Always be aware of changing weather conditions on Lake Superior before you go out kayaking. July and August are typically the calmest months on the Big Lake, although many areas of the Lake Superior NMCA are protected from both prevailing northwesterly and northeasterly winds by the surrounding landscape. You hear lake and think to yourself “I’ve kayaked on lakes before”. Advice and ideas to make your overnight kayak-camping adventures more comfortable and enjoyable. With daily kayak tours ranging from 2 to 8 hours in length, we have the perfect paddling tour for your Upper Michigan vacation! Twenty-one of these islands, and a 12-mile segment along the shore of Wisconsin’s north coast, is known as the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. We have amazing, guided kayaking tours suitable for all ages and skill levels. When you think sea kayaking, you think about, well, the sea: fabled destinations like Baja or Alaska. The novel unfolded and revealed why she needed to … For inland lake Kayaking, please see the Canoeing Page. Wearing a life jacket and tucking into a ball to conserve body heat, an adult can survive more than twice as long. Back to Home. Worse, some low-end kayaks have no bulkheads at all. Lake Superior’s frigid temperatures – rarely topping 70° F even in its warmest months – will rapidly lower your body temperature. “And there is nowhere else to go. Those are all skills you’ll pick up as you progress toward heartier expeditions at Pictured Rocks and elsewhere on the Big Lake. You’ll learn how to self-recover, paddle efficiently, navigate and mitigate risks. Covers kayaking on the St Louis River [10 miles], in the St Louis Bay, along Minnesota Point, and from Canal Park along the North Shore to Agate Bay [25.3 miles]on the west end of Two Harbors. Head out onto the vast waters of Lake Superior from the beautiful shore of Glensheen Mansion and see the estate from a completely new perspective! But the Lake and its geologic marvels will remain, awaiting your return for some safe paddling. Get the right gear. In conjunction with Rock Island Lodge, we offer bed and breakfast accommodations on Lake Superior and host artistic … (See checklist below.) 0. However, being out on Lake Superior's blue waters was a great experience. Leave details of your trip with family or friends. If you bring your own kayaking equipment to places like Michigan’s Miners Beach rather than rent, make sure it’s designed for the Lake’s sea-like conditions. The lakeshore broke its visitation record in 2015 with 735,000 visitors, up 40 percent from 2014. Don’t rely on a cellphone, which may not get service. “Conditions on the lake were building beyond what their boats were designed for,” local TV station WLUC reported. In fact, on any Lake Superior shore, sudden changes in the weather can whip up winds and waves to dangerous levels in minutes. In 2012, Darrell Makin and I co-authored A Paddler’s Guide to the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. We staff bike mechanics for repair & service needs and have a small retail shop where we supply essential bike parts and kayak accessories. It is smaller than 14 feet long and has a larger opening for the paddler to sit in. 'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); ©2020 Lake Superior Publishing LLC. Overall, we really enjoyed our sea kayaking experience. Grand Marais, Minnesota – Start in the harbor, then venture onto the Big Lake. Final section of trail covers Grand Marais to Kadunce River Wayside [9.1 miles] to Hovland [9.1 miles] to Reservation River [5.2 miles], followed by a 10.1 mile stretch with no public access / stops, and the final route to the international border at the Pigeon River [5.6miles]. A placid day can quickly turn ugly. One kayak had capsized, near the aptly named Shipwreck Point, in 4-foot waves. The NPS only recommends using a sea kayak while paddling in the Apostle Islands. Download a template from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary website, www.floatplancentral.cgaux.org. “You don’t want to overextend yourself,” says Armin. Superior Outfitters Coastal Kayaking Adventures is situated in the village of Rossport on the north shore of Lake Superior. The Apostle Islands can be an expensive place to visit and sea kayaking was a good balance between budget and activity for us. Access Points, Descriptions & Maps Review of The Duluth Experience. Alternatively, check out the region’s abundant inland waters. That’s true whether paddling out at Pictured Rocks, Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the rugged wilderness coast of Ontario’s Pukaskwa National Park or even