Canoe Camping with Kids (Part 1 of 2): Planning Your Trip

So, did your Boundary Waters camping experiences become limited at best after having kids? Do you feel like you need everyone potty-trained before you set your sights on a jack pine again? If you have borderline feelings about hefting the canoe while chasing the two year old for 160 rods, let us assure you: Camping the Boundary Waters with kids –even toddlers– can be done enjoyably. We made a deal with ourselves shortly after we married, that the kids would be a part of, not the death of, our camping trips. Along the way, we’ve learned a few lessons we’d like to pass along.

Today in Part 1 of 2, we’ll cover how to plan smart for your trip, with kids in mind. Let’s go!

Do it do-ably
Perhaps most importantly, plan a do-able route and be flexible if you need to change it. In other words, try base camping it versus doing a full loop. Kids move at a speed of their own, and it’s usually a slower one than you might like. One initial push to a base camp that’s 2-3 lakes in from your point of entry will be plenty taxing on the young ‘uns. Let the rest of the trip be about exploring on day trips, not relocating your tent. Plus, if foul weather conditions or illnesses strike, or if your kids just burn out, a shorter route home will save you from a boatload of grief.

Last fall, several days of snow and especially cold weather prevented us from even getting on the water. Despite the would-be ‘lost travel time,’ there was still opportunity for day tripping to screened-off rivers, islands and lakes that we’d have normally blown past altogether. One day took us to a secluded island where we brought a picnic lunch and built a fire. The kids enjoyed sleuthing for moose tracks, bird nests and mushrooms. On arrival, we scared off an eagle who’d been feeding on the remains of both a crow and a large fish. Contemplating the bones and feathers fueled a good bit of conversation.

This year, we looked at routes that could be done in 2-3 days for our four day trip. Three of those will be at the same base camp. Again, this allows ample time to explore at a kid’s pace; and since we’re not having to set up the tent for the umpteenth time, we’ll catch more of those Kodak moments. Best of all, on this trip we’ll have plenty of time to seek out a good cliff jumping location to spend the afternoon.

Dress code
Keep the kids’ clothing to a minimum. We found lightweight, waterproof rain coats and pants that doubled as another warm layer, eliminating the need for additional pants and jackets. When we camped in the fall, their insulated base layer doubled as PJs. You will, however, want to have two pairs of shoes per kid. Our kids wore trail shoes for portages (you can also get by using just tennies) and lightweight sandals for around camp.

Diapers – ah, yes. If you have a kid who is still in pull-ups or diapers, the thought of hauling out 40 pounds of crap might send you reeling. Thankfully, there’s at least one biodegradable diaper product we’ve used that uses all-natural materials. You tear it up and toss into the latrine – done!

Feeding your army
Now I know some of you out there might be tempted to haul in Pop-Tarts and twelve boxes of Mac ‘n’ Cheese for the kids, but you can eat well – and conveniently – on a family trip. In order to include the kids on the planning we asked them for input on some food ideas. Those included, rice and beans with pre-cooked frozen chicken, dried fruit, tacos filled with cheese and meat (salsa for us), instant oatmeal, cheese, crackers, beef jerky, fruit cups, dehydrated chicken noodle soup and instant potatoes. S’mores and Jiffy-Pop were essential. We brought much of what we would have normally included, with a few add-ons for the grownups. Simple things like hot cocoa and cider packs were a hit.

Killer Tip: Include suckers in your canoe pack for quick access. Taken out at just the right moments when your three year old hits the fan and decides three miles out into the lake that they’re abandoning the trip and headed for home, will save your sanity. It was probably the best item we brought along.

In Part 2, we’ll show how to how the key to your kids’ enjoying a trip, is in sharing ownership of it.