Woods & Water Ecotours

Virtual brochure and information for Woods & Water Ecotours, one of many online travel brochures for tourist information in Hessel, MI. Provided by your source for Mackinaw Information and Mackinac Information.

 

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20 Pickford Ave.
P.O. Box 114
Hessel, MI 49745
Phone: 906-484-4157
Fax: 906-484-4158
Website: www.woodswaterecotours.com
E-mail: info@woodswaterecotours.com

Discover Michigan’s Great Lakes Islands & Backcountry

2hr to 1 week trips - beginner to advanced - kayaking - biking - hiking - birding - skiing - dogsledding - snowshoeing - family trips - business retreats - school groups - women’s trips - custom trips - extended kayak adventures - B&B’s - historical camps - events.

Friendly people --- Beautiful Places
Trained Guides

Visit Woods & Water Outdoor Shop
Corner of M134 in Hessel/Les Cheneaux Islands

What is Ecotourism? "Purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the cultural and natural history of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem while producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people." - The Ecotourism Society

Outdoor Gear Sales -
Kayaks - Valley, Current Designs, P & H, Venture, EPI
Kayak Gear - accessories, Kokatat, Snap Dragon, North Water, Lendal
Bikes - Cannondale, KHS, & biking accessories
Snowshoes - Faber
Skis - Alpina, Rossignol

Your hostess:
Jessie A. Hadley, Owner/Operator, Professional Guide & Ecologist
Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Wildlife Biology
Over 15 years of biology & outdoor experience
ACA Instructor Certified

Packaged & Custom
Experience a diverse adventure bundled together in affordable package! Custom dates & family rates available.

Bird Conservation - A Touch of Tropics - June. Join naturalists on a venture along the shores of northern Lake Huron and Superior to witness the remarkable neo-tropical bird migration. Destination include Les Cheneaux, Whitefish Point, & Tahquamenon Falls. Easy hiking.

Drummond Island Explorations - Experience Drummond Island’s boreal forest communities by foot, sea kayak & mountain bike. Visit globally rare limestone habitat, view migratory warblers, trek to the best overlook in the EUP, and paddle among nearby islands.

Bois Blanc Island by Bike - Peddle one of Michigan’s most unique straits islands. Ferry over to the island with only bikes & gear. Lodging is in a beautiful B & B. Each day we will ride the gravel roads and trails exploring the island ecology. Visit to local historic museum and other sites will be on route. Incredible view of Mackinac Island.

Pots, Paddles & Caves - Learn about Raku, a 16th century, traditional, Japanese ceramic art form. Glaze and fire your own, pre-made pots outdoors. Spend a day sea kayaking along the shores of Lake Huron. Visit Michigan preserve & tour a rare Michigan cave with waterfall.

Great Lakes Island Life - Kayak to a remote, outer shore, island lodge built in the early 1800’s. Discover diverse lakeshore habitats. Onsite chef, campfires, 100’s of acres of preserve to explore by foot, view of Mackinac Island. Daily kayaking field trips. Limit 8 people. A rare experience.

Kayak Isle Royale - Discover Michigan’s wild, remote and most notable Lake Superior destinations. It is Superior, it is crystal clear waters, it is intimate with wildlife, it is spectacular, enchanting and transforming!!! Camping or lodge base stays. June and September dates. (Best time for wildlife viewing!!!)

Snowshoes, Dogsleds & Skis - (Jan-March). Explore the great white North in the company of hardy, snow loving people. Trek along the snow cover dunes of Lake Superior, ski through the woods of one of the country’s largest wildlife refuges, and mush a team of dogs who love to run. Trip includes lodging, outfitting, some meals (including pasties!) & guides.

Guided Day Trips
Trips include guides, interpretation, and gear, if necessary. All ages encouraged. Chose your own dates!

Natural Pavement Bicycle Pursuits - (5hrs) See a globally rare & exquisite natural limestone pavement and grasslands community on Drummond Island. View beautiful shoreline, lunch included. Frequent stops & relaxed pace.

Cliff Overlook Hike - (5hrs) 7 miles - Explore Drummond Islands backcountry, where loons, bears and wolves frequent. Reach the eastern-most edge of the Upper Peninsula. Overlook Canada’s north shore. Abundant scenic beauty. Lunch included.

