Kayaking the Apostle Islands

For kayakers in the mid-west sometimes it can be hard to find big open water to stretch our paddles out and glide. Unless we want to spend days driving to the coast the closest place to paddle a large body of water is Lake Superior. Superior is the 2^nd largest freshwater lake in the world and is nestled in Iowa’s backyard. Among the 2700 miles on shoreline is located the Apostle Islands National Lake Shore located just north of Bayfield Wisconsin. These 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline are some of the most spectacular sights on the lake. Often called the Jewels of Lake Superior there are opportunities to view wildlife, paddle, sail, hike, cruise, camp, and more! 

Every summer for the past 3 years CanoeSport Outfitters has offered a 5-day 4 night paddling trip among these islands. Each year presented new and interesting things to see, water conditions, and animal sightings. In 2015 we again return to these jewels of Superior to explore natures' beauty.

Caves

View through a cave on Sand Island

One of the most famous features of the Apostle Islands are the sea caves that are formed in the sandstone cliffs along certain island shores. Ranging in size these caves are big enough for 17’ long kayaks to weave in an out of. On Day 2 of our tour we get to explore the caves along Swallow Tail Point on Sand Island. We usually spend a few hours meandering in and out of these caverns.

3 sea kayaks inside a cave!

Paddling

Getting the opportunity to practice in cold water!

‘The lake is the boss’ is a common saying when paddling the Apostle Islands. Weather, waves, and wind will always dictate a paddler’s day on the water. Lake Superior being such a large body of water all 3 conditions can collide and cause chaos even for large tankers. As good paddlers should we always have an ear tuned to our weather radio and an eye to the sky. We have experienced all conditions from small craft advisory warnings to water as calm as glass. For some paddlers this can present their first exposure to water not typically found in Iowa. A wetsuit is required for everyone even on the hottest days as water temps range in the low 50s. Our largest day on the water is when we travel from Sand Island around the peninsula to Oak Island. Depending on the route it is around 10 miles of paddling with a few breaks for lunch and hiking.

Lighthouses
Because of the rocky and precarious nature of the islands and lake there are several lighthouses that used to be used to signal freighters in and out of ports at Bayfield and Duluth. Many of them have been restored and are open for viewing. On Sand Island there is one of the most beautiful lighthouses. Constructed from sandstone mined from the island it stands over 44' tall. We explore the grounds around this light house either by paddling or hiking to it.

Sand Island Lighthouse

The Raspberry Island lighthouse was created to signal ships coming into Bayfield, WI. Accessible from mainland via ferry this is most popular lighthouse to visit. During our lunch break on Raspberry there may be the opportunity to tour the lighthouse.

Raspberry Island Lighthouse

Wildlife

Between all the trees, rocks, flowers, berries, mushrooms, bears, bugs, and creatures there is always something to see. While paddling there is certainly a lot of shoreline to view and birds to watch. On Oak Island there are several miles of hiking trails that can be hiked and along these trails was the one place we’ve seen bears! If you know a bit about mushrooms and plants there is a plethora to see along the trails!

Camping

Sharing a meal together on Oak Island.

Ready for camp on Oak Island

Setting up camp on the beach is the perfect way to end a day on the water. Great views and company are always guaranteed! We often will cook individual meals and sometimes share things amongst the group. There is never a shortage of good food and new recipes on the trip! We are able to book the groups sites on both Sand and Oak Island so there is plenty of room to spread out and dry out after a day on the water. Day temps range from 60-80 degrees while nights can get down into the upper 40s. Snuggling up in a warm bag under the star beats any hotel stay!

We look forward to again returning to the Apostle Islands and we hope to see you there too! 

Starting in June we're offering $50 off any Apostle Island Trip! 

Registration deadline is July 20th.

If your interested in joining us again for an adventure up at the Apostle Islands please visit our website to learn more about the trips we offer.  www.canoesportoutfitters.com Trips are offered the first part of August and we require the completion of our Kayaking Fundamentals III course. To sign up please contact us through email paddler@netins.net or give us a call 515-961-6117 and we’ll help answer any other questions!