On a smaller scale, the placid beauty of a small bay lined with trees and granite boulders can be a peaceful backdrop as you wind down for the day. Smaller yet is the amazing complexity of life in one square yard of forest floor. All through canoe country, you will be traveling the same routes and seeing the same sights that natives, explorers, and voyageurs witnessed in centuries past. Some folks come to see animals in their home, living, eating, and raising their young without interference from man. Moose, loons, beavers, otters, voles, ruffed grouse, and eagles are just a few of the woodland creatures you can expect to see while paddling through canoe country.
Many people see moose on their trips, and almost everyone sees and hears loons.
Other critters like mink, pine marten, osprey, owls, and fox are less common and rarely seen. Wolves do live within the wilderness areas but have learned to steer clear of areas that man travels frequently. Consider yourself very lucky if you see one. Birders will find many species that pass through the boreal forest in spring and others that nest here. The Gunflint Trail Association sponsors a birding festival each year in the spring.