Family Travel Forum - Gunflint, Minnesota

Does paddling along at sea level sound like your family's idea of a cruise? If so, consider the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota and the adjacent Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, together comprising one of the largest areas of protected wilderness in North America. More than 1,000 lakes interlace the forests and meadows where moose, beaver, otter, mink, and loons are regular visitors. Here's the perfect resort for you...

Minnesota's noted Gunflint Outfitters have been offering guided and unguided canoe trips throughout this watery wilderness for the past 70 years.

If you're a canoeing novice, like me, opt for one of their easy 4-7 day trips for any age beginner that includes shorter paddle distances and easier portages. All kinds of other trips are available May to October, from 10-day adventure trips across large lakes, past waters falls, and through rapids and rocky portages, to "rustic-plush" trips that combine several days of wilderness canoeing with equal days at the Gunflint Lodge, plus all meals and activities. Camping is in designated first-come, first-served campsites that have firegrates and wilderness latrines. Since canoe camping requires specialized gear, let Gunflint outfit your family with everything -- canoes (typically seating two adults and one child), life jackets, paddles, tents, packs, cooking gear, sleeping bags, Therma-rest pads, food and even fishing poles.

Gunflint Lodge has two kinds of accommodations for canoers to stay in before and after their trip. To keep costs down, stay in a Rustic Canoer Cabin, using your own bedding and a shared bath house. But if you're not pinching pennies, a stay at the lodge's attractive cabins is a treat for parents. Children's activities are offered throughout the summer, such as fishing lessons, wilderness living skills, and special hikes. Other activities for the entire family include horseback riding, swimming, and mountain hikes.

Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters,

Gunflint, Minnesota

www.gunflint.com; 800/328-3325

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Extra Credit: They outfit you with all equipment...even your First Aid kit.
Comments: With over one million acres of wilderness and 1,200 miles of canoe routes, you can truly get away from it all.