New schedules posted for 2019. You do not need a dog to partake in our trips.
If you are looking for a particular adventure for a future date that isn't listed, let us know and we will accommodate you to the best of our abilities. Group discounts available.
All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome. We do not discriminate.
All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome. We do not discriminate.
Guided Canoe Trips
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If you desire a date in the future that isn't listed please let us know and we will be able to accommodate your request.
Ask us about trips to the BOUNDARY WATERS!
Limited guided trips available in the BWCA. We custom guide according to your abilities and your desires and goals. You can either have the choice of base camping or tripping. We cater to your
interests such as photography, natural wonders, wildlife, orienteering, history, fishing, nature,
bird watching, canoeing and camping techniques, etc.
Limited 2019 spots still available.
Limited guided trips available in the BWCA. We custom guide according to your abilities and your desires and goals. You can either have the choice of base camping or tripping. We cater to your
interests such as photography, natural wonders, wildlife, orienteering, history, fishing, nature,
bird watching, canoeing and camping techniques, etc.
Limited 2019 spots still available.
Teach Your Dog to Canoe Basics $75
Want to learn how to canoe with your best friend who just happens to be a dog? No problem! Learn the ins and outs in regards to paddling with a canine friend. If you are just paddling around for recreational pleasure or planning a large trip to the boundary waters, don’t leave your best bud in a kennel, teach him how to come with you!
Individualized lessons available for you and your pooch. We teach you and your dog how to paddle together and the best way to approach a tippy canoe with an out of control dog. This is a great way to include your dog on family outings! No previous paddle experience necessary. Your dog will learn how to behave in a canoe, and you will learn how to control your dog, and the best paddle techniques to deal with having a dog in a canoe.
• Customized training based on your experience and your goals.
• Training sessions last approx. 1 hour
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome. We do not discriminate.
• Must contact us to arrange appointments.
• A park sticker is required for this class.
JUNE - SOLD OUT.
JULY - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
AUG - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
SEPT - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
Please call for available dates.
Individualized lessons available for you and your pooch. We teach you and your dog how to paddle together and the best way to approach a tippy canoe with an out of control dog. This is a great way to include your dog on family outings! No previous paddle experience necessary. Your dog will learn how to behave in a canoe, and you will learn how to control your dog, and the best paddle techniques to deal with having a dog in a canoe.
• Customized training based on your experience and your goals.
• Training sessions last approx. 1 hour
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome. We do not discriminate.
• Must contact us to arrange appointments.
• A park sticker is required for this class.
JUNE - SOLD OUT.
JULY - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
AUG - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
SEPT - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
Please call for available dates.
Soloing a Canoe Class Basics $75
There are many trials and tribulations to soloing a canoe. Want to learn how to solo a boat and not go in circles? Want to make sure you are not "that guy" paddling your paddle backwards? This is your chance. Learn from an expert with over 30 years experience with solo expeditions in the most harshest environments on long remote paddle trips. Learn paddle strokes, wind and wave evaluation and how to properly solo maneuver to outsmart the weather. Learn about canoe selection for solo boats and different paddles for your body type. Individualized lessons available for you. Dogs are allowed if they are already seasoned canoe dogs as this class will be a human focused class.
• Customized training based on your experience and your goals.
• Training sessions last approx. 1 hour
• Must contact us to arrange appointments.
JUNE - Afternoon and Evening classes available.
JULY - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
AUG - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
SEPT - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
Please call for available dates.
• Customized training based on your experience and your goals.
• Training sessions last approx. 1 hour
• Must contact us to arrange appointments.
JUNE - Afternoon and Evening classes available.
JULY - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
AUG - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
SEPT - Mornings, Afternoon and Evening classes available.
Please call for available dates.
Down the Apple (3 hour guided trip) $100 pp. Dog(s) included.
An evening awaits you and your pooch as you travel down the Apple River in Johannesburg, WI. Once known for an important route for the logging industry, this river is alive with water fowl and wildlife to peak your dog's interest. The river winds through parts of wooded farmland, and if your canine friend is lucky, they may even get a glimpse of a donkey or a goat or two! This slow moving river is an excellent evening escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy day of work. Join other dog lovers as you wind down your night.
