The Lonely Island Tour

Considered one of the wildest cruising grounds in the world, the Canadian North Shore of Lake Superior offers a sailing experience unlike any other. Its waters are clean, cold, and crystal clear, and scattered along this rugged coastline are four remote and rarely visited islands: Passage Island, the Slate Islands, Michipicoten Island, and the most isolated of them all—Caribou Island, home to one of the last remaining herds of woodland caribou. Venturing into these waters is not without its challenges. The weather is notoriously unpredictable, assistance is far away in the event of trouble, and navigating through thousands of rocky reefs requires skill and focus. But for those prepared to rise to the occasion—with an experienced captain, a solid boat, and a courageous crew—this remote wilderness reveals a truly magical sailing experience. Join Captain Mark Gordon and First Mate Ned Corkran aboard Amicus II, a 40-foot steel expedition cutter, for an ambitious and challenging sail training expedition as they attempt to visit all four of these remarkable islands in a single unforgettable journey.

This expedition covers more than 400 nautical miles and includes the possibility of rough weather, long sailing days, and overnight passages. For that reason, it may not be the ideal choice for your first sailing experience. We recommend joining one of our other trips first—or coming with a strong sense of adventure and a willingness to embrace the challenges of life at sea. As a sail training expedition, participants will be actively involved in all aspects of the journey, including standing watch, navigation, sail handling, and daily responsibilities such as cooking and cleaning.

Dates and Cost

June 21 – July 2
Cost: $2,040 (This course is currently full)

To register, please contact the North House Folk School. You may also book this trip as a private charter—choose your own dates for $650 per day.

Participants will need a valid passport or enhanced driver’s license, as well as a Remote Border Crossing Permit (RBCP), which must be secured before the trip begins. The RBCP is simple to obtain, and we’ll provide step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.

Stories from the Sea

Real adventures, real smiles — hear from those who made waves with us.