Here's My Story

MaryJo Gingras

Owner & Guide

I'm an outdoor enthusiast who loves spending time on the water and in the woods, and I am really passionate about providing experiences for others to enjoy the outdoors. I'm an avid mountain biker, hiker, paddler, and cross-country skier. And I particularly love skiing the American Birkebeiner 52 Km race.

From the Superior Hiking Trail and North Country Trails to Wyoming's Big Horns and the Appalachians, I have backpacked hundreds of miles. I've guided high school canoe trips on the Namekagon River and kayaking trips for friends in Lake Superior's Apostle Islands. I introduced my daughter to backpacking on Wisconsin's North Country Trail and long-distance hiking on the West Highland Way in Scotland. My favorite activities are traveling, cooking, backpacking, fishing, swimming, & playing games. I enjoy being outdoors the most with my husband, kids, friends, dogs, & wilderness adventurers.

I direct the Ashland County Land & Water Conservation Department and have worked in conservation for 20 years. My focus is on water quality, native plants, and climate change. For several years I also directed adventure and natural resource High School Camps & Adult Programs at Northland College. I have a Natural Resources degree from Northland College and a Masters of Education Professional Development Wilderness Adventure from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. My grad program inspired me to launch a company to offer outdoor adventures, teach skills, build confidence, and EMPOWER women. I love creative camp cooking, am attentive, and am a caring person who puts the care, safety, and enjoyment of my participants first. I am very skilled and knowledgeable in the outdoors, botany, and natural history of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. I aim to instill a sense of confidence and empowerment in those around me, and strive to foster exceptional experiences and enjoyment in the outdoors.

“Sharing the beauty and indescribable benefits of nature and backcountry places with women brings me TREMENDOUS joy! Whether it is a day hike, evening paddle, or multi-day trip, I experience rejuvenation and peace during my own wilderness adventures, and I’ve witnessed similar benefits for friends, family, and students that I’ve guided.” –MaryJo, 2023

10
States
Hiked

45
Explorers
Guided

Scrumptious
Camp Meals

350+
Miles Backpacked

Testimonials

"MaryJo took me on my first overnight river canoeing trip and I was grateful for her planning experience! MaryJo figured out the route, where we would camp before and during the trip, and provided shared gear, delicious meals, and advice on what to bring. The whole thing was so seamless, I would do it again in a heartbeat."

-Kristen

"I love backpack trips with my mom. She is the BEST cook and always brings chicken packets on trail to mix with my food. I have my own pack to carry my food, bowl, and first aid kit."

-Bella the dog

"You'll love spending time outdoors with MaryJo! You can tell right away that she has such a deep appreciation and knowledge of our natural world. Hiking through the woods with MaryJo helped me appreciate how spectacular our natural world is. Natural wonders are happening all around us- it's just taking the time to get outside and discover them! And there is ALWAYS more to discover!"

-Anneli