Join us for a Boundary Waters Happy Hour extravaganza at the Clarion Hotel lobby, next to the Canoecopia convention, Saturday from 4-7 pm! Grab your friends and celebrate the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.

• Ice-cold beer & Root Beer from Delta Brew Labs
• Blueberry Borealis Cider from Minneapolis Cider
• Prizes, Fun & more!

$10 Refillable paddler’s pub glass – a memento to cherish the memories made during Canoecopia 2024!

Friends staff will also be giving a handful of can’t-miss presentations. Check them out below.  HOW TO QUETICO Pete Marshall  Friday, 6:30pm-7:15pm  With only a fraction of the visitors of the Boundary Waters, 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.

Awakening Wonder – A Parenting Guide for the Boundary Waters David Meier Saturday, 12:30pm-1:15pm Ever think about taking your kids to the Boundary Waters, but fear that they’ll either 1) leap from a moving canoe, or 2) complain so much about no electronics, outdoor bathrooms, and bugs, that it just won’t be worth the hassle of taking them? We will discuss how to bring your kids to the Boundary Waters. What age is right? How do you keep them safe and happy? What are potential pitfalls? With some useful suggestions, you can lay the groundwork for a positive BWCA dynamic with your family!

5 Musts for Rookie Boundary Waters PaddlersPete MarshallSaturday, 12:30pm-1:15pm Whether you’re thinking of paddling the Boundary Waters for the first time or want to introduce someone to this special place, this presentation will cover five essential things to do to ensure that you and others have the kind of trip that leaves you wanting more. We’ll discuss how to plan your days, what kind of activities to include, coping with common fears (bears and weather!), and more.

Q&A With the Experts: Cliff Jacobson, Kevin Callan, Pete Marshall, Rob Kesselring Sun 10:30am-11:15am  Got questions about canoeing and camping? Join Cliff Jacobson, Rob Kesselring, Kevin Callan, and Peter Marshall in this lively, fun-filled panel discussion. Together, these experts have more than 200 years of collective outdoors experience, so they really know their stuff. Last year’s panel was filled to overflowing, so come early if you want a seat. Submit questions beforehand to chloem@rutabaga.com with subject line: EXPERT Q&A. These experts will do the rest.

We hope to see you there!