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How to Plan a Boundary Waters Canoe Trip in Minnesota

Start planning your Minnesota Boundary Waters canoe trip with this complete guide including BWCA entry points, Boundary Water camping, & more

Planning a Boundary Waters canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) involves navigating a labyrinth of over 1,000 lakes and islands. Located on the Minnesota/Canada border, I’ve made countless trips to the BWCA ever since I was a kid and it always delivers when I want a quiet week filled with great views and adventure.

The BWCA is the most-visited wilderness area in the U.S. and for good reason. From short overnight trips to multi-week remote adventures, the BWCA offers a unique camping experience for all skill levels. Like most remote camping trips, though, canoeing the BWCA requires planning in order to secure permits, learn how to navigate lakes and make portages, and assemble the right gear for a successful trip. I’ve made many trips to the BWCA, so in this post, I’m sharing all the important tips and guidance you’ll need to have a successful trip in Minnesota’s great north woods.

This post may contain affiliate links.

In this Boundary Waters canoe trip guide, I share everything you need to know to plan your own canoeing adventure to this amazing and remote area.

Important Reminder: As outdoor recreationists, it’s our responsibility to know how to recreate responsibly on the water whether we’re kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, rafting, or boating. Learn how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species with 3 easy steps that have a huge impact on our ecosystems.

Best Time to Canoe the Boundary Waters

Since the lakes freeze over in the winter, the best time to canoe the Boundary Waters is between spring, summer, and fall. Typically May through October is the canoeing season.

The summer months are the popular time to go, especially the back half of August. The water is warm enough to swim in and the weather gets up into the 70s and 80s. The main downside to canoeing in the summer months, however, is that mosquitoes and biting flies can put a huge damper on your trip. Bugs peak in mid-June and while the black flies last a week or two, the mosquitos stick around all summer. People share horror stories about the mosquitos, but truthfully they’re not much different than anywhere else in the Midwest.

Visiting during the spring is constrained to the month of May since the lake ice usually doesn’t melt until then. It’s a great month for fishing, solitude, and returning animals and birds, but it can be cold — lows are typically in the 40s.

Fall is one of the best times to visit the BWCA. There are fewer or no bugs, the crowds are basically gone, the fish are returning to the shallow water, and the fall colors are changing. Camping from mid-September to mid-October is the best time to visit if you want to catch the fall foliage as the aspen, birch, and maples leaves begin turning red, orange, and yellow. Make sure to check out these fall camping tips if you plan to visit during this season.

No matter what time of year you visit, it’s important to be prepared for cold temperatures, rainy weather, or submerged and wet gear. Always pack extra warm layers and don’t use cotton.

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Planning Your BWCA Route

Bwca entry points.

There are two main BWCA entry points to start your trip: Ely and the Gunflint Trail . In general, the Ely area is quite wooded and has old-growth tree stands you can camp near. Visitors starting in the Gunflint area are likely to see the effects of fires and blowdowns, but while some forests in this area seem more sparse, there’s a more remote, rugged quality to this terrain.

I’ve done a handful of canoe trips out of Ely, but I prefer the Gunflint area for starting a trip because you immediately enter into wilderness with a rugged character.

BWCA Portages

If you’ve never been to the Boundary Waters before, it’s possible you’ve never had to portage a canoe before. Simply put, a portage is when you pick your canoe up and move it overland from one lake to another. The BWCA has over 1,000 lakes connected by portage paths of varying lengths — the shorter and fewer of them on your route, the easier it will be.

Portages are typically measured in rods, which is 16.5 feet long, roughly the length of your canoe. Portaging a canoe isn’t as hard as it seems and it’s actually easy to pick up and carry a canoe by yourself. It has more to do with skill than strength — forget the methods that have you quickly lift the canoe overhead like a powerlifter. Simply follow this method for picking up and carrying the canoe . I’ve seen retired folks do this in the BWCA with no problem at all.

Boundary Waters Route Options

My favorite BWCA route is starting off at the Gunflint Trail at Saganaga Lake and canoeing to Red Rock Lake, Alpine Lake, and Sea Gull Lake to loop back to the start.

There are lots of different route options, though, and you can’t go wrong using the Trip Planner from the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (more on them later) to cater the route to your trip. You can choose different routes depending on your timeframe, how many portages you’d like to take, how long you want to paddle each day, and your current skill level.

Boundary Waters canoe rentals & Outfitters

While some people bring their own canoes to the BWCA, there are plenty of Boundary Waters canoe rental outfitters in both Ely and the Gunflint Trail. Not only are they inexpensive, but the guides here are a wealth of knowledge for planning your trip, asking questions, and getting some great beta on the best swimming spots and fishing holes. I’ve had great experiences with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters .

