ELY WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Lakeside Pages and Paddle Strokes: A Boundary Waters Reader’s Retreat with William Kent Krueger
A four-day, lodge-based retreat out of Wintergreen Lodge near Ely that pairs guided paddling and day hikes with nightly book discussions led by William Kent Krueger.
Lakeside Pages and Paddle Strokes: A Boundary Waters Reader’s Retreat with William Kent Krueger.
Set on White Iron Lake out of Wintergreen Lodge, this four-day lodge-based retreat blends comfortable cabins and hot showers with guided canoeing, a hike to Kawishiwi Falls, and evening book talks led by New York Times bestselling author William Kent Krueger — a compact wilderness escape designed to replenish body and mind.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Cozy lakeside lodging at Wintergreen Lodge
Private cabins on White Iron Lake mean hot showers, comfortable beds and hearty dinners each night — a comfortable base for daily paddles and hikes.
Guided canoeing on historic wilderness lakes
Each day offers guided canoe trips on the Boundary Waters, including the historic Paradise Ponds circle loop and paddles to islands and river corridors.
Exclusive book discussions with William Kent Krueger
Evenings center on group book chats led by William Kent Krueger, pairing literary conversation with fireside relaxation and new friendships.
What the day feels like
What the retreat feels like
You arrive at Wintergreen Lodge in the afternoon, settle into a private cabin, and slip into the rhythm of short paddles, longer day trips and a scenic hike to the Kawishiwi Gorge overlook. Days are spent on lakes and ponds with time for swimming, fishing and short portages; nights bring communal meals and fireside discussions guided by Krueger — all within the comforts of lodge amenities.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this retreat suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Days include guided canoe trips with a few short portages; the operator uses lightweight Kevlar canoes to keep routes accessible.
Accommodations are private cabins at Wintergreen Lodge offering hot showers, comfortable beds and shared meals at the lodge.
Activities range from short afternoon paddles to full-day canoe excursions and a hike to the Kawishiwi Gorge overlook; evenings focus on group discussion and relaxation.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the retreat?
The retreat is four days in duration.
Where do participants meet?
Participants meet at Wintergreen Lodge in Ely, Minnesota.
Who leads the book discussions?
Evening book discussions are led by New York Times bestselling author William Kent Krueger.
Are the canoe trips difficult?
Trips include a mix of short afternoon paddles and full-day excursions with a few short portages; lightweight Kevlar canoes are used to make routes more accessible.
Is the retreat suitable for children or older travelers?
The program is described as suitable for all ages and is capped at a small group size (up to 11 people).
What is included on the final day?
After a leisurely breakfast, the group visits Ely’s International Wolf Center and parts ways by 11 AM.