Boundary Waters Canoeing
More than just a camping trip, this 15 to 22-day canoeing expedition takes you into the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near Ely, Minnesota – and incorporates a reflective solo experience.
On this Outward Bound expedition, do more than learn to paddle. Learn how to explore and live comfortably in one of the most beautiful, remote environments on the planet. Learn to take calculated risks, practice critical thinking skills and develop self-reliance. Discover how serving the community and appreciating the diversity of your group is a transferable skill to be applied upon your return home. Together with your Instructors and crew, learn how to care for one another, work together—and accomplish more than you ever thought possible.
Courses in the Boundary Waters have low student/staff ratios (seven or fewer students with two Instructors), allowing for more individualized attention and focus.
NOTE: Outward Bound strongly recommends that all students be vaccinated against COVID-19 and up to date as defined by the CDC prior to arriving to their course start. For all open enrollment courses beginning on or after April 15, 2023, Outward Bound will no longer require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For questions regarding this policy please see this page or call us at 866-467-7651.
UPCOMING COURSES
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For detailed information on course availability statuses and what they mean, click here.
Course # VMYC-351
Age 14 - 16
Days 22
Cost $6,990
Dates 6.5.23 - 6.26.23
Course # VMTC-351
Age 16 - 18
Days 22
Cost $6,990
Dates 6.5.23 - 6.26.23
Course # VMYC-341
Age 14 - 16
Days 15
Cost $5,210
Dates 6.12.23 - 6.26.23
Course # VMTC-341
Age 16 - 18
Days 15
Cost $5,210
Dates 6.12.23 - 6.26.23
Course # VMYC-342
Age 14 - 16
Days 15
Cost $5,210
Dates 7.3.23 - 7.17.23
Course # VMTC-342
Age 16 - 18
Days 15
Cost $5,210
Dates 7.3.23 - 7.17.23
Course # VMYC-352
Age 14 - 16
Days 22
Cost $6,990
Dates 7.25.23 - 8.15.23
Course # VMTC-352
Age 16 - 18
Days 22
Cost $6,990
Dates 7.25.23 - 8.15.23
APPLY NOW
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APPLY NOW – Almost Full
This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!
JOIN WAITLIST
Once a course has reached capacity, three waitlist positions become available. To join a course’s waitlist, click “Join Waitlist” to begin the application process. A $500 deposit is required. This $500 deposit includes a $150 non-refundable application fee and a $350 tuition payment. The $350 tuition payment is refundable only if you cancel your waitlist application or if an open position does not become available. If a position does become available, the applicant will be applied to the open position and the Application and Cancellation Policies of the Regional Outward Bound School will be followed, including forfeiture of the $500 deposit if you cancel 90 days or less prior to the course start date.
Waitlist applicants are encouraged to complete all required admissions documents while awaiting an open position. Positions may become available up to two weeks prior to the course start date. Applicants may only apply to one course. We recommend applying to a course with open positions instead of a course that is accepting waitlist applications. If you have questions, please call 866-467-7651 to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors.
CALL TO APPLY
This means a course is very close to its start date. Although it is unlikely to secure a spot this late, you can call the National Admissions office at 866-467-7651 to discuss your options.
COURSE IS FULL
When a course has reached maximum capacity, meaning all spots and the three waitlist spots are occupied, a course will read “Course Is Full.” This means applications are no longer being accepted.
CLOSED
As a course nears its start date, the availability status may read “Closed.” In this event, a course roster has been finalized and applications are no longer being accepted or processed.
Never once would I have thought that I could emotionally have been able to challenge myself like I have on this course. Truly I appreciate the privilege of this. It has created an impact and prepared me for the real world. It has also helped me find my place with myself and learn how to really live to my full potential.
Completing an extended canoe expedition includes learning the art of paddling a canoe in a variety of conditions, as well as map and compass reading, route finding and Recreate Responsibly principles. Groups navigate a variety of waterways such as lakes, rivers and swamps, and work as a team to carry packs and canoes over portage trails when transitioning from one lake to another or to get safely around challenging rapids. Traveling by canoe allows groups to go far past where motorboats operate and, once there, it is possible to quietly observe bald eagles, moose and peaceful sunsets on mirror-calm lakes.
