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Canoeing With CANOE

Ben describes what CANOE is and his experience canoeing on Lyman Lakes.

Ben describes what CANOE is and his experience canoeing on Lyman Lakes.


What is CANOE?

The Carleton Association of Nature and Outdoor Enthusiasts (CANOE) is one of Carleton’s largest student organizations and usually offers student-led, nature-focused trips every weekend.

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Students backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the past students have gone hiking, camping, skiing, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and much more! However, because off-campus trips are considered unnecessary travel, student-led weekend trips are not permitted right now.

CANOE has a free gear loaning program in which students can rent equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, cooking gear, and other gear. All you have to do is submit an online request and schedule when you need the equipment.

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Student climbing at Taylor Falls prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also, CANOE offers a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course over spring break if you’re interested in gaining more confidence experiencing the outdoors and becoming more comfortable responding in emergency situations.

CANOE: Covid Edition

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Since weekend trips are not allowed this trimester, other on-campus physically distanced activities have been available. Some of these activities include slacklining on the Bald Spot, movie showings, walks in the Arb, and Canoeing on Lyman Lakes. I recently went for a chilly canoe voyage around one of the Lyman Lakes near Goodhue which was super fun!

Despite changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CANOE club still offers tons of opportunities to get outside in nature and interact with others which is a great way to de-stress and take a break from studying. I’m excited to continue enjoying CANOE the rest of the term!


Ben is a Michigander and freshman at Carleton who is curious about everything but particularly interested in Psychology and Neuroscience. He also plans to study Norwegian at St. Olaf. Outside of classes, he enjoys playing Appalachian music on the mandolin, reading, cycling, and spending as much time in nature as possible. Meet the other bloggers!