personal goals, but one thing stayed – our hunger for miles. So, day 3 went down on the itinerary as “The Long Day.” For many of us, it was the first trip comprised of all older, veteran campers able to portage, paddle, and experience the great outdoors to...
We all experience defining moments in our lives, when we realize our journey has begun a new chapter. For adults it may be marriage, or a child being born. For many kids it could be going from elementary to middle school, getting their driver’s license, or making a certain sports team. But for campers at Camp Voyageur, a defining moment is without a doubt completing the Grand Portage. There are many benefits of wilderness adventure camps, and one is that is quickens emotional maturation. It is no exaggeration to say that the Grand Portage turns boys into men.
Your first overnight adventure is guaranteed to be a stretch. One astute camper captured his first Boundary Waters trip for posterity in the 2018 Paddle Post newspaper. My First Boundary Waters Canoe Trip I have been to multiple national parks and forests, but I didn't know what to expect here at Camp Voyageur. The first few days at base camp we practiced canoeing and fishing nearby, then we headed out for six days with counselors Alex and Evan bound for the Canadian border and the Crooked Lake fishing grounds. I felt this trip would be difficult, but I was excited...
Have you read the latest Camp Voyageur Paddle Post? Be sure to catch up with the latest summer happenings with the 2018 digital edition!
Have you read the latest Camp Voyageur Paddle Post? Be sure to catch up with the latest summer happenings with the 2017 digital edition. As always, we've collected stories from both our campers and counselors. I bet there's a few in here you haven't heard of yet! Click here to check it out!