• Customized adventure based on your experience and your goals.
• Morning trip runs from 8:30 a.m. til 11:30 a.m. Evening trips runs from 5:30 p.m. til 8:30 p.m.
• No paddle experience necessary but we recommend taking our class 'Teach Your Dog To Canoe Basics'.
• Dates: JUNE - Mornings: 8, 9, 29, 30 Evenings: 10, 11, 13, 16, 23, 25
JULY - Mornings: 6, 7, 13, 21, 28 Evenings: 8, 10, 16, 18, 19, 23, 31
AUG - Mornings: 3, 4, 11, 16, 18, 24, 25 Evenings: 5, 9, 13, 17, 22
• Customized adventure based on your experience and your goals.
• Morning trip runs from 8:30 a.m. til 11:30 a.m. Evening trips runs from 5:30 p.m. til 8:30 p.m.
• No paddle experience necessary but we recommend taking our class 'Teach Your Dog To Canoe Basics'.
• Dates: JUNE - Mornings: 8, 9, 29, 30 Evenings: 10, 11, 13, 16, 23, 25
JULY - Mornings: 6, 7, 13, 21, 28 Evenings: 8, 10, 16, 18, 19, 23, 31
AUG - Mornings: 3, 4, 11, 16, 18, 24, 25 Evenings: 5, 9, 13, 17, 22
Splish Splash 'n Play (1/2 day guided trip) $140 pp. Dog(s) included.
This half day trip is geared toward just having a ton of doggie fun! We will launch our crafts in Hudson and practice our canoe exiting and entering on sandy beaches on the St. Croix River. The dogs will have opportunities to be off leash and romp and play in the water or swim with their owners. This relaxing half day will be spent just watching and playing with the dogs on the beach with fellow dog lovers.
• Customized adventure based on your experience and your goals.
• Trip runs from 8 a.m. til 12:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Snacks will be provided.
• No paddle experience necessary but we recommend taking our class 'Teach Your Dog To Canoe Basics'.
• Dates: TBD temporarily not offered due to flooding
• Customized adventure based on your experience and your goals.
• Trip runs from 8 a.m. til 12:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Snacks will be provided.
• No paddle experience necessary but we recommend taking our class 'Teach Your Dog To Canoe Basics'.
• Dates: TBD temporarily not offered due to flooding
Ripples on the St. Croix (1 day guided trip) $170 pp. Dog(s) included.
Nature lovers will love this fun and relaxing trip. Your journey will include paddling with your pooch upstream in the quiet and protected Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway managed by the National Park Service. It’s a great place for wildlife sightings like deer, eagles, falcons and waterfowl. We will break off from the main river into some side streams for a chance to see more wildlife and for more doggie fun of exploring the backwaters. This tour is a perfect introduction to heavy river currents in the main channel but also slow currents in the side backwaters and plenty of opportunities for doggie off leash swimming and playing in a shallow sandy bottom. A light lunch is provided.
• Customized adventure based on your experience and your goals.
• Trip runs from 8 a.m. til 3:00 p.m.
• Snacks and a light lunch will be provided.
• No paddle experience necessary but we recommend taking our class 'Teach Your Dog To Canoe Basics'.
• Dates: TBD temporarily not offered due to flooding
• Customized adventure based on your experience and your goals.
• Trip runs from 8 a.m. til 3:00 p.m.
• Snacks and a light lunch will be provided.
• No paddle experience necessary but we recommend taking our class 'Teach Your Dog To Canoe Basics'.
• Dates: TBD temporarily not offered due to flooding
Extended Doggie Paddle Play Days (2 day guided trip) $275 pp. Dog(s) included.
This experience will introduce you to paddling and camping with your pup on a 2 day getaway within an easy commute to the twin cities. Your journey will start out at Taylor's Falls paddling along rugged impressive shear cliffs. Swallows can be spotted swooping down catching bugs. This trip will allow you to be on a short overnight adventure with your pup learning how to set up camp and make a delicious camp meal. Relax around the camp fire with fellow dog lovers in the evening, throw a fishing line in to see what you can catch, or just bask in the evening sunset with your favorite buddy by your side. A great starter trip to remote camping with your canine friend. All gear and food is provided.
• Customized adventure based on your experience and your goals.
