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This company is completely a family operation. All of our guides and staff are related and have a deep understanding of Isle Royale and its wonderful environs. Training for them began over 30 years ago, and today, they’re offering their knowledge, experience and PASSION, to help you appreciate the glory that is the least visited National Park. Despite its lack of tourists, or because of it, this unspoiled wilderness offers something you can’t get at the more populated parks. Canoeing, kayaking and camping on the Isle is a once in a lifetime experience. Harry, Jeff and their family will show you the way of the paddle! One of the unique features of the Jardin Expedition, is that we supply virtually EVERYTHING YOU NEED. We leave from the Detroit area, drive you to Copper Harbor, pay for gas, the ferry, park passes and provide the kayaks and canoes, tents, wetsuits, meals and more. This is a great way to break into wilderness camping, with experts by your side, who help you with everything you need to have the best time ever!
1609 – 1671
A figure out of legend…literally. When Harry Campion. Ken Arthurs, and Steve Rentfrow first documented the exploratory adventures of Captain (later, Colonel) Monsieur Jean-Jacques Jardin, they sought only to give meaningful context to this heroic individual. When the time came to choose a name for their forays into the wilderness regions of Michigan, how could they look elsewhere but to the near-mythic Frenchman who served as their example and guiding force?
Today, The Jardin Expedition pays homage to this great individual who–though ignored by historians due to the simple fact that he never actually existed–remains the very heart and soul of exploration and endeavor.
While references to his cartographical achievements will forever remain difficult to document, or even ascertain, it is his motivational spirit that inspires our every mission.
Today, the legend of Jean-Jacques is encapsulated in our every adventure! The Jardin Expedition offers unique, personal adventures in the form of canoe and kayak trips that wind their way through the majestic Isle Royale National Park.
Over 29 years of experience has been formed into a rare opportunity for the hardy few, who would like to visit heaven on earth! The guides at Jardin Expedition have the knowledge, experience and passion to make this an adventure you’ll never forget!
Harry is a high school teacher of Mythology, English, and a fervent advocate of the great outdoors! As founding member of The Jardin Expedition, Harry is fulfilling a lifetime goal of sharing his love for his favorite place in the world by opening up this opportunity to those beyond his friends and family .
Jeff is an engineer and a huge outdoor enthusiast. As a professional photographer (most of the pictures you see here on these pages are his), Jeff is able to offer unique insight into the thousands of scenic opportunities available.
The Jardin Team has been training all their lives for travelling to Isle Royale! Since they were little kids, these family members have learned the secrets of the bays, inlets, rivers, portages, camping grounds, geological features and the unparalleled views.