Canoecopia - 2025 Presentations by Category

Canoecopia is presented by

Presenting Sponsor

Location
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Way
Madison, Wisconsin

Show Hours
Friday: 3 PM to 8 PM
Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Tickets
1-Day: $17.00
3-Day: $35.00
Ages 17 and under are FREE
Cash or check only for tickets purchased at the event

Parking Fees
1-Day: $8.00
Credit only, fees collected by Alliant Energy Center
Advanced passes may be purchased HERE.
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Trips/Places - Local/Upper Midwest

Karla "With a K"

Day Paddling Trips & Paddle-in Campsites Around Wisconsin State Parks

Caribou - upstairs Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

Did you know some of our Wisconsin State Parks have water trails for you to paddle? And paddle-in sites to camp at? If not, then this is the session for you! Take a journey with me around the state to learn about which state parks have great day water trips and also paddle-in campsites. Karla will talk about location, entry points, notable facts, and learned hacks.

Stephen Ballou

Kayaking the Apostle Islands

to be scheduled

For 54 years, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has drawn people from all over the world to experience the beauty and rugged wilderness of these islands and Lake Superior. What does it take to paddle and camp in this special place? Are you prepared to travel the waters of Lake Superior safely? With proper planning and preparation, you can paddle through sea caves, sleep under the stars, and navigate this inland sea. Join Ranger Steve Ballou to celebrate 54 years of caring for our place on ... Read More

John Bates

Hidden Gems: Paddling Northern Wisconsin State Natural Areas

Caribou - upstairs Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Bear - upstairs Sat 4:30pm-5:15pm

Wisconsin's State Natural Areas Program was created in 1951, the first such state-sponsored program in the United States. Today, 687 sites have been protected for their outstanding ecological, geological, or archaeological qualities, some of which are wild lakes and their surrounding woodlands. Come hear about many of the best SNAs to paddle and explore in northern Wisconsin.

Timothy Bauer

May the Forests Be With You

Superior - main floor Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

Quetico - main floor Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

While forests make for great getaways to camp, hike, hunt, and fish, they also provide the setting for some very pretty and pristine excursions to paddle. Here in Wisconsin, we have over 6800 square miles of public forests - bigger than all of Hawaii (though with fewer hulas or Alohas). While most of these federal, state, and county lands are located in the northern half of the state, some are only 1-2 hours away from Canoecopia itself! Our forests offer wild and scenic rivers as well as ... Read More

Timothy Bauer

The Outdoors Smorgasbord of Jackson County, WI

Quetico - main floor Sun 2:30pm-3:15pm

Only two hours from Madison, Jackson County is arguably the most rugged and beautiful part of southern Wisconsin. Forged by ancient volcanoes and later bathed in the nippy waters of Glacial Lake Wisconsin, the Black River crosses the divide and provides a through-line between the glaciated and unglaciated parts of the state. Providing critical habitat to rare species like elk and wolves, it is also the ancestral home of the Ho-Chunk and where their tribal government is seated today. The Black ... Read More

Barry Brahier, Erik Detzler

Sea Kayaking Voyageurs National Park: Routes and Park Update

Voyageur - Upstairs Sat 12:30pm-1:15pm

Voyageurs National Park offers a "just right" sea kayaking experience for novice paddlers, challenge seekers and everyone in between. Located in the far north of Minnesota it has BIG lakes, Taj Mahal campsites reserved just for you, and only two (optional) portages! Learn the best routes for your ability, what matters when selecting a campsite and get a park update from an NPS Park Ranger.

John Chase

Sand Dunes, Lighthouses, and Cherry Pie: Sea Kayaking Michigan’s Grand Traverse Region

Caribou - upstairs Sat 9:30am-10:15am

Enjoy bluebird days with Caribbean blue water while visiting lighthouses, towering dunes, and shipwrecks by day and breweries, wineries, and great restaurants by night. We will explore some of the most intriguing sea kayaking destinations in northwest lower Michigan along with historical and cultural resources of the area.

Al & Marsha Fairfield, Marsha Fairfield

Northern Wisconsin as a Paddle Destination for ALL Paddlers

BWCA - main floor Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

Sylvania - main floor Sat 10:30am-11:15am

Northern Wisconsin has an abundance of lakes and rivers suitable for every paddler. From wilderness waters to waters big enough to stretch your legs there is something here for everyone. Recreation boats, canoes, and sea kayaks all have a place here. Why settle for one style of paddle craft! Come discover some of our favorite places to explore.

Al & Marsha Fairfield, Marsha Fairfield

Wisconsin’s Paddle-Camping Rivers

Algonquin - main floor Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

Wisconsin is blessed to have a number of scenic rivers with established campsites. River paddling trips allow you to see miles of new scenery everyday and enjoy the wildlife that will share the river corridor with you. A great way to have a wilderness experience with simplified logistics that novices and experts can enjoy.