• Trip runs from 8 a.m. the first day til 4pm on the second day
• Lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the second day will be provided.
• No paddle experience necessary but we recommend taking our class 'Teach Your Dog To Canoe Basics'.
• A fishing license is required to fish and must be purchased separately through your local state DNR.
• Dates: TBD temporarily not offered due to flooding
• Customized adventure based on your experience and your goals.
• Trip runs from 8 a.m. the first day til 4pm on the second day
• Lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the second day will be provided.
• No paddle experience necessary but we recommend taking our class 'Teach Your Dog To Canoe Basics'.
• A fishing license is required to fish and must be purchased separately through your local state DNR.
• Dates: TBD temporarily not offered due to flooding
Guided Hiking and BackpackingTrips
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Ask us about getting your working dog
certified as a 'pack dog excellent' title.
Limited guided 3 day trips available with the sole purpose of getting your dog titled.
A choice of WPD, WPDA or WPDX titles according to AMCA rules is the objective.
If your dog breed has their own rules we can accommodate.
We custom guide according to the title you are wanting to achieve. While the human requirements to achieve this are quite grueling along with the knowledge of remote backcountry camping, I am able to take your dog for you and make this happen. Your dog can get all certifications in three long weekends with my help. I am physically able to log long mileage and use a PLB as proof of travel. You have the option of having me take your dog for you and accomplish this, or you can accompany your dog on a fully guided backpacking trip with all gear and food provided**. Please contact me for cost, reasonable pricing.
ITINERARY:
FIRST TRIP: 3 days, 10 mile days each totaling 30 miles. Two overnights. Working Pack Dog WPD title when done.
SECOND TRIP: 3 days 13.3 miles per day. Totaling 40 miles WPDA when done
THIRD TRIP: 3 days 13.3 miles per day. Totaling 40 miles. Working Pack Dog Excellent WPDX title when done.
(**Humans must be able to pack a 40+ pound expedition pack and hike the needed daily mileage for 3 days straight. This is an unsupported remote backcountry trek and all needed supplies must be carried with you.)
certified as a 'pack dog excellent' title.
Limited guided 3 day trips available with the sole purpose of getting your dog titled.
A choice of WPD, WPDA or WPDX titles according to AMCA rules is the objective.
If your dog breed has their own rules we can accommodate.
We custom guide according to the title you are wanting to achieve. While the human requirements to achieve this are quite grueling along with the knowledge of remote backcountry camping, I am able to take your dog for you and make this happen. Your dog can get all certifications in three long weekends with my help. I am physically able to log long mileage and use a PLB as proof of travel. You have the option of having me take your dog for you and accomplish this, or you can accompany your dog on a fully guided backpacking trip with all gear and food provided**. Please contact me for cost, reasonable pricing.
ITINERARY:
FIRST TRIP: 3 days, 10 mile days each totaling 30 miles. Two overnights. Working Pack Dog WPD title when done.
SECOND TRIP: 3 days 13.3 miles per day. Totaling 40 miles WPDA when done
THIRD TRIP: 3 days 13.3 miles per day. Totaling 40 miles. Working Pack Dog Excellent WPDX title when done.
(**Humans must be able to pack a 40+ pound expedition pack and hike the needed daily mileage for 3 days straight. This is an unsupported remote backcountry trek and all needed supplies must be carried with you.)
Lake Superior Hiking Trail $300 Dog(s) included.
Your journey will start out at the trail head and is a perfect introduction to backpacking for beginners for both you and your pooch. An moderate hike to a campsite will round out the day of hiking. One night will be spent remote camping under the stars. Your morning will be relaxing with a hot breakfast. An easy break of camp and we will start the trek back to the trail head through towering forests. This is your chance to learn all the ins and outs of backpacking. Plenty of off leash opportunities will be available in camp. All gear and food is provided.
• Trip runs from 8 a.m. the first day til 4pm on the second day
• Lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the second day will be provided.
• Hiking is difficult on uneven hilly terrain.
• Dates: JUNE - sold out
JULY - 13-14, 27-28
AUG - 10-11, 24-25
• Trip runs from 8 a.m. the first day til 4pm on the second day
• Lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the second day will be provided.
• Hiking is difficult on uneven hilly terrain.