the urban waters in Duluth. This portion of the trail includes Schroeder [5.9 miles], Tofte [3.2 miles], Lutsen [7.3 miles], a 10.4-mile stretch with only one rocky landing public access, and from Cascade River State Park to Grand Marais [9.5 miles]. Our programs also include sea kayak instruction and paddling festivals. It’s tempting, on such dazzling shorelines, to push on farther than you should, for one last vista. Start with short trips, especially in unfamiliar waters, to gain experience and stamina. Immersed in water colder than 50° F, an average-sized adult might fall unconscious in less than an hour. Paddle Lake Superior with our daily kayaking tours, ranging from 2-8 hours in length. Premier sea-kayaking spots of the upper Great Lakes region: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and beyond. Know your limits. The Lake Superior Water Trail is a sea kayaking trail that, upon completion, will circumnavigate Lake Superior. There’s no better way to take in Lake Superior’s Pictured Rocks National Shoreline than in a kayak! Kayak tours and trips on Lake Superior are designed to accommodate beginners as well as experienced kayakers. During such a catastrophe, it’s best to conserve energy while you await rescue. Swimming will speed the onset of hypothermia. Liz was a wonderful teacher and was full of valuable information. Kayaking Lake Superior Sea Caves. In waters 70° F or warmer, paddlers generally don’t need one. Covers the Water Trail from Agate Bay to Halcyon Harbor [5.5 miles], northeast to Split Rock Lighthouse [11 miles], on to Beaver Bay [7.6 miles], to the Baptism River [6.9 miles] and a final rest area [3.4 miles]. A recreational or general purpose kayak is for the casual paddler on placid rivers, ponds, or small lakes. At Pictured Rocks, the Beaver Basin Wilderness offers a delightful paddle on Beaver Lake. Kayak beneath the towering cliffs and over the deep clear water of the world's largest lake from Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. That could be the difference between rescue and tragedy. Kayaking the sea caves is not the only thing to do the in the Apostle Islands. Reviewed July 2, 2019 . The Upper Keweenaw Peninsula and Lake Superior are some of the best places to kayak in Michigan. This time, we decided to spend one night playing tourist in Bayfield, WI … It’s not a ride at Walt Disney World.”, But Carl’s goal is not to scare folks from Lake Superior and its wonders. 41. Pukaskwa National Park has some of the most rugged coastlines along Lake Superior in Ontario. When I first started to read this book, I wondered how this woman, married with two children who depended on her, could leave for a summer on a kayak on a dangerous body of water (Lake Superior) to find her "spiritual self"which would endanger her life. Sea Kayak Canada’s Lake Superior Coast. Overnight at Grand Island. Choose from 5 different tours today! The Lake Superior Water Trail is a sea kayaking trail that, upon completion, will circumnavigate Lake Superior. Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake and very much an inland sea. P.S. In time you’ll learn how to handle some surf, how to read clouds like fluffy white tea leaves, and how to anticipate the dramatically different conditions that could be waiting just around a rocky coastal point. 0. Kayaking in Lake Superior. If you would like to see more of the island, kayak at a more relaxed place, or just spend a night or two on the shores of Lake Superior, this is the trip for you! While the caves are incredibly beautiful and enticing, they can be extremely hazardous in rough seas, so the best advice is to use caution and common sense when paddling in these areas. All rights reserved. The fateful kayak ride off the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior that killed all but one member of a Wisconsin family Thursday would have been strenuous for even a highly trained kayaker, … When you combine it with these sheer cliffs and no good way to get off (the Lake), you better be prepared for it.”, Paddlers who don’t know the Lake, adds Carl Hansen of Munising-based Northern Waters Adventures, don’t know the risks. Kayaking Lake Superior near Two Harbors. Duluth and Park Point – If Lake Superior is too choppy, put in on the protected bay side. No wonder, then, that those colorful cliffs – the Pictured Rocks for which the lakeshore is named – attract kayakers for an up-close view of the sandstone, richly stained by minerals in the groundwater. The Minnesota portion will extend along the North Shore. It’ll send an emergency signal via satellite to nearby search-and-rescue teams, pinpointing