Keep in mind that the BWCA is a very large wilderness area, and with so many lakes and islands, you could spend a lifetime exploring different routes. No matter if you choose Ely or Gunflint as your Boundary Waters entry point, you’re going to have a blast.

BWCA Permits

Once you’ve decided on where you want to start your trip, you’ll have to secure a BWCA permit. Permits are required for overnight trips from May 1 to September 30 . Walk-up permits are available the day of and the day before your trip, but their availability is not guaranteed. Keep in mind you don’t need to know exactly how many days or how many people are in your party to reserve a permit.

One Boundary Waters permit allows a group of up to 9 people and 4 watercraft to enter the wilderness . You can’t exceed the group limit at any time on water or land. Fees are $16 per adult per trip ($8 per kid per trip), and there’s also a non-refundable $6 reservation fee.

If you plan on fishing, obtain your fishing license before your trip either online or at any gas station/bait shop across the state. If you’re a Minnesota resident, an annual fishing license is $25 or $14 for 72 hours. If you’re a non-resident, it’s $51 annually, $43 for 7 days, or $36 for 72 hours.

The reservation system for Boundary Waters permits opens up at 9 a.m. CT on the last Wednesday of January every year on the BWCA recreation.gov website . If you plan on canoeing outside of the May-September season, you do not need a permit. BWCA canoe rental businesses can also provide permits.

You’ll need to pick up your permits in person at either a Superior National Forest district office or a BWCA outfitter in order to complete the mandatory Leave No Trace & Tread Lightly education session. This is a relatively short video/Q&A session that ensures visitors understand how to minimize their impact in the backcountry and stay safe in the remote wilderness.

While you don’t need a permit to bring a dog into the BWCA, you should bring a current rabies certificate and rabies tag on their collar. Dogs are welcome in the wilderness if they have good voice control, don’t bark or chase wild animals, have experience in a canoe, and are not left unattended . Always be prepared to clean up after your dog.

Boundary Waters Campsites

Boundary Waters campsites are spread throughout the wilderness area and tend to be on wooded shorelines. It’s pretty obvious where most of them are, and they are clearly labeled on BWCA maps. An easy way to tell if a campsite is occupied or not is to look for canoes on the campground shoreline. You can only camp at existing campgrounds in the BWCA and the campgrounds are first-come, first-serve .

It’s a good idea to break camp early and snag the campsite you’d like by early afternoon so you get the one you want. I once slept in and paddled during the afternoon instead and found every campsite was already taken at the lake I had planned to stay on. That meant a much longer day of paddling for me since I had no choice but to canoe on to the next lake and find the next empty campground.

My main consideration when choosing a campground is the view. Do you want to be on a peninsula surrounded by water, in a thickly wooded area, or do you want to make sure you have a great view of the sunset? Take your priorities into account when choosing your spot.

Boundary Waters Canoe Trip Gear

One of the best parts about canoe camping is that you only have to lug your gear on portages.

You can read our 3-day backpacking checklist to get a general idea of what you’ll need. It goes without saying that the Boundary Waters is a remote area; be sure to pack warm clothing and rain gear so you can stay safe in the event of storms, submerged and wet packs, or days or rainy weather.

Shoes for the BWCA

You’ll want good footwear for the Boundary Waters that can deal with water and rugged portages. I recommend water sandals whenever you’re in the canoe or getting in and out. Check our review of the Teva Universal Trail Sandal . These would be a great choice for a BWCA trip.

For portages, you’ll want hiking shoes or boots that have a closed-toe and closed-heel. These will keep your feet and ankles protected while carrying heavy packs and the canoe. Portages in the BWCA are filled with rocks, tree roots, and slippery mud so plan accordingly.

Dry Bags and Canoe Packs

While you can technically use a backpacking pack to carry your gear, using canoe packs from Duluth Pack, Frost River, or Granite Gear has its perks — it’s also what you’ll get from your outfitter if you rent a canoe. You can also invest in a few lightweight dry bags to keep your items dry and separated, like these Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sacks .

For a cheaper option, simply line your pack with a garbage bag and arrange your gear inside.

Navigating the Boundary Waters

You’ll need a compass, map, and map case (outfitters will provide these) for a Boundary Waters canoe trip. Fisher Maps , McKenzie , and Voyageur make the best BWCA maps or National Geographic also makes a detailed BWCA Map Pack . There’s little to no cell service in the BWCA, so don’t rely on your phone for navigation and pack or rent a satellite communication device for safety.

