With the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the border between what would eventual become Minnesota and Canada was formed. The border was initialy choosen in part due to the fact that this was the most easily traveled route from the great lakes to the interior of the vast canadian wilderness. Over the years, the border has changed very little and is still considered to be one of the finest canoe routes in North America.
This summer, Laketrails Base Camp will be following that route, starting on July 3rd, at Grand Portage, on Minnesota's North Shore. The trip starts with a short 9 mile portage, taking you from Lake Superior to the Pigeon River. From there you will follow the border through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park, into Voyager's National Park and Rainy Lake. From there you will follow the Rainy River to Lake of the Woods where you will arrive at Fort St. Charles, which incidently was the first of the major trading posts along the voyagers highway. You will have the opportunity to camp at many famous campsites along the border, see magificent waterfalls, see historic sites mentioned in many early journals, and portage along the same trails that LaVerendre and others passed over centeries ago.
The trip will return to Laketrails Base Camp on July 22nd and join the festivities on the island before returning home. You will need to have completed your Sophomore Year in High School to be eligible for this trip. If you are interested, please contact Laketrails to find out more.
