top of page
Wilmette Kayak Adventure
Our guided Chicagoland kayaking adventures are informal and fun. No experience is necessary. We teach you basics and then get out on the water. Setting out on a beautiful local waterway is a perfect way to kickstart your morning or peacefully unwind in the evening. Come kayak Chicagolands’s local waterways with us and experience your own neighborhood from a totally fresh perspective.
Lodging | Activities |
|---|---|
N/A | Kayak |
From | Duration |
|---|---|
Gillson or Skokie Lagoons | 2 hours |
Skill Rating | Van Supported |
|---|---|
1 | No |
Single Supplement | Price |
|---|---|
N/A | $80 |
Included
All sea kayak equipment and instruction.
Not Included
Transportation or personal clothing and equipment. Cancellation policy applies.
Upcoming Dates:
Contact us for a private lesson.
ITINERARY
Location
Gillson Park in Wilmette is our primary paddling location, HOWEVER if conditions on Lake Michigan are too rough for paddling (wind and wave conditions), we will move to our alternate location of the Skokie Lagoons.
Parking
Parking right along the Lake is reserved for cars with Wilmette stickers. Parking for others is available on Michigan Avenue just off Sheridan Road at the park entrance, and on the first interior park road (Outer Drive). On nice days, these streets can fill up so ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR PARKING. You can also park on the west side of Sheridan Road- just be aware of posted signs regarding restrictions.
Schedule
Upon arrival (arrive 10 minutes prior to start), we will ask everyone to check-in with one of the instructors. Once you have checked in, you will begin your on-land lesson.
If you have personal belonging that you do not want to get wet you should either leave them in your car, seal them in a dry bag, or check with the instructor to see if there is another alternative. We will brief you on where to go and what to take with you. Once you check-in you will move on to the outfit station where we will fit you with a PFD (personal flotation device) and a paddle. From there you will move on to an instructor who will give your group a brief shore lesson on equipment, outfit, safety, techniques and program goals. Finally, you will be fitted in a kayak and move on to the water section of the course.
We will spend most of our time paddling along the lakefront (or around islands at the Skokie Lagoons), admiring the scenery and enjoying the tranquility of sea kayaking. These programs are designed to be recreational, not speed races but a relaxing paddle in a beautiful spot. We typically get participants at all levels of kayaking abilities from total beginners to experienced paddlers just looking for more time on the water.
Our Belize kayak and camping trip was not what anyone expected due to unseasonably windy, rainy and cool weather. But we had a grand adventure nonetheless! How many times in your life do you get a chance to help a Belizean captain right and bail his swamped boat? Learn the ebb and flow of life on a tiny uninhabited Caribbean island? See a tiger ray leaping from the water trying to shake off the eel attached to its middle? Backpedal furiously to avoid a collision with a huge loggerhead turtle swimming your way as you snorkel? Eat comforting conch stew at a picnic table, the taste heightened by the sweetness of plantains and sharpness of the ubiquitous Marie Sharp's hot sauce? We experienced all that and much more with our small group this February. Our guide and fearless leader CP was perpetually cheerful and accommodating even as we confronted multiple days of high seas after landing on Moho Caye. He gave us opportunities to kayak whenever conditions permitted but also kept us safe. The local support team of Ian and his son Shane were steady and resourceful even under adverse circumstances. In addition to providing information, guidance and motor transport when needed, they fed us well, including platters of fresh fruit and hot fry jacks cooked in a primitive outdoor kitchen. This was our fourth trip with Northwest Passage, and we are on the lookout for our next one. As always, the company and its excellent staff provided a personalized, unique and fun adventure trip. Derek Belize 2026
My son and I had a fabulous time. Crystal clear water for paddling and swimming. Great scenery. Clean, comfortable accommodations. Wonderful professional, competent, helpful, friendly and enthusiastic guides Chris and Sean. I'd do it again in a heartbeat but I think next time I'll try a different trip.
By Chuck F on Sep 30, 2024
Our family of 5 had an amazing time exploring the Apostle Islands with our guides. Our kids had a blast and will never forget this trip. We felt safe and prepared for the adventure. And to top it all off the food was terrific! One of our family members requires a gluten free diet and they were able to accommodate that with no issues. Thank you, Chris and Ted and Northwest Passage, we could not have asked for a better family trip!
By Sarah B on Sep 04, 2024
bottom of page