ABOUT US
Border Lakes Tour Company is based out of Grand Marais, Minnesota. We specialize in providing guided trips through the expansive Superior National Forest and breathtaking Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
At Border Lakes, we believe in hands-on experiences. Our trips aren't just about seeing the outdoors—they're about learning from it while experiencing it. We're passionate about sharing knowledge about the local history, ecosystems, and wildlife while ensuring that everyone feels safe and welcome in these beautiful landscapes.
Our goal is simple: to get people outdoors, teach them about nature, and foster a love for preserving our wilderness. We're dedicated to making these natural spaces accessible to everyone, no matter their background or experience.
We are dedicated to fostering a culture of equity and inclusivity, embracing individuals from all walks of life. We do not discriminate based on race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or background. Our commitment is unwavering – everyone is welcome. We constantly seek to grow in our capacity to serve those of different abilities and diverse backgrounds.
Border Lakes Tour Company is committed to our community. Our goal is to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their identity, feel valued, respected, and included. Please read our full Code of Community to learn more about our commitment to creating safe and respectful environments for all.
OUR Team
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MARK
Mark has guided trips in the BWCA and Canada for over 40 years, He has an extensive background in management of wilderness programs, and has also guided extensively in the winter. He is currently the Executive Director of the Chik-Wauk Nature Center and Museum on the Gunflint Trail.
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SAM
Sam (she/her) has been guiding for camps and outdoor organizations since 2012. After canoeing the length of the Mississippi River with her father in 2021, she decided to move to its headwaters state (Minnesota) to keep paddling and the Northwoods in her life long-term. She is passionate about increasing representation and opportunities in the outdoors for marginalized communities and runs the BIPOC Outdoor Twin Ports group in Duluth when she's not on the water.
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STEPHEN
Stephen has over 20 years of backcountry experience and a lifelong love of the outdoors to share with guests. He particularly enjoys showing other LGBTQ+ folks around the area and seeks to help everyone understand that they belong in the outdoors. When not busy with ski patrol or his EMT duties, he enjoys exploring the endless year-round outdoor recreation opportunities of his new home in northeastern Minnesota.
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JAKE
Jake (he/him) grew up with minimal camping experience along the Mississippi river. His first job was working for YMCA Day Camp Spring Lake as Canoe Instructor. There he fell in love with working outdoors and working with kids! He continued the adventure by working at YMCA Camp Menogyn and learned all about wilderness guiding. He’s stayed in the Northwoods ever since! Jake’s passions include bringing people into the outdoors, hearing their stories and sharing his love of nature! He recently finished his Minnesota Master Naturalist training and is eager to teach about flora, fauna and funga!
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SEAN
Sean grew up in northern Minnesota and has spent most of his life exploring the Boundary Waters and the Northwoods. After several years spent in the Mountain West, he returned to his hometown to continue sharing his love for the canoe country with others. When he’s not guiding, he can be spotted mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and trying to summon up the courage to cold-plunge in Lake Superior.
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OLIVIA
Olivia (she/her) has been guiding in the Boundary Waters since 2018, and loves traveling by canoe anywhere she can. She enjoys working with kids and families, and sharing the experience of being outdoors and learning from Nature. Along with guiding, Olivia works for the Student Conservation Association, spends her winters working with sled dogs, and loves crafting and herbal medicine