Canoe Trips Into The Boundary Waters In Ne Minn.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness encompasses over 1,000,000 acres of wilderness and over 1,000 crystal clear lakes. It is the only waterways wilderness in our national wilderness system and is considered by many to have the ultimate canoe trips. Most canoeing is on lakes with reasonable portages between them--there are very few white water opportunities.

Most of the wilderness is restricted to paddle canoeing only, and remains much as it has been for centuries. Designated camp sites are scattered through the area, all with a wilderness latrine and fire grate, and are generally located out of site of other campers. The fishing is great for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and some lake trout. Wildlife abounds-such as moose, deer, beaver, mink, fox, otters, and black bear. The wilderness is part of the northern Boreal forest and has unique birds native to the area.

If you adapt to the rhythems of nature, sunrise is early and a beautiful time of day to rise and shine. Cook up a nice hot breakfast over your campfire and plan your day of travel or exploring on nearby lakes. (You have over 50 canoe routes to choose from when you plan your trip initially). Load up your canoe with your lunch, camera, fishing tackle and day pack and head out to explore new waters and sights--see if you can spot a moose feeding in a shallow bay, catch a glimpse of a family of otters playing, or watch a bald eagle soaring as it looks for breakfast. Head back to your camp site by mid afternoon for a refreshing swim before starting your dinner. If you did some fishing a tasty walleye might compliment your dinner along with whatever else you brought to eat. Remember, there are no cans or bottles allowed into the BWCA, so most food items are dehydrated. After dinner sit around and enjoy the campfire and listen to the noises of the forest-the wind singing in the trees, the last scurrying about of the squirrels, or a splash of a feeding bass. Come dark it is time to turn in for a good nights sleep in your tent.

Most age groups can find a very comfortable trip (both length and difficulty) since there are so many route choices to pick from. Young children are easier if they are potty trained, but overall the BWCA is a wonderful place for children to explore new sights, sounds and experiences and learn from. Youth groups are welcome, although the maximum party size is 9 people. Paddling distances can be planning to fit your skill level and ambition. Portages are generally fairly short in the Gunflint area of the wilderness (usually less than 1/4 mile).

All trips include tent camping with outfitter grade Alps tents (from 2-6 person sizes), warm sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. Generally breakfasts and dinners are prepared over gas stoves, and lunches are available that do not require cooking. If the season turns dry, the US Forest Service may impliment a fire ban.

Travel into the BWCAW is by permit only, as the US Forest Service restricts the number of people entering at each put-in point each day so as to preserve the highest quality wilderness experience. We help you reserve all the necessary permits after reviewing route choices with you. Fishing licenses are available for purchase upon arrival.