LGBTQ+ Boundary Waters Trip
Experience the incredible Boundary Waters with others who identify as LGBTQ+. This trip is queer-guided and open to those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Whether this is your first time in a canoe or you’re an experienced paddler, you’ll have a ton of fun while traveling with other bold members of the LGBTQ+ community!
This adventure includes a fully outfitted and professionally guided four-day/three-night BWCAW canoe camping trip and is open to all who identify as LGBTQ+. You’ll be geared up with the best canoeing and camping equipment, right down to your comfy, freshly-laundered sleeping bag. All you need to bring are your clothes, and a thirst for adventure. Expect days of both travel and base-camping. On an optional layover day, we will rest, relax, explore and, if you’d like, fish. Each day will bring new experiences and sights that could include waterfalls, wildlife, towering old growth white pines, and beautiful Northwoods surroundings.
You will make new friends and meet interesting people. Our guests respect each other as individuals and work together and learn with one another as a team in a safe and supportive environment. Sign up by yourself, or bring along a friend.
Expect to return home with new friends from the LGBTQ+ outdoors community, a deeper appreciation for the Boundary Waters, some great stories, and a new level of confidence in your outdoors skills.
Listen to the Boundary Waters Podcast featuring stories from one of our LGBTQ+ Wilderness canoe trips. Traveling in the Wilderness with fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community is a really special experience, and we hope you can join us.
Ely Outfitting Company is a gay-owned business that supports diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces. Ely Outfitting Company is also a supporter of the Outside Safe Space program founded by Mikah Meyer. The Outside Safe Space program promotes welcoming spaces in the outdoors community for people who identify as LGBTQ+.
Trip Details
Dates
August 17 - 21, 2027
Price
$925 per person. Financial assistance may be available based on need.
Who Can Participate?
Those who identify as LGBTQ+ and are at least 18 years old.
Group Size
Maximum group size is 8 participants, and minimum group size is four participants.
Trip Schedule
Day 1
Meet your group on Aug. 17 at 3:00 p.m. at Ely Outfitting Co. for a pre-trip orientation.
Day 2 - 5
You will launch canoes from a Boundary Waters entry point near Ely and begin your wilderness adventure that includes three nights camping on trail. After three nights camping on trail, your group will exit the water in the middle of the afternoon on the final day of the trip. Included meals are lunch on the first day on trail through lunch on the last day on trail.
Lodging before & after the canoe trip
Optional, economical bunkhouse lodging is available before and/or after your canoe trip for an additional charge. Bunkhouse lodging includes individual beds and is in a bunkhouse unit shared only with members of this guided group trip.
How to Register
Click "Sign Up" below to register online. When completing your reservation, use the following information:
- Entry and Exit Point: Enter LGBTQ+ Trip.
- Trip Dates: Enter your trip dates.
- Trip Leader: Enter your own name.
- Group Size: Select 1 when registering yourself.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot. Due to the extremely limited group size, deposits are nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to another year. We recommend considering independent travel insurance to protect your investment.
Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 30 days before your trip. This payment is also nonrefundable.