Our Testimonials
“Once in a lifetime opportunity to explore such a pristine wilderness in the Ely, MN area - our guide Pam was so kind, so experienced and so hard working! Our group of 7 women (including guide) ranged in age from 20's to 60's. In spite of our age differences, we found we all had SO MUCH in common - whether we were Moms or Grandmas or some with no children at all, we all had a deep love of the outdoors. We embarked on our adventure as the VERY LAST trip at the end of September - we couldn't have asked for more beautiful time of the year - very little rain, abundant fall colors, bonfires every night, and a full moon one night! Not one complaint about anything from this hard working bunch of wilderness-loving women! Just great tips on gear, stories from previous BW trips, and all around silliness some nights! We laughed until we cried sharing some of our stories! The food was quite good, and we brought lots of wine so that helped too with the aches and pains!! It's not easy, especially the "over the beaver dam" portages, and the longer hilly portages, but I felt such a tremendous sense of accomplishment and peace when the trip was completed. We took turns carrying various canoes and various packs - when one person was tired or out of water, another stepped up; amongst the best examples of teamwork and camaraderie I have ever seen. Peta runs a great business at a very fair price - I'm so very happy I did this trip and thank you again for such wonderful memories!!!”
“Ours was an adventure meant to be. Due to the wildland fires in the Quetico and Superior National Forest our BWCAW permit was cancelled, but the US Forest Service recommended rerouting to the backcountry campsites. My two daughters and I decided to try it even though we knew little about the backcountry area. When we began searching sites, Peta's WWD MPR interview appeared and we reached out to her for assistance planning a new route for the labor day weekend. She was very encouraging and navigated our pivot from the BWCAW to the backcountry. Peta set us up with one of her guides, all the gear and food. Then we received the news the backcountry sites were closed. That didn't deter Peta; she figured out a way to get us paddling and enjoy the wilderness with help from local friends. We were privileged to have Peta guide us through the pristine waters for four days. Her passion for and superior knowledge of the SNF and BWCAW made this one of our more memorable adventures. She also has a flare for 'gourmet' wilderness food which kept us content all weekend. We learned so much and, thanks to Peta, honed our rusty canoe, navigation and camping skills. Women's Wilderness Discovery is a first class experience. We will be returning! Thank you Peta and friends!!”
“Peta was amazing when it came to having alternative routes to experience the wilderness when the BWCA closed for fires. Her knowledge of the SNF and Ely area made our last minute travel pivots so much fun! We were lucky enough to make our way into the BWCA to experience all her glory. Peta is knowledgeable in all aspects of camping, paddling, nature, and is a wonderful teacher. She was so much fun to be with and the food is to die for. I highly recommend having multiple venison bacon add-ons!! Whether it's your first or fiftieth time out in the BWCA, you will definitely want to make the trip with WWD and Peta.”
“One request that I had for my doctor when we discussed my hip replacement surgery was that I would be able to go on the BWCAW trip that we had been planning for two years. I was ready, knew my limits, and successfully completed the trip with a fabulous group of women. I very much appreciated Peta's knowledge, organization, planning, and commitment to providing an awesome experience. I hope to do another trip with Women's Wilderness Discovery in the future. Did I mention how amazing the food was?!”
“Wow! 5 star company and 5 star guide. I can't say enough about Peta and the wonderful experience us 6 women had on trail for 5 days. Peta is so genuine, fun loving, and safety oriented. She provided top notch food and drink throughout the trip. The knowledge she posses on a variety of topics is unmatched. Peta was able to easily identify our groups strengths and challenged us accordingly throughout the trip. Shout out to Dean our awesome shuttle driver! By the end of the trip you feel like you are part of Peta's family. I would without a doubt recommend Peta and Women's Wilderness Discovery.”
“Returning to the Boundary Waters after many years absence had been a bucket list item of mine. Went on a join-on trip starting with 7 strangers and a guide ending with 8 new friends. The adventure that Peta laid out challenged us and in doing so left me with an incredible sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the full experience of the wonder of the Boundary Waters. Food was delicious and plentiful. Our guide Anna was experienced, knowledgeable and always calm, inspiring confidence in her and in ourselves. Trip better than I hoped!”
“My friend and I just got back from a 4 day/3 night trip with Peta and it was amazing! She is so knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna and the history of the BWCA. I couldn’t recommend her more. She was so prepared and organized. We ate great food, saw amazing sights, and she really caters to whatever kind of trip you want. We were brand new to the BWCA and wanted a more relaxed style trip. We even saw a moose! Book with her and you won’t be disappointed.”
“My bestie and I joined 2 friends for their bucket list adventure of canoeing the boundary waters. I had NO IDEA what to expect - and this turned out to be 2 years in the planning with Covid and all. We are in our 50s and people pleasers at the core but with age comes more acceptance to voice your truth. Peta is an amazing person with an amazing story and we felt free to say - hey, can we change this or that. We came from KS, MO, and WI to do this trip and again had NO IDEA what portaging a canoe was about. We just drag our kayaks over the occasional sand bars on our outings in Kansas City! She was so great to switch things up when I had concerns about portaging again and had such wonderful thoughts of where we could go depending on what we wanted to do. For 2 of our 3 days on the water, she was in our canoe and so much fun! We made up songs, she regaled us with great stories, and we learned more about the native birds and plants - another of our passions. When I go back, it will only be with her company!”
“Peta was fantastic guiding our group....Everything from the pre event planning correspondence and advise, to the direction and instruction on the trail, she is enthusiastic, competent, knowledgeable and organized. You will do more than you think you can under her coaching. You will eat better than you ever have in the wilderness, with Peta offering up culinary delights that she prepares in advance and at every stop. She is tireless in making sure it's a meaningful and comfortable experience for all, no matter your experience and ability level. Thank you for a wonderful time Peta!!”
“We were a group of six sixty-something women, some of us re-experiencing the paddling adventures of our youth. Peta was the perfect guide and companion. Her gear, from the Kevlar canoes to tents to sleeping bags, was super clean, high quality, and in really good condition. Her organization and systems were really impressive. The meals were spectacular, with Peta providing really wholesome, delicious and varied meals. Meat her husband hunted and/or grilled, eggs and veggies she dehydrated, fresh fruit, etc. - and both non-dairy and gluten-free options. Honestly, nutty pancakes (gf) with maple syrup and venison bacon for breakfast, then tuna melts for lunch. Really outstanding. But, most of all, Peta was the perfect host for an authentic Minnesota adventure. She has my unqualified recommendation..”