During climbing days, students learn about general rock climbing equipment, safety and etiquette. Students have many opportunities to climb, belay and rappel while learning and employing safety systems that are compliant with national standards. The rock climbing sites provide a number of different route options including cracks, sheer faces and chimneys. Regardless of a student’s rock climbing background, they are sure to find a route that will expand their comfort zone.
The incredible ropes course is located 30 feet in the air and looks out over the top of the boreal forest. Students swing from Tarzan ropes, walk on tightrope wires and climb a cargo net before jumping on the zip line for an exhilarating ride back to solid ground. This opportunity creates space for students to individually challenge themselves while being supported by their team at the end of their expedition experience.
Service is a cornerstone of every Outward Bound experience. From the seemingly small daily acts of service for the environment to the regular tasks of being part of an expeditionary team, students have ample opportunities to experience the value of giving back to the larger community. On the expedition, students are encouraged to practice environmental stewardship in the form of Recreate Responsibly ethics—leaving campsites and trails in better condition than they found them. Students also practice regular acts of service for their team by preparing and serving meals, securing drinking water, setting up camp and giving their crew plenty of support.
On this course, designated service projects are coordinated with land managers like the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service to collaborate on land restoration projects. Some projects are more social services based, where students may spend time at a nursing home or hospital. Students develop a value of service, seeing the impact of their actions firsthand and transfer this desire to serve their communities back home.
At one point during the expedition students are provided a secluded spot to reflect alone, with all the food, skills and supplies they need, and are monitored by staff throughout the experience to maintain safety. We call this part of course, Solo. The Solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives students the opportunity to reflect on their Outward Bound experience. Many students use this reflection time to make decisions about their future, journal and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings unencumbered by the constant external stimulation of modern life. The duration of Solo depends on the course length and type, as well as the competency and preparedness of the student group. Students find that Solo provokes profound and powerful learning in a short period of time and often becomes one of the most memorable parts of their Outward Bound course.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
Established in 1978, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a labyrinth of lakes and rocks that has been specifically protected as a true American wilderness. No roads, power lines, or motorized craft may enter its borders; therefore, the Boundary Waters wilderness has changed little since its unveiling when the glaciers melted 10,000 years ago.
Over one million acres in size, the BWCAW extends nearly 150 miles along the Canadian border. With over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, nearly 2,200 designated campsites and more than 1,000 lakes and streams, the BWCAW is an amazing place to experience the wilderness. The BWCAW contains portage-linked lakes and streams, interspersed with islands, forests and crags. It has no piped water, prepared shelters or signs to point the way. Within these borders you can canoe, portage and camp as the native peoples and French-Canadian Voyageurs did before you. The Boundary Waters' 1,200 miles of paddling routes offer outstanding opportunities for solitude, remoteness, teamwork, adventure and challenge. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux) nations.
Course Stories
Never once would I have thought that I could emotionally have been able to challenge myself like I have on this course. Truly I appreciate the privilege of this. It has created an impact and prepared me for the real world. It has also helped me find my place with myself and learn how to really live to my full potential.
It was an amazing experience that enabled me to push my mental and physical limits. Through this journey I was able to identify my needs for the future ahead. I also pushed myself to show vulnerability to my peers by opening up to them about my past struggles.
I have learned that both my mood and body can do so much more than I gave them credit for. The mantra of one of my Instructors motivated me to try everything despite fearing failure and I will continue to keep it in mind my whole life: "your body can do anything if your mind lets it." As I fought through fear towards success, my completion of these challenges meant so much more than if they had come easily. Ultimately, this experience has been incredibly uplifting and life-changing. I believe everyone has the potential to succeed on an Outward Bound expedition, and I hope that everyone willing to gets a chance.
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Getting Started
If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.
To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee.