Lake Country Canoeing
in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan's Sylvania Wilderness AreaAges 14+
Trip Length: 6 days / 5 nights
Small Group Rate (3-5 people): $3700
Full Group Rate (6-8 people): $4750
about the destination
Sylvania is a place set apart where humans are only visitors. The enormous trees and the abundant wildlife are stunning. As you paddle from lake to lake you’re sure to have fun, be awed by nature, and experience God’s presence in new ways.
Trip overview
Your trip begins at Amnicon where we spend the first day on preparation and orientation so that you are set up well to have a successful week. We do a big campfire at sunset on our sandy beach of Lake Superior that night. The next morning we’ll drive you out to the wilderness. Groups paddle lake-to-lake carrying everything necessary to live in the backcountry.
Between lakes, the canoes and gear are “portaged”, or carried, overland to the next lake. You can expect to travel between four and six hours per day, including plenty of time for lunch and breaks. A layover day is often planned to allow extra time for hiking, swimming, and basking in the sun. Nights are spent chatting, cooking and singing over the campfire and sleeping in tents at the wilderness campsites.
frequently asked questions
Who can come on a Sylvania trip?
Trip participants must be:
- At least 14 years old on the first day of the trip,
- In reasonably good health,
- Able to lift and carry 50 pounds over a short distance,
- Able to swim 25 yards and tread water for 30 seconds while wearing a USCG certified Personal Floatation Device (life jacket)
- Able to walk half a mile over uneven terrain without assistance, AND
- Have a licensed medical practitioner sign a health form certifying that they are healthy enough to engage in the kinds of activities we’ll do on this trip.
Anyone with a chronic medical condition must:
- Be able to manage their own care without assistance,
- Bring all their own medications and supplies,
- Be willing and able to communicate with Amnicon staff if they’re not doing well,
- Have experience managing their condition during prolonged periods of increased stress & activity, AND
- Have not had any medical emergencies within the last year.
If you have questions about whether this trip will be a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to contact us! Call 715-364-2602, email info@amnicon.org, or click the button below.
What are the guides like?
Our wilderness guides are amazing, and you’ll love them. We send two highly trained individuals with each group. They will be at least 19 years old, and have been chosen because they have demonstrated an impressive level of maturity, care of creation, and a desire to connect with and serve our campers. They will be certified in Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness Water Safety, CPR, and have extensive training in wilderness skills, navigation, group management, and mental health first aid. We do our best to hire a diverse staff every year, and often hire staff from overseas! Amnicon does not discriminate in our hiring based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, country of origin, or religious affiliation.
What are the bathroom facilities like?
Campsites have pit toilets that are often referred to as “Ranger Boxes”. They are down a path and out of view of the campsite. It’s like sitting on a toilet seat without any walls. It might be a little weird your first time, but once you get used to it, the view is quite nice! And no walls means they usually don’t smell bad. Every few miles along the river there are boat landings that have concrete outhouses.
Is there time for swimming?
Usually there is ample time to swim on this trip. Portage spots are usually a great time for a quick dip!
Wondering Something Else?
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