Gillian Fitzgerald, Mona Gauthier, Doris Kolodji, Sue Sullivan, Sam Chadwick

Women's Q+A Panel: BWCA Trippers

Superior - main floor Sat 10:30am-11:15am

Adventuring in the BWCA comes with unique considerations for women that aren't always widely discussed. From choosing the right clothing, to navigating physical challenges and emotional barriers, there is much to learn- like what is a Kula Cloth, and why is it a game-changer? Join this inspiring multi-generational panel of women with extensive paddling experience as they share their insights and invite your questions! While the outdoors has often been shaped by a male-dominated perspective, ... Read More

Joe Friedrichs

Last Entry Point: Stories of Danger and Death in the Boundary Waters

BWCA - main floor Sat 9:30am-10:15am

Paddlers and hikers planning an excursion into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park--that storied region along the Minnesota-Ontario border made up of rock, water, and pine--usually conjure visions of sunny days, pleasant breezes, and starry nights. Though every guidebook advises being prepared, most adventurers escaping to these remote areas assume that all will be well. But even those who are thoroughly prepared may still encounter the unexpected. And in ... Read More

David Johnston

Ancient Finds of Lake Superior

Superior - main floor Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

If you know where to look, the Lake Superior shoreline is filled with both ancient and old finds for you to discover. The hard part is that you can easily paddle right by, not knowing about what you just missed. In this presentation, David will introduce you to some of the cool stuff out there including pictographs, Pukaskwa Pits, voyageur trading posts, shipwrecks, trainwrecks and ghost towns. He will also cover places to start your research so you can discover them on your own journeys.

Peter Marshall

25 Tips for a Better Boundary Waters Trip

Quetico - main floor Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

Drawing from his experience of paddling hundreds of days through the Northwoods, Pete Marshall, Communications Director at Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, will go over 25 tips for a better Boundary Waters canoe trip. This presentation has a bit of everything in it, from how to travel more efficiently to simple niceties that make any canoe trip just a little bit better. You will be sure to leave with valuable ideas for your summer trip.

Ginny Nelson

Talking Boundary Waters Permits With an Outfitter

Caribou - upstairs Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

BWCA - main floor Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

Join Ginny Nelson, co-owner of an Ely MN area outfitter as she talks about how Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permits work. She will make sure you understand the details in reserving a BWCAW permit, getting it issued and rules and regulations you will need to follow when you travel the BWCAW. There are lots of myths about permits floating around online. Come find out more about what you need to know for your next BWCA canoe trip.

Steven Nelson

Boundary Waters Trip Routes: Details for Central & Western Area

BWCA - main floor Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

A Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) trip can be a wonderful adventure. Knowing details of your route before you enter the BWCA will enhance your experience. Steve co-owner of an Ely MN based outfitter will review multiple 3-5 day routes you should consider for your next trip. He will include what to expect, range of difficulty, sites to visit along the way and share entertaining stories he & his outfitting guests have experience and more

Forest Paukert

A Paddler’s Guide to the Sylvania Wilderness

Sylvania - main floor Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

Sylvania - main floor Sat 2:30pm-3:15pm

Big experiences can be had in a small wilderness. The Sylvania Wilderness is part of the Ottawa National Forest and located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the Wisconsin border. Learn what it takes to plan a successful adventure along with tips to improve your trip. Learn about an often overlooked gem that's easy to get to and a great place to hone your canoeing skills.

Bear Paulsen

BWCA: Permits, Planning, Packing, Paddling, Portaging, & Protecting

BWCA - main floor Sun 10:30am-11:15am

In this information-packed talk, Bear will cover the 6 Ps of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, starting with the all-important pre-trip items of permits and planning, along with hints on avoiding crowds. Come to delve into packing strategies for portaging and paddling, as well as a wealth of wilderness tripping techniques. Learn ways to protect yourselves from bugs and your food from bears.

Bear Paulsen

Paddle In—Ski Out

Bear - upstairs Fri 3:30pm-4:15pm

For two decades Bear dreamed about a long winter camping trip. He wanted to experience the arc of winter. The year before his son entered kindergarten, the dream came true. Bear, his wife, Claire, and son, Dashwa, paddled into the BWCA in October. They travelled slowly, exploring, and living in a 10x10 tent warmed by a wood stove. They skied out 130 days later having not seen another person.

Michael Raymonds

Paddling the Saint Croix and Namekagon Rivers

Caribou - upstairs Fri 6:30pm-7:15pm

Even before being protected as part of a unique National Park in 1968, the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers were well-known paddling and fishing destinations. Over 50 years later, these waters continue to create memories. Whether you are a beginner kayaker looking for an easy day paddle or an experienced canoeist searching for a weeklong adventure, over 200 miles of protected waters of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway await your discovery.

