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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Canoeing

Dan Dueweke

After the Storm: Clearing Trail in the BWCA Following the 2021 Tornado

Voyageur - Upstairs Sat 1:30pm-2:15pm

On October 11th, 2021 an EF-2 tornado ripped through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and laid waste to a mile of the Border Route/North Country Trail (NCT). Trail closed, ye shall not pass. Knowing that the NCT would be sending in a wilderness crew to reopen the trail after ice out the following spring, Dan volunteered his time, experience, and tools for the job. This presentation follows a joint NCT/USFS trail crew as it confronts stacks and jackstrawed piles of downed trees with only axes ... Read More

Cliff Jacobson

Canoeing the Boundary Waters with Style!

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

If you've ever been to the Boundary Waters and competed for campsites on a popular lake, fussed with fire on a rainy day, slept in a wet tent or been bugged by bugs, bears or rodents, this fast-paced session is for you. You'll learn how to get away from the crowd, choose essential gear, stay dry when it rains all day, bear-proof your camp while complying with the new federal law, make a one match fire when the woods are wet with rain, and more. We'll check out equipment that works, and that ... Read More

Cliff Jacobson

My Last Picture Show: Remembering a Lifetime of Canoeing Wild Rivers

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

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

Cliff discovered canoes at the age of 12, in a rustic Scout camp set deep in the Michigan woods. He became hooked on the wild outdoors, and by age 14, he had read every book in print on wilderness travel. He went camping (with friends or alone) nearly every weekend. When he got bored in school, he drew pictures of canoes, tents, knives, rifles and axes in his notebook. Cliff kept doing and learning. He discovered that many of the camping procedures he'd read about in books were wrong. If you've ... Read More

Doris Kolodji

Power To The Pipsqueaks: Anyone Can Pack, Paddle, & Portage

Atrium - upstairs Sat 11:30am-12:15pm

If you've always wanted to pick up a canoe and portage like the "big boys," then this energetic, hands-on workshop is for you. Don't let the idea of picking up and carrying your own canoe be a barrier! For decades Northern Lakes Girl Scout Canoe Base has been training women and girls to travel through the BWCAW. They specialize in teaching novices to feel like pros regardless of size or experience. Learn tips and tricks for women and youth in the wilderness, and practice specific techniques to ... Read More

Peter Marshall

How to Quetico

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

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

Larger than the Boundary Waters with only a fraction of the visitors, Quetico is a canoeist's paradise. However, the logistics of international travel as well as an intimidating reputation, keeps many would-be Quetico paddlers away. In this practical presentation, we'll go over the nuts and bolts of how to reserve a permit and reach your entry point, what makes travel in Quetico different, highlight some iconic areas in the park and discuss a few routes.

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.

Kathy Nelson

How to Enjoy the BWCA as a Senior (ver. 2)

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

Traveling the Boundary Waters (BWCAW) is an experience that makes lifetime memories. As a Senior Citizen is this still possible? Join Kathy Nelson, co-owner of an Ely MN outfitter and senior citizen wilderness traveler, as she shares how to plan a successful canoe trip; what to pack, what NOT to take, how to handle limited mobility and strength concerns, best time to experience the BWCA, preferred routes and more. This is version 2.0 with new information, commentary and stories to keep you ... Read More

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

Craig Zarley

Catching Canoe Country Walleyes: Old Tricks. New Secrets.

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

Popular walleye fishing author and long-time Canoecopia presenter Craig Zarley will share his secrets for catching Boundary Waters' and Quetico's most sought after fish. Old-time walleye wisdom mixed with new strategies to address climate change and the latest improvements in fishing tackle will highlight the presentation. Keep it simple but adapt to change is his formula for Catching Canoe Country Walleyes.