Trek & Trail

For decades, Trek & Trail stood as a cornerstone of the Bayfield adventure community, earning a stellar reputation as the original tour operator for exploring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. With an almost perfect 4.9-star rating based on over 400 reviews, it was a go-to choice for locals and tourists alike seeking expertly guided kayak tours on the vast and unpredictable waters of Lake Superior. However, for potential visitors planning a trip, there is a crucial fact to know: Trek & Trail has permanently closed its doors. This isn't a story of a business failing, but rather the conclusion of a long and successful chapter, as the original owners retired after more than 40 years, passing the torch to new ownership who continue the legacy. This review serves as both a look into what made this travel agency exceptional and a final record of its celebrated history.

A Legacy of Excellence in Adventure Travel

The overwhelmingly positive feedback left by former customers paints a clear picture of a company that mastered its craft. The consistent theme is one of unparalleled professionalism, a profound respect for nature, and a deep-seated commitment to customer safety and enjoyment. Trek & Trail was more than just a rental shop; it was a comprehensive outfitter that curated memorable experiences in outdoor recreation.

Unwavering Commitment to Safety

Navigating Lake Superior is no small feat; its conditions can change in an instant. Trek & Trail was universally praised for its safety-first approach. Numerous clients recounted instances where their trips were rescheduled due to high winds or dangerous wave conditions. As one customer, Kris Garbe, noted, her afternoon tour was cancelled but seamlessly rebooked for the following morning when conditions were safer. This policy, while potentially inconvenient, demonstrated an ethical commitment to guest well-being over profit, a trait that built immense trust. Guides were described as “very safety-conscious,” providing thorough briefings and ensuring all participants, from seasoned paddlers to absolute beginners, felt secure throughout their journey. This dedication made challenging adventure travel accessible and worry-free for a wide audience, including families with young children.

The Heart of the Operation: The Guides

A tour operator is only as good as its guides, and Trek & Trail’s team was consistently cited as its greatest asset. Guides like Nora, Anders, and Izzy were mentioned by name in reviews, lauded not just for their technical kayaking skills but for being “absolutely delightful,” engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable. They provided rich context about the geology of the Apostle Islands sea caves and the surrounding ecosystem. Significantly, the guides also incorporated cultural and historical education into their tours. One visitor, Tania Womack, deeply appreciated a guide’s land acknowledgment to the native Anishinaabe people, a thoughtful gesture that elevated the experience beyond a simple sightseeing trip and into the realm of responsible eco-tourism. This culture-forward approach, which included using traditional names for islands, showed a level of respect and depth that set the company apart.

Services Tailored for Every Adventurer

Trek & Trail successfully catered to a diverse clientele by offering a variety of well-structured guided tours. They understood that not everyone has the same skill level or vacation schedule, and their offerings reflected this flexibility.

• Half-Day and Full-Day Tours: The half-day sea cave tour was a popular option, described by customers as the “perfect amount of time” to witness the stunning beauty of the caves without requiring an entire day’s commitment. Full-day trips allowed for more in-depth journeys to various islands.
• Family-Focused Trips: The company specifically designed “family tour caves” trips, ensuring that groups with children, some as young as eight, could have a fantastic and safe time on the water. The entire process, from getting fitted with wetsuits to launching the kayaks, was described as easy and efficient.
• Instruction and Equipment: Beyond tours, Trek & Trail was a full-service outfitter providing instructional courses for those looking to build their skills. Their physical store on Washington Avenue was staffed by friendly and helpful employees who assisted with gear and tour sign-ups, creating a welcoming hub for adventurers.

The End of an Era: The Closure

The primary negative point for any potential customer today is the most definitive one: you can no longer book a trip with the original Trek & Trail. The business is marked as permanently closed. However, the story behind the closure is not one of decline but of transition. After more than three decades of pioneering Lake Superior kayaking, the founders retired. The business has since been taken over by new owners, Aidan and Ali, who were former guides themselves and are dedicated to continuing the company's legacy. They met at Trek & Trail and returned to Bayfield after years of guiding in other locations, including Alaska, because they considered the Apostle Islands home. While the spirit and many of the operational values likely remain, customers should be aware that reviews from before 2023 reflect the previous ownership.

What This Means for Travelers

The closure of the original iteration and its subsequent rebirth under new ownership leaves a significant legacy in the local tourism landscape. For years, Trek & Trail set the standard for Bayfield tours. Its history serves as a valuable benchmark for travelers when evaluating other local outfitters. When seeking a similar experience, prospective kayakers should look for companies that exhibit the same core values: a transparent and proactive safety policy, highly trained and knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the region's history and ecology, and a range of tours suitable for different experience levels. While the original Trek & Trail is a part of Bayfield's history, its commitment to quality, safety, and meaningful connection to nature remains the blueprint for an exceptional Apostle Islands adventure.