Wilderness Canoe Base

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Wilderness Canoe Base Wilderness Canoe Base is a Multigenerational ELCA Camp that aims to nurture a Christ-centered identity through wilderness experience.

Located on Fishhook and Dominion Islands of Seagull Lake, 58 miles up the Gunflint Trail, Wilderness Canoe Base is isolated from the distractions of the hurried, connected lives most of us come from. Opportunities to canoe, camp, work hard, and have fun builds confidence and courage in kids throughout the summer months. Find peace and serenity for all during the winter months with opportunities to snowshoe, cross country ski, play broomball and curl up by the fire. Wilderness Canoe Base is the perfect place to leave our worried lives behind and truly enjoy the wilderness experience.

Hope you can join us!
10/08/2026

Hope you can join us!

Just like that, another summer comes to a close! To all those who came to experience the BWCA as campers, leaders and st...
08/27/2026

Just like that, another summer comes to a close!

To all those who came to experience the BWCA as campers, leaders and staff: thank you for the long paddles, early mornings, wet socks, cool swims and all the little moments that made this summer so memorable.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep paddling, and we’ll see you on trail!

Here is one of the first groups we’ve welcomed back to camp after the wildfire closure. 💦🛶🌲 What a joy to welcome back ...
08/04/2026

Here is one of the first groups we’ve welcomed back to camp after the wildfire closure. 💦🛶🌲 What a joy to welcome back our canoe campers and family campers! ❤️

We’ve loved the extra time together as a staff these past few weeks, from blueberry hunts to daily swims, but we’re exci...
07/30/2026

We’ve loved the extra time together as a staff these past few weeks, from blueberry hunts to daily swims, but we’re excited to welcome groups back in just a few days! With clear skies bringing peace of mind, we’re looking forward to getting on the lakes along the Gunflint.

We are grateful to share that everything remains safe here! We are staying busy preparing Base and reduced staff incase ...
07/19/2026

We are grateful to share that everything remains safe here! We are staying busy preparing Base and reduced staff incase conditions change. From moving canoes and equipment off site to testing sprinkler suppression systems, we are taking it one day at a time and are very grateful for the continued grace and love during this unpredictable time!

Thank you for all of your prayers and words of support. We feel them! Current update….Wilderness Canoe Base has suspende...
07/16/2026

Thank you for all of your prayers and words of support. We feel them! Current update….
Wilderness Canoe Base has suspended all camp programs at this time due to the wildfires in the Boundary Waters. Our staff is actively following established fire safety protocols as our end of the Gunflint Trail remains in Cook County’s SET stage of its Ready, Set, Go evacuation process. The safety and well-being of our campers, guests, and staff remains our highest priority.

Wilderness Canoe Base Update BWCAW Temporary ClosureGood morning. Late last night, we received notice that all BWCAW ent...
07/13/2026

Wilderness Canoe Base Update BWCAW Temporary Closure

Good morning. Late last night, we received notice that all BWCAW entry points will temporarily close effective 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

While this is disappointing news for everyone who loves the Boundary Waters, we fully support this temporary closure as an important step to protect both paddlers and this remarkable wilderness during an exceptionally hot and windy fire equation.

Our staff is actively bringing all Wilderness Canoe Base groups off trail today, and we are personally contacting groups who were scheduled to begin their trips later this week.

We are also in close communication with county emergency management and the U.S. Forest Service, and our fire suppression systems are ready to go, should they be needed.

The Boundary Waters has always taught us patience, resilience, and respect for creation. We are grateful for the dedicated professionals working to keep people and this treasured wilderness safe, and we ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your understanding, your flexibility, and your support of Wilderness Canoe Base.

Our first group of swampers has come and gone, but left us with memories that will last a lifetime! We are so thankful f...
07/12/2026

Our first group of swampers has come and gone, but left us with memories that will last a lifetime! We are so thankful for the help and joy that swampers brought to WCB, and hope these amazing people can come visit us again soon.

In the meantime, we are excited for our second group of swampers to join us! Special thanks to swamper Eleanor for the amazing photos featured in this post.

☀️

This year WCB held the Guide Games! our guides came together to compete in some friendly games! Before the competition, ...
07/08/2026

This year WCB held the Guide Games! our guides came together to compete in some friendly games! Before the competition, guides honed their skills by taking time to learn more about working the trail whisperlite stove, the three person canoe lift, and going through medical practices that may be needed on trail.

Once the games began groups raced their canoes around the island. (some doing a friendly water fight ex: photo 6) Once back to camp, they did a three person canoe lift. Three people from the group did a pass off Portage, while one stayed behind to try their luck at starting a fire using wet wood. Racing down the Portage trail, the guides regrouped at the beach to boil a pot of water over the fire. The first group with bubbles wins!

Our winning group won with a time of 20:20. However, all our guides showed exceptional skills by coming in only minutes behind, and are ecstatic to use them on trail with our upcoming campers!


WCB is accepting canoe trip registrations for 7/16-7/22 and 7/19-7/25! 🛶Please email WCBOffice@campwapo.org to book your...
06/30/2026

WCB is accepting canoe trip registrations for 7/16-7/22 and 7/19-7/25! 🛶
Please email [email protected] to book your registration now! 🏕️
Come join the fun and make some new memories in the great outdoors this summer! ☀️

Address

12477 Gunflint Trl
Grand Marais, MN
55604

Telephone

+12183882241

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wilderness Canoe Base posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Wilderness Canoe Base:

Shortcuts

Share