To navigate the Boundary Waters, your best bet is to orient yourself using portages, campgrounds, and prominent features of the shoreline like points, islands, bays, etc. It’s normal — and a right of passage — to get pretty confused about exactly where you are since the lakes and islands can make it seem like a maze. Don’t worry, it’s rare for visitors to actually get lost!

Water Gear & Equipment

Aluminum canoes are heavier to carry on portages, but they’ve got one big benefit: they’re bombproof. No need to worry about scraping a rock in these! Kevlar canoes are more fragile and require extra effort when using them, but they’re much lighter to use while paddling and portaging.

You’ll also need a fair amount of gear for your canoe (outfitters will provide all of this): paddles, life jackets , duct tape, sponge and bailer, and cords to tie in your packs. If you’re planning to fish, bring a pole and tackle box. And don’t forget a swimsuit!

Essential Clothing for Paddling

Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard

I prefer wearing a rashguard over sunscreen these days. I own the Cruz in 2 colors and it’s a staple for any water activity because it dries quickly but also keeps you cool, plus the cut is flattering.

Nani Swimwear Hybrid Explorer Shorts

These shorts are super comfortable, dry really quickly, and come in a bunch of colors and prints. I wear them on all water adventures!

Teva Universal Trail Sandals

Sandals that stay on your feet and can get wet are essential. I like these because they have good grip and can be worn hiking as well, plus they can easily be strapped to your boat when not in use.

Outdoor Research Sunbriolet Hat

You’ll want a wide-brim hat that can get wet and has a chin strap so it stays on in the wind. This Outdoor Research hat is quick-drying, will float if it falls in the water, and comes in a variety of colors.

Goodr Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized glasses are best for the reflection of the water. I like to wear budget-friendly sunglasses paddling and I always wear a retainer so I don’t lose them in the water.

REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket

If it’s chilly or windy it can be helpful to have a lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker out on the water with you. I usually pack a jacket like this just in case!

Supportive Swimsuit or Sports Bra

You’ll want a comfortable swimsuit that you can be active in. I like to avoid swimsuits that pull on my neck (like halters) and have been loving Nani Swimwear lately.

There are bears that live in the BWCA, but they rarely bother people. Most visitors opt to hang their food from a tree instead of bringing a bear canister. To hang your food bag, find a tree limb about 15-20 feet off the ground. Attach a heavy item to the end of your rope and throw it over the branch so that the rope is 4 feet away from the trunk. Now attach your bear sack to the rope, pulley your bag into the air, and tie off your rope. With a little searching, you can usually find a popular tree limb that’s used near each campground.

Water Filtration

Luckily, obtaining water in the Boundary Waters is much easier than most backpacking trips. While old-timers may still drink straight from the lake, it’s safer if you boil or filter the water. Simply paddle out away from your campsite and fill your containers from the lake, then purify or boil the water before using. While I used to drink straight from the lake, it’s not worth risking a Giardia infection.

The Platypus GravityWorks filter system is simple to use without needing to pump it. I’ve also used a Katadyn Hiker Microfilter in the BWCA, too, which I like because you can filter water straight into your water bottle while you’re canoeing.

I recommend filling and treating a 1- to 3-gallon water container when you arrive at your campsite to use for dinner, breakfast, and filling smaller 1-liter Nalgenes for the next day’s paddle.

Fire, Camp Stoves, and Cooking Gear

BWCA campgrounds have a fire pit area that can be used for cooking as long as there isn’t a fire ban in the area. The fires must be small and be put out completely when you’re not in camp. Firewood is available from the surrounding forest, but remember to only take dead and downed wood — live wood doesn’t burn well, anyway. If there is a fire ban, bring a camp stove for your cooking.

Sun Protection

It’s easy to get sunburned on a Boundary Waters canoe trip. Not only are you spending a lot of time out under the sun, but it’s also reflecting upward from your canoe and the water, too! Use sunscreen , a sun hat , and consider UPF clothing to keep the sun at bay.

Help Protect the Boundary Waters

The BWCA is a unique, special place. But that doesn’t mean it always will be. Consider supporting the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness to ensure this national treasure stays protected. Proposed copper-sulfide mines like Twin Metals risk contaminating and permanently polluting the Boundary Waters.

Learn more about threats to the BWCA and how you can help protect it by supporting Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness .

Taking a canoe trip through Minnesota’s Boundary Waters is a trip unlike any other, and thanks to its massive size and undeveloped character, it’s a wilderness you can return to again and again for new adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to canoe camping, the BWCA will not disappoint!

