Unplug. Unwind. Unreal.

Welcome to Owakonze, a one-of-a-kind wilderness outpost in the heart of Canadian canoe country. The surrounding lakes offer a rare opportunity to disconnect from the world, learn new skills, and embark on canoe trips tailored to age and experience.

  • When we picked our son up at the end of the Owakonze Boys Trip, he was glowing with confidence and pride.

    KELLY WILLIAMS | BOYS TRIP PARENT

  • My boys had an epic time. It was a great renewal of their relationship, their love of camping, and love and respect for the wilderness.

    DAWN ASSEN | BOYS TRIP PARENT

Wilderness Trips

BOYS & GIRLS Trips | Partner trips | College trips

At Owakonze, adventure is just a few paddle strokes away. With more than 100 years of experience, we take pride in our ability to bring out the best in young men and women on fun and challenging canoe trips in the Canadian wilderness.

With the guidance of our caring and capable trip leaders, you will plan a route, pack your gear and push off into the world’s finest canoe country—a maze of tranquil lakes and scenic campsites.

ALUMNI Retreat

FOR Friends and family

Unplug from the digital world and reconnect with the people who matter most. Like Airplane Mode for the whole clan, a family retreat at Owakonze is a rare opportunity to bond with your loved ones in a secluded Northwoods setting—uninterrupted by emails, text messages and notifications.

Far from a resort experience, a family retreat can be many things: rest and relaxation, s’mores made over a bonfire, fishing excursions on the lake, an overnight canoe trip—you decide how to spend this precious time with your partner, parents or children.

History

A Legendary Boys Camp. Reborn.

Founded by Duke Childs in 1919, Owakonze operated as wilderness boys camp until the mid-1970s. With a focus on developing strong character through athletic competitions and canoe camping, Owakonze’s in-camp program and tripping style were remarkably similar to those offered at Camp Kooch-i-ching to the west.

In 2017, a group of Owakonze alumni helped the Foundation acquire the camp from a private owner. Since then, it has been used as an outpost for trips from Kooch-i-ching, Ogichi Daa Kwe and the Foundation’s Wilderness Immersion Course. Most of the original buildings have been fully restored, and the campsite remains a living museum of all things Owakonze.