Voyageurs National Park Special Interpretive Programs
The French-Canadian voyageurs, who were pivotal in opening the Northwestern United States, passed through what is now Voyageurs National Park on their historic route from Grand Portage to the Lake Athabasca region. They transported a variety of goods in large North Canoes that were built by the indigenous Ojibwe out of birch bark, cedar, spruce resin, and roots.
You can learn about the adventurous life of a Voyageur and try your hand at paddling a 26-foot replica of a North Canoe by reserving your spot in a ranger-led North Canoe interpretive program out of the Rainy Lake or Ash River visitor centers.
The French-Canadian voyageurs, who were pivotal in opening the Northwestern United States, passed through what is now Voyageurs National Park on their historic route from Grand Portage to the Lake Athabasca region. They transported a variety of goods in large North Canoes that were built by the indigenous Ojibwe out of birch bark, cedar, spruce resin, and roots.
You can learn about the adventurous life of a Voyageur and try your hand at paddling a 26-foot replica of a North Canoe by reserving your spot in a ranger-led North Canoe interpretive program out of the Rainy Lake or Ash River visitor centers.
Need to Know
- Location
Each ticket secures one seat in a North Canoe program at either the Rainy Lake Visitor Center or the Ash River Visitor Center. Purchase a ticket for the particular visitor center you plan to attend the program at.
- Duration
Program lasts for 1.5 hours. Please arrive 15 - 20 minutes prior to program to check in.
- Age Restrictions
North Canoe programs are for ages 8 and up, as paddling is required and can become strenuous.
- Program Details
- North Canoe programs consist of a dry-land portion and on-the-water portion.
- Paddling is required to participate, but previous paddling experience is not required.
- Safety
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are provided and must be worn at all times.
- While not required, it is recommended that participants know how to swim.
- Visitors may get wet; sturdy shoes and a light jacket are recommended.
- Some environmental conditions could require strenuous activity. If conditions become unsafe (i.e. lightning or high winds), the on-land portion will be extended and the canoe portion may be cancelled.
- Accessibility
North Canoe vessels are not accessible.
Booking Windows
Primary Booking Window: Tickets for Voyageurs National Park Special Interpretive Programs become available on April 15 annually.
Changes and Cancellations
• Special Interpretive Program cancellations must be made by midnight on the day before tour time for a refund of all fees minus $1 processing fee; cancellations after this time incur a $3 fee.
• No refunds for no shows or cancellations made on the day of.
• A full refund is given if the park cancels a full program. A partial refund of $5 per adult ticket and $2.50 per child ticket is given if the on-the-water portion of the program cannot be given due to lightning or high winds.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Ash River Visitor Center 9899 Meadwood Rd, Orr, MN 55771 - OR - Rainy Lake Visitor Center 1797 Township Road 342, International Falls, MN 56649 International Falls 56649
Phone Number
RAINY LAKE VISITOR CENTER: (218) 286-5258 ASH RIVER VISITOR CENTER: (218) 374-3221
