"North Woods Ways, the name of the Conover's guiding service, indicates not only where they travel, but how they travel...it reverberates with the voices of past generations, speaks in the voice of its own time, and will speak to generations to come."

Country Journal

Your Guides

Alexandra S. B. Conover has been exploring the woods and paddling rivers since childhood. A registered Maine Guide since 1978, she has introduced many people to the rivers and woodlands of Maine and Labrador.

In 1977 she received a degree in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic. Her interest is in helping people acquire skills to travel self-sufficiently and in harmony with the natural world, as well as integrating the spiritual elements of humans and wilderness. Alexandra handcrafts North Woods paddles, based on a pattern used in this region for over 100 years. When not guiding, Alexandra is playing, composing, and performing on piano, accordion, and autoharp.

Garrett Conover studied wildlife biology and creative writing at University of Montana, and graduated from College of the Atlantic. His interests have their origin in childhood and work has always been chosen for its proximity to the wilds. His delight in the ecology and ethnology of the boreal regions and northern travel skills are natural assets to North Woods Ways.

Alexandra and Garrett are Maine Guides registered by the State. Each has had backcountry first aid training through SOLO of Conway, New Hampshire. They are frequent presenters at wilderness travel symposiums and advocacy conferences. Garrett's slide shows are in demand by outing clubs, museums, colleges, corporations, nature centers, and other organizations.

Before starting North Woods Ways, the Conovers had the good fortune of an extended apprenticeship with renowned Maine Guide "Mick" Fahey. Since then they have actively sought knowledgeable men and women of the north woods, and have lived with several Native families who still spend significant time in the Canadian bush.

In turn, Garrett and Alexandra are committed to the young apprentices who are now seeking them as mentors.