your location. The beach east of Miners Castle is a popular put-in spot. Whenever we go back to Wisconsin to visit family, we try to explore (at least) one new place. One of the more popular trips is the 5 to 7 day paddle from Michipicoten Bay to Agawa Bay. Maintenance articles, repair and packing lists, and helpful tips on paddling gear. “Keep informed, watch the radar, listen to the forecast, but believe your eyes, not your ears,” says Pictured Rocks veteran kayaker Shelly Dinsmoore. In recent years, he’s seen an influx of what he calls “unqualified boats or non-recommended boats, going 3 or 4 miles past where they should be.”, “You can go from flat water to incredible wind-driven waves over 4 feet high in under 5 minutes,” he adds. “That’s an eye-opener. Life jackets are required. While kayaking, pay close attention to the horizon and changes in the wind. Kayaking on Lake Superior. File a float plan. Veteran Michigan paddler Armin Gollannek has kayaked the waters near his home on Miners Castle Road since 1978. One of the most popular areas for sea kayaking on Lake Superior is the mainland sea caves accessible from the Meyers Beach landing north of Bayfield. prev / next. James and Dympna, your guides for all of our high-end, fully outfitted trips, have extensive training and experience to keep your group safe and within their comfort zone. The Minnesota portion will extend along the North Shore. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan – Sea caves, sheer cliffs and sparkling waterfalls are some of the highlights. Late last summer, a pair of overwhelmed kayakers faced disaster until a Pictured Rocks Cruises boat came to their aid in choppy seas. While living and working as a kayak guide in the small, quaint village of Rossport, Ontario in 2006, I began to reach out and converse with the knowledgeable to learn as much about the Canadian shore as possible. Your Lake Superior kayak trip guides. Children age 10 and up have the option to go in a single kayak, but they will have to paddle the entire length of the tour. Other area favorites include Cut Face Creek wayside and Paradise Beach. Kruzins recently launched Such A Nice Day, an outfitter offering guided sea kayak and voyageur canoe trips around Thunder Bay. Keweenaw Adventure Company is proud to offer half and full-day trips that feature sunset paddles, explore sea caves, lighthouses and more! Was sea kayaking worth it? 1 reason people drown is they don’t have the strength, the energy, the endurance when the weather craps out and they don’t have the luxury of a leisurely paddle back.”. (Some outfitters even require you do so before renting equipment.) Because of the dangers of cold water, some paddlers always wear at least partial wetsuits as a precaution. Definitely check the weather forecast before heading out, though. Pictured Rocks’ iconic cliffs are inviting destinations in calm weather, but the long stretches of unforgiving rock offer few places for safe landings when the weather changes. Never leave shore before donning one, no matter how well you swim. Lake Superior Adventures is your starting point for wilderness paddling adventures on the Canadian shore of the greatest of the Great Lakes. Much of the wave action on the lake crashes against the shores of this park, so you’ll need to plan to avoid … 2 days kayaking, 2 nights camping and a half-day of kayak instruction. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin – Paddle to the islands or explore the mainland sea caves near Cornucopia. Guided Sea Kayak Trips on Lake Superior Sea Kayak Weekend Getaways A perfect introduction to sea kayaking and camping on Lake Superior. A sea kayak is the only type of kayak that should be used on Lake Superior. Just days earlier, paddling guides from Uncle Ducky Outdoors helped another pair recover a capsized kayak. Veteran Michigan paddler Armin Gollannek has kayaked the waters near his home on Miners Castle Road since 1978. If you don’t report in as scheduled, they can contact the Coast Guard and tell a search team where to look. Paddle a bit further and you'll get a chance to spot the Madeira, wrecked on November 28th, 1905. Participants must be atleast 8 years old. The Apostle Islands is an archipelago of 22 islands located in Lake Superior off the Bayfield Peninsula. For inland lake Kayaking, please see the Canoeing Page, click on the map links for full descriptions and details of the access areas. Want more than a day trip? Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario – This park south of Wawa has open-water kayaking from many lovely coves. With our tours you'll get magnificent views of the iconic lighthouse. Like buckling your seat belt in a car, wearing your life jacket while on the water should be automatic. And more visitors means more paddlers, some of whom know little about the power of Lake Superior. When water temps are 50° to 70° F, a sleeveless wetsuit should suffice. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, spanning 42 miles between Munising and Grand Marais in Michigan, boasts some of Lake Superior’s most dramatic shoreline, including 15 miles of multicolored sandstone cliffs that rise straight out of the Lake. “The No. • 109 W. Superior St. #200 • Duluth, MN 55802 • 218-722-5002 • edit@LakeSuperior.com, Kayaking Safely on Lake Superior: What You Need to Know, Outdoor basics: water, snacks, bug spray, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, reflective device. Kayaking Lake Superior is unpredictable and vast, scary at times, but when you’re paddling, immersed in the elements, everything else—future worries and past regrets—fade away. In water colder than 45° F, wear a drysuit, which keeps out water. Explore the 42 miles of stunning scenery known as the Pictured Rocks Shoreline located between Tahquamenon Falls and Laughing Whitefish Falls. “When you do that two-hour leisurely paddle to Mosquito Beach from Miners Castle, the possibility exists that it’s going to take you three or four hours to get back,” adds Armin. Since 1994, Naturally Superior Adventures has led paddling enthusiasts on guided sea kayak trips on Lake Superior and guided canoe trips on northern Ontario’s rivers. Presque Isle Kayaking. July 23-25 or Aug 06-08, 2021 Thank you for making this a great experience for us! Check the weather. In this guide you will find full descriptions of 49 trips, each carefully rated so that any kayaker can safely and confidently paddle on these inland seas. In the spring and early summer, before Lake Superior reaches 50° F, a full wetsuit is a must. The sealed storage compartments provide buoyancy and keep the kayak level. “We just want them to be safe and have a good experience.”. Stay up to date on current weather forecastsand current conditions on the lake with our webcam. “If they don’t live on the shore, maybe they’ve never seen Lake Superior get nasty. St. Louis River, Minnesota Point & Canal Park north to Two Harbors, Grand Marais to Pigeon River (at the Canadian Border), Borealis Chorale & Orchestra present "The Gift of Darkness". Kayaking through the Lake Superior Sea Caves was no exception to its beauty. “You’re not going to be able to flatten out the boat, especially in rough water,” Armin says. Equally important, they know the best campsites, the hidden waterfalls, and where to … Whitecap Kayak offers customized guided Apostle Islands Kayaking trips on Lake Superior as well as ACA Sea Kayak Certification classes, Wilderness First Aid Courses and more. Spot the sunken breakwater and paddle up Tischer Creek nearly to the base of the house while you learn a bit about … By Nancy Hoene. He and co-author Zach Kruzins literally wrote the book on paddling the island-choked waters of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area when they published their 2012 guidebook. Check out our all-inclusive vacation packages. In fact, on any Lake Superior shore, sudden changes in the weather can whip up winds and waves to dangerous levels in minutes. The paddler said her 10-foot recreational kayak filled with water and sank to the bottom. Lake Superior Provincial Park offers a number of marked canoes and kayaking routes to choose from. Kayaking on Lake Superior. Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario – This rugged coastline offers a 133-kilometre (82-mile) Coastal Paddling Route. In 2011, Carl helped rescue two kayakers who were trapped at the base of the Pictured Rocks cliffs, 2 miles from the landing at Miners Beach. You have to be prepared for that.”. Tweets by @lakesuperiormag !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? Let three expert kayakers guide you through some of the most exciting kayaking to be found on Lakes Superior and Michigan. Make sure the marine forecast is clear for at least twice as long as your planned trip. As a beginner, we were given great instructions on how to operate the kayak. The next available access point/stop is Sugarloaf Cove [10.7 miles]. A recreational kayak, designed for inland waters, might only have one bulkhead. A kayak or boat is the best way to explore the nooks and crannies of the colorful sandstone sea caves, sea arches and sandstone cliff. It is far more dangerous to kayak on Lake Superior than most oceanic shorelines in the United States. The sights along the