By Stephanie Gregory

Canoeing trips usually go hand in hand with camping, but some trips have lodges or cabins along the way that get you out of the weather and off the ground. On more luxurious outings, your guide will shield you from much of the work: take care of the gear, devise a menu, cook your meals, put up your tent, and--if you'd rather laze in the middle of the canoe and put out a fishing line--even paddle for you. Beyond the level of comfort you'd like to enjoy on a canoeing trip, you have to decide the terrain you'd like to explore:

Lake
While a lake (a.k.a. flatwater) might not require much technical expertise, it's a sure bet you'll be required to portage--a plus for folks who like to break up the monotony of paddling by giving their legs a stretch. While lake paddling may seem like a piece of cake, it's deceptively tiring, especially on a big body of water with a nasty headwind.

River
Paddling a river versus paddling a lake is like comparing mountain biking on singletrack trails to cycling on a paved road. Because of swifter currents and shallow water, river trips require more sophisticated paddling skills and don't allow you to lollygag or backtrack. On the flip side, river trips don't always require portaging--a boon for those who aren't up to the constant shuffling of gear, food, and boats.

Stephanie Gregory is a freelance writer and Outside magazine correspondent based in Minneapolis. She worked as a canoe guide in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for three years.