• Dates: JUNE - sold out
JULY - 13-14, 27-28
AUG - 10-11, 24-25
Ice Age Trail Observation (one day guided trip) $130 pp. Dog(s) included.
This is a great introduction to the Ice Age Trail system. We will meet at the trail head and hike a section of the Ice Age Trail. Bear have been spotted in this area along with eagles and an eagle nest to view. Early spring and late fall trumpeter swans also frequent this area. A change to view beavers and loons is prevalent. Opportunities to walk your dog on boardwalks and lots of chances for swimming. Lunch will be provided. If you are looking to get a day trip in for one of your dog's packing legs this is an excellent hike to do it on as it's relatively flat with a lot of shade to prevent overheating of dogs. Scales will be provided to weigh packs.
• Trip starts out at 8 a.m. from the trail head.
• Lunch provided.
• Hiking is easy on uneven terrain.
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome. We do not discriminate.
• Dates: JUNE - sold out
JULY - 14
AUG - 3, 4, 19, 25
• Trip starts out at 8 a.m. from the trail head.
• Lunch provided.
• Hiking is easy on uneven terrain.
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome. We do not discriminate.
• Dates: JUNE - sold out
JULY - 14
AUG - 3, 4, 19, 25
Ice Age Trail Cool Camping (Two day guided trip) $260 pp. Dog(s) included.
You will fall in love with this fun and relaxing tour. Your journey will start out at the trail head and is a perfect introduction to backpacking for beginners for both themselves and their pooches. An easy hike to an area lake will round out the day of hiking. One night will be spent remote camping under the stars listening to the loons, beaver and river otters play in the water. Your morning will be relaxing while watching the sunrise dance across the water. An easy break of camp and we will start the trek back to the trail head through towering forests. Plenty of off leash opportunities will be available in camp and around the lake. All gear and food is provided.
• Trip runs from 8 a.m. the first day til 4pm on the second day
• Lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the second day will be provided.
• Hiking is easy on uneven terrain.
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome. We do not discriminate.
• Dates: JUNE - 28-29
JULY - 13-14, 19-20, 27-28
AUG - 3-4, 17-18, 24-25
• Trip runs from 8 a.m. the first day til 4pm on the second day
• Lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the second day will be provided.
• Hiking is easy on uneven terrain.
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome. We do not discriminate.
• Dates: JUNE - 28-29
JULY - 13-14, 19-20, 27-28
AUG - 3-4, 17-18, 24-25
Canicross / Running
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3 Mile Fun Run Loop - $10 pp. Dog(s) included.
Have a tough time training yourself to exercise? This is just the ticket for you to get out there with other like minded dog lovers to bond and dog chat while getting in that dreaded exercise. It's healthy for you and your pooch. This run is easy but has one large challenging hill. Perfect for you to exert yourself with your dog, but then plenty of time to recover. The doggie distractions are enough for you to take your mind off of any physical exertions your body will experience. An added bonus is, your dog will love you and sleep the rest of the night! This is the perfect run for beginners and advanced runners. The course is laid out in a manner that you can cut off parts of the course if you get too tired, but with all the canine support you will get from your fellow dog lovers and your own canine pooch, you will find that added strength to continue on. You do not need to have a dog to participate in this event. If you are not a runner, you can also drop off your dog with a runner to run for you. Dogs must be on leash at this state park. A park sticker is required for parking.
**DROP OFF YOUR DOG AND A RUNNER WILL RUN YOUR DOG FOR YOU! You won't have to worry about your dog bugging you to play for the rest of the night!
• Evening run starts at 7:00 pm. and lasts approximately one hour. Morning runs start at 8:00 a.m. and last approx. one hour.
• Water and homemade organic dog treats will be provided after the run is over for canines, and there will be sliced fruit snacks for humans.
• Dates: JUNE - Mornings: 12, 15, 16, 20, 25, 28 Evenings: 13, 17, 26, 29 JULY - Mornings: 1, 22, 30 Evenings: 2, 3, 5, 10, 12, 18, 20, 23, 24, 26, 29, 31 AUG - Mornings: 5, 12, 20, 27 Evenings: 1, 3, 7, 9, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 29, 31 SEPT - Mornings: 2, 9, 17, 24 Evenings: 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 NOV - No running due to hunting season
**DROP OFF YOUR DOG AND A RUNNER WILL RUN YOUR DOG FOR YOU! You won't have to worry about your dog bugging you to play for the rest of the night!