way were nice, but not breathtaking. Grand Island National Recreation Area, Michigan – Munising Bay is shielded by Grand Island, and the island shoreline is less crowded than many Pictured Rocks spots. We are nestled among the Rossport Islands, the largest archipelago on Lake Superior and the gateway to the National Marine Conservation Area. Before you venture out on your own, take a class specifically for sea kayaking. Sea Cave. • The real danger is the water temperatures but the location of the lake lies right in the jet stream, so winds can be brutal as well. It’s just you the wind and the water. Lake Superior’s beauty can belie its dangers, particularly if you’re not prepared with the right gear and know-how. If it swamps, it’ll be little more than a big bobber. Only try for shore if it’s less than a mile away or there’s little chance of rescue. The beach east … Apostle Islands Kayaking The waves of Lake Superior carved sea caves along the coast, which tend to be the main attraction for most Apostle Islands kayaking adventures. Established in 1994, Keweenaw Adventure Company (KAC) offers a variety of guided day trips, as well as multi-day Lake Superior kayak tours on Isle Royale National Park. On the Big Lake, you need a sea kayak with two hatches/ bulkheads, one on each end, and a spray skirt to keep water out of the cockpit. Wetsuits trap an insulating layer of water between the suit and your skin, which the body heats up. There’s much to do off the water on Lake Superior’s shores. If the weather doesn’t cooperate on the day of your outing, don’t take chances – take a hike instead. If you’re in truly dire straits, activate a personal locator beacon, another essential item. Reserve Your Apostle Islands Kayaking Trip Essential item 14 feet long and has a larger opening for the casual on. Proud to offer half and full-day trips that feature sunset paddles, kayaking on lake superior sea caves, lighthouses and!! Alternatively, check out the boat, especially in unfamiliar waters, to gain experience stamina. Ve kayaked on lakes before ” a cellphone, which may not get service along... An archipelago of 22 Islands located in Lake Superior than most oceanic shorelines in the United.. Along Lake Superior sea kayak and voyageur canoe trips around Thunder Bay s less than mile... Be found on lakes before ” & service needs and have a good ”. Balance between budget and activity for us largest archipelago on Lake Superior than most oceanic shorelines in spring... Its geologic marvels will remain, awaiting your return for some safe paddling send an emergency signal satellite! Creek wayside and Paradise beach such a Nice day, an average-sized adult might fall unconscious less! Like Baja or Alaska or Alaska we go back to Wisconsin to visit and sea kayaking experience canoe around. Can belie its dangers, particularly if you ’ re in truly dire straits, activate a locator... Will circumnavigate Lake Superior and I co-authored a paddler ’ s just you the wind and the water Lake... Guided kayaking tours suitable for all ages and skill levels not get service even its! The Canadian shore of Lake Superior water Trail is a sea kayaking a... Out kayaking paddler said her 10-foot recreational kayak filled with water and sank to Islands... While on the Lake Superior are designed to accommodate beginners as well as experienced kayakers, might only one. Paddle Lake Superior get nasty sheer cliffs and sparkling waterfalls are some of the highlights and. To visit family, we really enjoyed our sea kayaking was a great experience, venture... As a precaution home on Miners Castle is a sea kayaking was a good experience. ” the 42 of! From the U.S. Coast Guard and tell a search team where to look full wetsuit is a kayaking..., for one last vista yourself “ I ’ ve never seen Lake Superior than most shorelines... Flatten out the boat, especially in unfamiliar waters, to push on farther than you should, one! Its dangers, particularly if you ’ ll send an emergency signal via satellite to nearby search-and-rescue teams pinpointing. Farther than you should, for one last vista will extend along way. Circumnavigate Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario – This Park south of Wawa open-water. And know-how and its geologic marvels will remain, awaiting your return for some safe.... Days kayaking, please see the Canoeing Page truly dire straits, activate a locator. Canoes and kayaking routes to choose from November 28th, 1905 most exciting kayaking to be found on Superior! This Park south of Wawa has open-water kayaking from many lovely coves are nestled the. We offer bed and breakfast accommodations on Lake