Irene – Women's Wilderness Discovery

Peta Featured on PBS Show

Peta featured on PBS Prairie Sportsman Show.

Disappointed outfitters and paddlers adjust to BWCA closure

Dan Kraker Ely, Minn. August 24, 2021 4:00 a.m. Listen to the story here. Typically, in August, Ely is swarming with people either beginning, or returning from, canoe trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. On Monday though, the only cars with canoes strapped to their tops were headed out of town. “Usually, this time … Read more

Our Charming Guesthouse

Women’s Wilderness Discovery offers a charming, well-appointed two-story Guest House for your overnight stay in Ely the evening before departure into the Boundary Waters. Four single beds and two sets of bunk beds provide room for up to eight people (women’s group, family group, or mixed couples’ groups). Beds are complete with linens, pillow, blanket, … Read more

Ely woman blazes new trail in wilderness adventures

Women’s Wilderness Discovery offers year-round trips through the BWCA. Article from Minneapolis Star-Tribune, October 21, 2015 by Anna Pratt After owning a casting company for over a decade, Peta Barrett yearned to make the wilderness her “office.” Driven by her lifelong love of the outdoors, Barrett moved from her home of 35 years in northern Anoka … Read more

Why I Guide Canoe Trips into the BWCA

I have always loved the outdoors! I grew up, not on wilderness camping, per se, but in a family who respected all of nature…the land, the waters, the animals, and proper management of these elements to protect our valuable resources. Growing up in a family of five kids, we did plenty of “car camping” when … Read more

Testimonials

An Empowering Learning Experience

“I’ve been on six Boundary Waters trips with Peta, three of which were with women’s groups. No offense to my husband (who I love and adore), but I prefer going into the wilderness with Peta and the gals! Ladies, you know how men can be with the TV remote? Well, I’ve found mine is the same way with a canoe paddle and the camp stove! If you don't want the chance to participate in all the tasks involved in canoe camping then, by all means, go with a guy. But if you want a safe, empowering environment where you can learn how to “do” and “be” in the wilderness, go with Women’s Wilderness Discovery. The food is amazing, the laughter contagious, and the wilderness exquisite. Thank you, Peta, for helping me really experience the wilderness!”

Lori Gesch