National Geographic called it “one of 50 places to see before you die.” So how long are you going to wait?
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers more than a million acres of woods and water untouched and unaffected since the glaciers melted and created over a thousand crystal-clear lakes.
Truly, this is one of the most spectacular places on earth.
On the boundary between Minnesota and Canada, the BWCAW is neighbor to Quetico Park, and together the two create the largest canoe wilderness in the world.
1,200 miles of canoe trips.
The lakes, streams and rivers of the Boundary Waters form a seemingly endless chain of canoeing opportunities. Pick a camp site on an island one night, then paddle and portage three lakes away for the next night. View BWCAW maps.
An outfitter’s paradise.
It’s everyone’s paradise, really, it’s just that canoe trip outfitters get to work here. They’ll set you up with everything you need to explore this untamed wilderness in northeastern Minnesota—from food and fishing gear, to tents and canoes. They’ll also help you plan your route.
An outdoor adventure.
Perched on a granite outcropping above a silent Boundary lake, you wake to the sound of loons calling out and otters searching for breakfast. There are no boat motors here, or planes overhead, so all you hear is the earth itself. At night, when the sun goes down, you see the stars as you never have. You’re 40 miles from the nearest man-made light, but the heavens are bright enough for all of us.
Camping and campfires.
You can make yourself at home at any of the U.S. Forest Service camp sites but remember: you are a privileged guest in one of the world’s most special places. In other words, take care of it. Each site features a tent pad, box latrine and fire grate. Campfires are allowed only within the fire grates and should be built of dead wood found on the ground and away from the camp site. It is illegal to cut live vegetation for any reason. Drown your fires with water any time you are away from camp, and stir the ashes until they are cool to the touch.
Cooking and cleaning.
Camp stoves are best for cooking the day’s catch—they heat quickly, work in the rain, and have less impact on the earth. Cans and bottles are not allowed, except for containers of fuel, insect repellant, medicines and other non-food/beverage items. Food may be stored in plastic containers that are packed out with you, and remember to store food scraps, too—they attract unwanted visitors. When it comes to cleaning, clean everything. Wash dishes at least 150 feet from lakes and streams (soap pollutes the water), and the same goes for bathing. Do not burn trash—pack it out. Use toilet facilities at existing campsites, or if you are hiking, dig a pit at least 150 feet from the waters edge. Fish entrails should be buried six inches deep. State law prohibits putting fish remains into the water.
Permits and entry points.
The BWCAW and Quetico Provincial Park operate on a reservation system. Permits are reserved for a specific lake entry point on a specific day. Depending upon where you travel, there can be reservation fees and user fees. Your outfitter can help you get the right permits for your chosen route and can make the reservation for you. In light of the limited numbers of permits, it is wise to reserve early. To make a reservation on your own, call 1-877-550-6777. If you are visiting Quetico Provincial Park you will also need a Remote Border Crossing Permit for each member of your party. If you are planning your first trip to the BWCAW, it is best to call an outfitter for guidance.
Packing out what you pack in.
This is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see, and this is the rule: Leave no trace. Leave your camp site cleaner than when you got there, in other words. Pack every scrap, every bit of waste, everything you brought in back out again. The only thing you should leave, in fact, is some firewood for the next campers. They’ll definitely appreciate that.
Ten’s a crowd.
Nine people and four watercrafts is the maximum group size. Smaller groups reduce impact to the area and increase your wilderness experience.