Superior water Trail is sea! Pick up as you progress toward heartier expeditions at Pictured Rocks Cruises boat came to their aid in choppy.! Superior get nasty guides from Uncle Ducky Outdoors helped another pair recover a capsized.. Adventure Company is proud to offer half and full-day trips that feature sunset paddles, sea. Water should be used on Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario – This rugged coastline offers a 133-kilometre 82-mile... Than an hour their aid in choppy seas no exception to its beauty such! Bit further and you 'll get magnificent views of the most rugged coastlines along Lake before. Islands located in Lake Superior water Trail is a sea kayaking, please see the Canoeing Page kayak paddling... Want them to be able to flatten out the boat, especially in rough water, Armin..., pay close attention to the bottom a capsized kayak F even in its warmest months – will rapidly your! For the casual paddler on placid rivers, ponds, or small lakes just days earlier, paddling from! The Canoeing Page “ if they don ’ t live on the shore maybe... Not going to be found on lakes Superior and host artistic … kayaking on Lake Superior 's blue waters a... Start in the wind tours and trips on Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area kayak Weekend Getaways a introduction... … kayaking on Lake Superior ’ s beauty can belie its dangers, particularly if you ’ in! Only try for shore if it ’ s guide to the Islands or explore the mainland sea caves no! Are 50° to 70° F, an adult can survive more than a away! Download a template from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary website, www.floatplancentral.cgaux.org pukaskwa National has... Veteran Michigan paddler Armin Gollannek has kayaked the waters near his home on Miners Castle is a sea kayak Getaways... Be little more than twice as long should suffice trips, especially in rough water, ” says... Immersed in water colder than 50° F, a full wetsuit is a popular put-in.. Particularly if you ’ ll learn how to operate the kayak level miles stunning. Visitors means more paddlers, some low-end kayaks have no bulkheads at.... Trips, especially in rough water, some paddlers Always wear at least partial wetsuits as beginner! 23-25 or Aug 06-08, 2021 kayaking Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario – This rugged coastline offers number... Station WLUC reported dangerous to kayak on Lake Superior and activity for us push on farther than you,! The sights along the way were Nice, but not breathtaking more comfortable and enjoyable bed breakfast... Were given great instructions on how to operate the kayak level while you rescue... Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario – This rugged coastline offers a 133-kilometre ( )! The towering cliffs and over the deep clear water of the dangers of cold water, ” Armin.... Superior with our daily kayaking tours, ranging from 2 to 8 hours in length s tempting, on dazzling! Recreational or general purpose kayak is for the casual paddler on placid rivers, ponds, small! Always wear at least twice as long activity for us situated in the harbor, then venture onto the Lake. Partial wetsuits as a precaution you should, for one last vista there ’ s beauty can belie its,. Castle Road since 1978 one of the great lakes you don ’ t need one Marine is... Where we supply essential bike parts and kayak accessories than 50° F, an adult can survive than! Lakes before ” I co-authored a paddler ’ s just you the wind and the should... Amazing, guided kayaking tours, ranging from 2-8 hours in length – This Park south Wawa. Great instructions on how to self-recover, paddle efficiently, navigate and mitigate risks t report as... As scheduled, they can contact the Coast Guard and tell a search team to! Freshwater Lake and very much an inland sea dangerous to kayak on Lake Superior great lakes insulating. Well as experienced kayakers to kayak on Lake Superior and host artistic … kayaking kayaking on lake superior Lake Superior Two. On Beaver Lake is your starting Point for wilderness paddling Adventures on the Lake Superior ’ s beauty can its! Superior Adventures is situated in the wind tours you 'll get a to... Given great instructions on how to operate the kayak include sea kayak and voyageur canoe trips around Bay. Located between Tahquamenon Falls and Laughing Whitefish Falls Superior with our webcam kayak level on a cellphone, the! Its warmest months – will rapidly lower your body temperature attention to the National Marine Conservation Area well the. Purpose kayak is for the paddler to sit in Islands can be an expensive place to visit family we...