Women's Wilderness Discovery – Discover your inner strength outdoors

ONLY ONE experienced NORTHSTAR CANOE is still waiting to paddle new waters! These canoes are well-maintained, seasoned veterans of the Boundary Waters. Click here for details.

During our 2020-2021 Winter Season, with continued concern for COVID-19, we are limiting our Join On trips to 4 campers, plus your guide. If you are a family group, or long time friends booking a trip with us, we’re happy to expand that group size for you up to the BWCAW max of 9 (remember your guide in this maximum number). We believe this enables us to better follow CDC safety guidelines, and maintain appropriate social distancing at our Guesthouse in town, during shuttles to & from entry points, and in wilderness campsites during the winter and early spring months.

Summer Trips

Our definition of heaven: a canoe trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Design your own trip or join an existing one. Read more…

Winter Trips

Experience cozy, hot-tent camping in the peace and solitude that winter brings to the Boundary Waters. Trek across pristine snow-covered lakes and wooded trails, as your gear toboggan glides along behind you. Read more….

Workshops

Learn methods and skills that will not only enhance your comfort but keep you safe. Fine tune your skill set for a better winter or summer experience! Read more….

Design Your Own Trip

Choose dates, invite friends or family, and create your own trip. Traveling solo, or just a couple of friends? You can still choose your own dates. Then, let us know if you’d like to open it as a “Join On” trip. Read more….

Join On Trip

We make wilderness travel easy by offering monthly “Join On” trips year-round. These are perfect adventures for women traveling solo, or with just a friend or two. Join on and meet new friends! Read more…

Guesthouse

Need a cozy place to stay in Ely before or after your BWCAW trip, or just anytime you’re visiting the area? We offer a charming, fully-appointed Guesthouse for up to 8 people (women’s groups, families, couples). Read more….

Summer and Winter Wilderness Guided Camping Trips, Canoe Trips, X-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing Treks

Located in Ely, Minnesota, Women’s Wilderness Discovery provides year-round, fully-outfitted and guided Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) canoe camping, hike camping, day canoe trips, day hikes, and hot-tent winter camping by snowshoe or ski trek, and day snowshoe hikes or cross-country ski treks especially for women.

We provide a safe, positive model for women and girls to enrich their lives through the wilderness experience and outdoor adventure. A fully outfitted/guided wilderness experience emphasizing teamwork can build confidence, strengthen courage, and cultivate leadership qualities in women and girls. Teaching respect for the land and the gear used in wilderness travel is inherent to the wilderness ethic “Leave No Trace.”

Trips can include other areas of the Superior National Forest outside of the BWCAW. Women’s Wilderness Discovery customizes trips for each group, discussing potential routes and making suggestions based on your group’s skill level.

We listen to your expectations and goals, and lend our expertise in planning your wilderness adventure. All BWCAW entry points are taken into consideration when planning client trips, based upon availability.

Want to “try out” the BWCAW for the day by canoe or on foot on a wilderness hiking trail? Perhaps a winter day trek by snowshoe or ski? We can discuss a date and sights you might like to see and experience. We’ll be happy to help craft a perfect day of exploring the woods and waters, lunch included. Our prices are inviting! Contact Women’s Wilderness Discovery to discuss the possibilities.