• Evening run starts at 7:00 pm. and lasts approximately one hour. Morning runs start at 8:00 a.m. and last approx. one hour.
• Water and homemade organic dog treats will be provided after the run is over for canines, and there will be sliced fruit snacks for humans.
• Dates: JUNE - Mornings: 12, 15, 16, 20, 25, 28 Evenings: 13, 17, 26, 29 JULY - Mornings: 1, 22, 30 Evenings: 2, 3, 5, 10, 12, 18, 20, 23, 24, 26, 29, 31 AUG - Mornings: 5, 12, 20, 27 Evenings: 1, 3, 7, 9, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 29, 31 SEPT - Mornings: 2, 9, 17, 24 Evenings: 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 NOV - No running due to hunting season
Winter Activities
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Beginning skijor classes $65 per hour
Skijoring is a new and exciting winter sport you can enjoy with your dog. No matter what your experience level is with cross country skiing, you can learn to skijor. While on cross country skis, your dog is hooked up to you with a special tow rope and skijor harnesses and learns how to pull you. All classes are one-on-one individualized training. We can train your dog with you, or train your dog without you. We can train beginners and also work on any training issues for people who have been skijoring for years. It's similar to dog sledding but without all those mouths to feed. Your dog will greatly enjoy the freedom of running unrestricted in the sport of skijoring!
• Customized training based on your experience and your goals.
• Training sessions last approximately 1 hour
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome.
• Must contact us to arrange appointments.
• A park sticker may be required for this class depending on snow and trail conditions.
• Dates: WILL RESUME WINTER OF 2019-2020 once we get snow
• Customized training based on your experience and your goals.
• Training sessions last approximately 1 hour
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome.
• Must contact us to arrange appointments.
• A park sticker may be required for this class depending on snow and trail conditions.
• Dates: WILL RESUME WINTER OF 2019-2020 once we get snow
Snowshoe the Punch Bowl (3 hour guided snowshoe) $85 pp. Dog(s) included.
A chance to don the snowshoes and try them out on inclines will be the purpose of this adventure. A short snowshoe through hidden overgrowth will mysteriously lead you to a natural wonder. A chance to see a frozen waterfall and many gorgeous icicles will await you. This hike is a full off leash hike but we will be cautious of vertical cliffs. We will explore the top of the punch bowl and then snowshoe to the bottom of the falls where there will be plenty of opportunities for photo taking.
• Trip runs from 9 a.m. til 12:00 p.m. or 12:00 til 3:00 p.m., evenings time is 3:00-6:00 p.m.
• Snacks will be provided.
• Hiking is moderate. Off trail bushwacking.
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome.
• A park sticker is required for this event.
• Dates: WILL RESUME WINTER OF 2019-2020 once we get snow
• Trip runs from 9 a.m. til 12:00 p.m. or 12:00 til 3:00 p.m., evenings time is 3:00-6:00 p.m.
• Snacks will be provided.
• Hiking is moderate. Off trail bushwacking.
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome.
• A park sticker is required for this event.
• Dates: WILL RESUME WINTER OF 2019-2020 once we get snow
Overnight Accommodations
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Private Bunk Treehouse - $20 per human (two person minimum charge - canines free)
Are you traveling from out of town and need a place to stay the night before or after your adventure starts? A special treat awaits you in our specialty tree house bunk room. This elevated tree house is specially adapted so your canine friend doesn't need to be able to climb a tree to join you. Black bears have been known to frequent the area but you are well protected off the ground in this lofted retreat. Fall asleep to the sounds of coyotes in the distant and wake up to the musical magic of birds chirping and a possible sighting of our resident piliated woodpecker. Please book early to ensure you have these accommodations before or after your trip. For parties using our overnight accommodations, a free continental breakfast is provided the morning you depart your trip. Bunk house includes sleeping pads.
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome.
• CURRENTLY NOT YET AVAILABLE.
• All breeds of dogs and all sizes welcome.
• CURRENTLY NOT YET AVAILABLE.