Canoe Reflections LLC provides canoe-camping experiences for women on Michigan’s serene Manistee River just north of Cadillac, Michigan. Those with little or no paddling experience are most welcome – guidance in handling a canoe and setting up camp are provided by our certified and experienced river guides. All canoe trips have a moderate pace, allowing women to simply relax and “be” on the river
as they paddle, camp and explore a bit. Most equipment and food is provided. WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING: For three days and two nights, you and the other women will be canoeing, sharing a tent, and camping in “primitive” areas along the Manistee River in Michigan. Generally, the sunlight wakes you by 7 or 8 in the morning. As a group, we prepare (and enjoy!) breakfast. Then we’ll strike camp, load the canoes, and be on the river by late morning. We’ll paddle for a few hours, taking breaks to float quietly and enjoy nature, get out on a sand bar, snack or eat lunch as we wish. We’ll pull in to the next campsite by mid-afternoon and again, as a team, set up the tents and “kitchen,” prepare dinner, and relax. Everything is geared to feel fairly leisurely, with time for swimming, walking, reading, personal reflections, or simply listening to the wind and watching the clouds. As an alternative, instead of traveling along the river, you could be “base-camped” in a wooded area, beside a river, and go for a day-trip on the nearby river. As needed, you will be given instruction in canoeing and low-impact camping skills. Canoe Reflections LLC supplies most of your camping gear and food – you will only need a sleeping bag, and your clothes. LOW-IMPACT CAMPING IS PRACTICED: These skills allow you to enjoy and respect nature while leaving little or no trace of having been in the area. Campfires are small or non-existent, noise is kept minimal, left-over food is packed out, and vegetation is carefully walked around or through. Where no outhouses are available, we will dig “cat-holes” away from the river.
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IF YOU ARE INTERESTED:
TRIP DATES:
The 3-day trips may be scheduled June through September. They usually begin early Sunday morning, ending Tuesday evening. Dates are set to accommodate your availability. CANOE INSTRUCTION: sessions for individuals or small groups also available. RIVER TRIP RATES:
3-Day Trips: $330
CANOE INSTRUCTION: $40/person for a 1-hour session; additional $25 for the second hour; $75 for 3 or more hours. Rental/shuttle costs added if needed. WHAT IS INCLUDED in 3-Day trips:
- Cost includes all meals/snacks, canoe & camping equipment. Just bring your clothes and a sleeping bag, and be prepared for an adventure!
- We use “real” food for our meals, as well as, we ask your preferences. Breakfast can include Kathleen’s Cherry-Nut Granola, fried or boiled eggs, whole wheat roll, French Press coffee or herbal tea. Dinner could be white-bean chicken chili with crackers, crunchy cabbage-apple salad, fudgy brownies. We make simple lunches on the river; tasty snacks are plentiful throughout the day.
- Guidance on paddling and camping is given as needed.
- Transportation to and from the river cannot be provided. PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICIES:
REGISTRATION: A deposit of $100 is required to hold your reservation. Final payment for trip is due 30 days in advance of the start date. Reservation fees are refundable until 30 days before the trip. Trip availability is limited, so do plan ahead...
Upon registration we will send you a list of what to bring and a survey, so we can better tailor the experience to your needs. A liability waiver must be signed before we begin the program--this can be done when you arrive. Transportation to our pre-arranged location is your responsibility. CANCELLATIONS: We recognize that it can be frustrating for you to book trips that are cancelled at late notice. To avoid this situation we are committed to only book trips that we fully intend to run. We ask that you, as a potential customer, check your other commitments before reserving a trip; we require a $100 deposit to hold your reservation with the balance due 30 days out. We offer a limited number of trips each season, so any cancellation is significant. Cancellations made with 14 to 30 days notice will receive a 50% refund. Those cancellations made with less than 14 days notice will not receive a refund. If you can find a replacement for your cancellation, we will send you a full refund. In the event that Canoe Reflections has to cancel a program, we will refund 100% of monies paid to that date. MEDICAL INSURANCE: We require that you have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage or evacuation that you may cause or suffer (this it doesn't happen often, but it is good to be prepared). You will be responsible to fully bear the costs incurred including evacuation. POLICY UPDATE concerning COVID19
Beginning with the 2022 canoe season, Canoe Reflections: Canoe Camping for Women requires all to be fully vaccinated/boosted in order to travel with us. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination, along with your health insurance card, a mailed hard copy or emailed in advance of your trip. We believe in SAFETY FIRST so that every customer can enjoy a fun, memorable trip, from start to finish. All of our guides are fully vaccinated and boosted. CONTACT US:
Please don't hesitate to call 989.866.6321 or email us at canoereflections8@gmail.com to ask questions—we'll be happy to provide references for any trips that you may be interested in. Registration checks can be mailed to:
Canoe Reflections
4089 W Wing Rd
Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