Jonathan Ringdahl, Al Fairfield

Discovering the Geology of Door County and the Apostle Islands

Sylvania - main floor Sun 12:30pm-1:15pm

We get it, a lot of us struggle with trying to understand how to make rocks cool or interesting. The truth is everyone loves paddling along scenic cliffs and among islands. There is a story in those rocks that can enhance our appreciation of some of our favorite paddling destinations. Come explore the geology of Door County and the Apostle Islands with Johnathan and Al to discover how geology is the foundation of what makes these destinations unique. It took hundreds of millions of years to ... Read More

Dan Rogalla

Paddling Isle Royale National Park

Quetico - main floor Fri 5:30pm-6:15pm

Isle Royale National Park offers unique opportunities for paddling in and around a wilderness island in Lake Superior. The challenges facing paddlers are many, from the logistics of transporting paddling equipment to the unpredictable and cold waters of Lake Superior. Join Ranger Chris Amidon to explore the paddling options and the paddling challenges of Isle Royale National Park.

Neal Schroeter

Apostle Islands–One of the Best Places to Paddle in the World!

Algonquin - main floor Sun 1:30pm-2:15pm

The Apostle Islands are one of the best places in the world to sea kayak! Some of the history and wonderful wilderness landscape will be reviewed. Photos, videos, and some secrets will be shared from extensive personal trips, as well as arranging countless guided trips for others. Focus will center on what it's like and what it takes to be safe and prepared to paddle in this special National Lakeshore Park.

Constance Simes

Solo Circumnavigation of Lake Superior via Sea Kayak

Sylvania - main floor Fri 4:30pm-5:15pm

Constance's solo circumnavigation of Lake Superior is a remarkable feat of endurance, determination and passion for adventure. In her daring 57 day expedition, she embarked on a journey paddling the world's largest freshwater lake, covering nearly 1,200 miles of rugged shoreline, navigating through impenetrable fog and dramatically changing water conditions. Along the way, she paddled past towering cliffs, picturesque lighthouses, through majestic sea caves and across pristine waters, ... Read More

Babs Smith, Rick Malchow

Exploring the Big and Little Bay de Noc in MI’s Upper Peninsula

Voyageur - Upstairs Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

Escanaba in da sunlight, dazzling sunbeams. Twelve paddles that have it all. Picturesque points, beautiful sandy beaches, and antique lighthouses. Miles of untouched forests including the Hiawatha National Forest and the Garden Peninsula's Shingleton State Forest Area. Towering bluffs of Little Bay de Noc and Burnt Bluffs in Big Bay de Noc. Shh...a cave so secret that we can't even share its location. The spooky Historic Fayette Ghost Town Park, and a scary sunken kayak. Add in eagles, deer, ... Read More

John Stofflet

The Pace of the Paddle: How Kayaking Preserved a News Anchor's Sanity

Superior - main floor Sat 3:30pm-4:15pm

For much of his life, John Stofflet didn't pursue his dream of owning a kayak. His doubting side told him he was too busy, not fit enough, not able to figure out how to safely transport a kayak on his roof, not "outdoorsy enough" to pull it all off. Then, about 10 years ago during a life transition, and while constantly dealing with the daily stress of working as a tv news anchor, Stofflet decided it was time to do what he had always dreamed of-start exploring our beautiful area at the pace ... Read More

Kevin Wegner

Kruger Waddell Minnesota Border Challenge: How We Got Faster, More Efficient, and Experienced More While Setting the Fastest Known 3-Man Time.

Caribou - upstairs Sun 2:30pm-3:15pm

Join Kevin, a member of the record-setting MNGreene 3-man team, as he shares how his personal preparation contributed to their historic feat in the Krueger-Waddell Minnesota Border Challenge. This 270-mile trek along the Voyager route, from International Falls to Grand Portage, Minnesota, is not a race-but the team and Kevin's focus on efficiency, endurance, and strategy helped set the fastest known 3-man time.

Kevin will discuss his approach to preparing for this demanding ... Read More

Ken Whiting

Rough Water Paddling on Lake Superior

Superior - main floor Sat 9:30am-10:15am

Lake Superior is one of the most beautiful paddling destinations in the world, but when the wind starts to blow it can also be one of the most challenging. In this presentation, Ken Whiting shares his action-filled, 5-day trip along the coast of Lake Superior Provincial Park, which involved heavy winds and big waves. He breaks down decision making, paddling techniques, equipment selection, and more. This is a presentation that will be entertaining and informative whether or not you ever hope to ... Read More