Bois Blanc Island Wonders - (full day) - Travel beautiful forested roads and trails by bike. Discover island ecology and its rare wildlife and plant life. This remote island stimulates the imagination for authors, historians and naturalists. Includes lunch & ferry pass.

Easy Going Family Kayak Jaunts - (2 & 4 hrs) - Visit tranquil Duck Bay in the Les Cheneaux Islands or Potagannissing Bay, Drummond Island. Let the kids explore life in a Great Lakes marsh!

Cave Tours - experience Michigan’s premier karst cave. View cave formations, natural arches, and underground waterfall. Walk trails featuring a variety of sinkholes and beautiful hardwood forests. Historic limestone quarry remains nearby. Ski to caves in the winter. Includes lunch, helmets, and headlamps.

Full Moon Kayak Jaunts - Paddle Les Cheneaux’s moonlit waters and channels. Witness nightlife on the water. Very popular trips!

Lake Huron Shores Outing - Discover the mysteries of winter along the frozen shoreline. Enter cedar groves blanketed in snow and hardwood forests. View wildlife tracks and birds. Includes hot beverage and snacks. Full moon options available.

Lakeshore Snowshoe & Campfire Dinner - Explore wind and water swept topography through cedars and hardwood forest. Learn about the history of snowshoes and enjoy a culinary campfire adventure. Group rate available.

Sea Kayaking Trips
Trips are offered in Les Cheneaux Islands, Drummond Island, St. Mary’s River areas or to Lime, Mackinac and other Island destinations.

Kayak Day Trips -
- Introduction (2hrs) Safety and skills are highlighted. Great trip for families with youngsters. Easy paddling. Guide provided.
- Half day trips (3-4 hrs) - beginner to advanced. Guide & refreshments provided.
- Full day trips (6-7 hrs) - beginner to advanced. Guide & lunch provided.

*Groups are defined as 4 or more people in a family or non profit org.

Extended Kayak Journeys -
- Lake Huron Water Trail Tour
- St. Mary’s River Mariners Journey
- Circumnavigate Drummond Island Tour
- Mackinac Island Crossing
- Isle Royale National Park

Travel longer distance over multiple days with a kayak guide. Food options, camping or comfortable lodging available. Call to schedule your customized trip.

Rustic Paddling Adventures
All Women’s Harvest Campout - Kayak to Les Cheneaux’s Government Is, moonlit paddle and wholesome campfire meals.
Island Campouts - Kayak to Government Is and campout under the stars. Story telling, campfires, and hikes. Great family trip! Call for rates. Children discounted.

Custom Trips
We are happy to put together a custom trip that fits your recreational needs, conservation interests and group or family intentions. Please consider any of the day trips and scheduled outing as choices for your personalized adventure. Trip lengths can vary from one day to seven days. If you are interested in our Business Retreats, Women’s Trips, School or Club Educational Trips, please contact us directly.

Self guided Itinerary planning available.

Kayak Instruction
Here is your chance to learn from a certified kayak instructor!
Build confidence and new skills. Group and private lessons.

Class Options:
Basic/Intermediate/Advanced Safety & Paddling Skills, Rough Water Experience, Eskimo Rolling or Extended Journey Preparation, Winter Pool Classes.

Rentals
- Mountain Bike Rentals. Discounts available for multiple days or when you sign up for a guided tour. Reservations recommended.
- Kayak & Canoe Rentals. Discounts available for multiple day rentals. Customized drop-offs available. Kayak safety class offered.
- Snowshoes & Cross Country skis - Faber brand - both traditional and aluminum. Call for reservations.

Outdoor Gear Shop
Stop in at the historical red house of Hessel built in 1895! Here you will find a bike repair and sales, outdoor apparel, camping accessories, excellent kayak gear, kayaks, snowshoes, birding supplies, adventure racing gear…and more! Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll find it for you. Open daily 10-5pm May thru Oct kayaking crazy. Seasonal hours in late fall and winter to play in the snow.

Seeking Unique Waterfront Lodging? Call us!

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