Keweenaw
Adventure
906.289.4303

9:30am

This half day tour highlights an area of the Keweenaw which most closely resembles the shoreline of it's sister rock, Isle Royale. We'll launch from a rocky beach and explore a chain of barrier islands, the "arch rock", finger bays and view the spiny ridgelines that parallel the Peninsula. On calm water days, paddlers can view the remnants of the City of St. Joseph in about 20'-35' of water...the 254' barge was lost on the shallow reef during a Northwest gale in September of 1942.

Tour departs at 10:00am on Wednesdays & Sundays, with a 24-hour reservation , or by special arrangement.  Lunch is included. [$84]

This full day excursion is full of some of the Keweenaw's most spectacular scenery and may challenge those looking for real adventure. We will launch from a sandy beach and paddle below cliffs that tower up to 600' above our kayaks and Lake Superior. We'll explore sea caves and arches and sea stacks that rise like pillars from the water. We will visit a historic fishery on route to the mouth of the Montreal River where the discovery of one of the Keweenaw's most scenic waterfalls awaits us."

Tour departs at 9:00am on Tuesday & Saturday mornings with a 24 hour reservation  or by special arrangement. Lunch is included. [$109]

Additional Note: We will paddle approximately 15 miles on this full day tour. Participants must have the physical ability and endurance to complete the route as non-medical evacuations are very difficult, if not impossible. 

This tour is best described in Tina Lassen's journal "Mission Superior" in the August 2002 issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine, during her Keweenaw Adventure spent with us:

"The water of Bete Gris Bay is gin-clear, and sandstone boulders 20 feet below look as they're just under the surface. I have the uncanny sense that I'm floating on air. We needle through an obstacle course of red-rock boulders and 50-foot sea stacks sprouting trees from the tops-like giant terra-cotta flower pots. Eventually, we arrive at the mouth of the Montreal River, a wall of amber water roiling furiously into the big lake. We ease in as close as we dare, our boats dipping in the froth."

Experience the best of both worlds the Keweenaw has to offer, paddling and peddling! We combine a 1/2 day of sea kayaking on 'da BIG LAKE with a 1/2 day on mountain bikes through the deep woods of the Keweenaw. For those who can't decide which activity to do, it's a little taste of each ... why it's the best thing since lake trout and venison steak!

We'll explore many places less traveled ... uninhabited Lake Superior shoreline, mountain top vistas with panoramic views, scenic inland lakes, streams, rivers and waterfalls, ghost towns, towering cliffs, sweet singletrack, sugar sand beaches and the creatures who inhabit the woods and the Lake. Lunch is included.

This can be scheduled as a one day or a two-day, lodging based adventure. As a one day tour:

$115 w/ own bike OR $140 w/ Kona or Marin dual suspension mountain bike rental.

As a two day tour (lodging NOT included):

$120 w/ own bike OR $145 w/ Kona or Marin dual suspension mountain bike rental

This tour is scheduled by reservation only.

To make sure your sea kayak adventure is a good experience, we suggest that you bring these items with you:

* Because of Lake Superior's chilly water temperature and the possibilty of cold water immersion (although this only happens to a small percentage of participants) we do require that all of our clients wear a wetsuit.  Wetsuits will be provided as a part of the outfitting package.

• A synthetic top such as polyester, polypropylene or capaline.  Fleece is great for cool weather. These materials are highly recommended to wear underneath your wetsuit, as they will still help to insulate your body even if they get wet and they dry quickly …cotton should be avoided!

• Shorts or a swimsuit that a wetsuit can be slipped over.

• Shoes you wouldn't mind getting wet…water shoes or neoprene booties work the best or folks can go barefoot. 

• Hat; for shade when it's sunny. Cap; for warmth if it's cool in the Spring & Fall.

• Sunglasses and Sunscreen

• Drinking Water…at least 1 quart or more on ½ day & 2 quarts on full day trips per person. A pint is sufficient for most people on the Porter's Island Paddle.

• Camera….take advantage of the many photo opportunities while on 'da Big Lake!

The Keweenaw Adventure Company operates many of its sea kayak tours in very remote, uninhabited areas. Emergency and medical response can be distant and time consuming at best. Be aware that weather conditions on Lake Superior can sometimes be extreme with greatly varying temperature, wind and wave conditions. We will not set out if there are poor conditions on the Lake or if there is an unfavorable marine forecast, but conditions are sometimes subject to change throughout the course of the day. Participants need to be aware of the possibility of paddling in rough water and/or cold water immersion.

Although we do not require previous paddling experience, we will provide instruction. Keep in mind that our full day sea kayak tours will paddle up to 15 miles per day and half day tours up to 8 miles.  Patricipants must have the physical ability to complete these routes as evacuations for non medical emergencies can be difficult, if not nearly impossible. Our guides have gone through many hours of training and have cumulative years of experience paddling Lake Superior and the Keweenaw Peninsula. Safety is always our number one concern and we do everything possible to minimize the risks for our clients.

Participants' Minimum Weight Requirement: 100lbs

The Fine Print:  All Kayak Tours require at least a 24 hour advanced reservation and a 50% deposit. Deposits are refundable less a 15% cancellation fee anytime prior to 24 hours of the scheduled tour. No refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours of the scheduled tour. All tours are subject to rescheduling, alternate destinations or cancellations due to wind, wave or other unfavorable weather conditions. Full deposits will be refunded in the event of tour cancellations due to unfavorable paddling conditions. Wetsuit use is mandatory and will be provided for all kayak tours. 15% discounts for groups of 8 or more people (must mention website to get discount.) Gratuities for your trip leaders are at your discretion.