Have you done a Boundary Waters canoe trip or are you planning one? What questions do you still have? Let us know in the comments!

Isak is an outdoor freelance writer that loves traveling through Western public lands in his self-converted van to hike, ski, and find the country’s best used bookstores and coffee shops. When he’s not writing or adventuring, Isak is working on Seek More Wilderness to provide outdoor goods that give back to the outdoors. You can view his writing clips at IsakKvam.com and follow his van adventures on Instagram.

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I just got back from the Boundary Waters (6 days, 5 nights in early-mid Sept) and it was amazing. I’m definitely making a trip back sometime, even though I had moments of questioning if i signed up for type 2 fun…. 1) drizzle to rain to soaked tent on night #2, 2) deluge welcomed us to a steep, rocky, slippery campsite, 3) trying to carry a canoe (even part way) on a mile long, level 8.5 portage (and then to find out that was only the second portage of a 3x portage day)…. but then we rewarded with the most beautiful rainbows, silence, starry nights, and disconnection from civilization. Great write up!

That sounds like an adventure!

Amazing clicks of pictures! we have done with same place and its look like a heaven on the earth and we enjoyed our trip. Before visiting this place, we consult with Boundary Waters Catalog about the place and we bought some tools from them. We got some information from some blogs and our trip was amazing.

Hi Eric, thanks for reading & the tip for the Boundary Waters Catalog. Glad you had an awesome trip!

Prove It First: Commonsense Protection For The Boundary Waters & Lake Superior.  Take Action

A Video Guide to the Boundary Waters

Few things can equal the experience of a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters . Each year, thousands travel to northern Minnesota to experience the abundant amount of clean, fresh water in the BWCA. A national treasure, it is the most visited Wilderness Area in the United States.  

As a federally protected Wilderness Area, no motors are allowed in the BWCA. There are no lodges, flush toilets, or rest stops where you can come in from the cold and stock up on snacks.

And after a few hours in this paddler’s paradise, you wouldn’t want it any other way!

However, because the Boundary Waters exists in this wild, pristine glory, it means you need a few skills to fully enjoy your time among the loons and the moose. Many were lucky enough to have a cool aunt, an outdoor-loving friend, or went to a camp where they learned how to setup camp and paddle into a headwind. 

We at Friends of the Boundary Waters believe that everyone, regardless of economic status, previous experience or social background should have a chance to experience the magic of the BWCA. We also realize that traveling here requires skills not everyone has.

To lower the bar to entry we worked with some incredibly talented videographers and individuals who are passionate about the BWCA to create a series of visually stunning videos that will guide you through some of the essential skills needed on a Boundary Waters trip, and give you a peek into the beauty and the majesty of contained in this land.

What to expect on a BWCA Trip

If you haven’t been camping for a few years — or ever — you probably have a lot of questions about what exploring the Boundary Waters will be like. While nothing beats going up there and finding out for yourself, we break down some of the most commonly asked questions in this video.

3 ways to Portage a canoe 

The famed canoeist Bill Mason once said, “Portaging is like hitting yourself on the head with a hammer: it feels so good when you stop.” No doubt portaging is hard, but it’s also immensely satisfying, and you just might be one of the few who loves to portage! In this video, we break down a few techniques to get the canoe on — and off — your shoulders.

Two essential paddle strokes for canoe camping

Fact: You can paddle your way through a Boundary Waters trip without learning how to paddle correctly, and still have a great time. But learning just the basics of what goes into a solid paddle stroke can make an enormous difference. You’ll go further and use less energy!

Basics of outdoor cooking (plus two recipes)

Solitude, the sound of loons singing, and smell of pines on a misty morning. Yes, these are all reasons we love the Boundary Waters, but let’s be honest, eating is in the top three highlights of any day! Cooking delicious outdoor meals can be as simple or as complicated as you like. In this video we’ll show you how to make two simple one-pot wonders that will be the perfect capstone to a day on trail.

Navigating with a map and compass

Using a map and compass to navigate your way through the lakes and portage trails in the BWCA is immensely satisfying. While it can be tempting (and convenient) to rely on GPS or other modern electronics, navigating with these basic tools is an easy skill to learn, and share with others.

How to Pack a Canoe Pack

You can’t just stuff everything lying around camp into your bag and hope it fits! What’s more, if it starts to rain or if you tip your canoe, you want to be sure everything is tightly sealed and waterproof. We’ll show you how to pack your bag so that it’s waterproof to the point where it actually floats!

5 ways to rain and weather-proof your campsite

Once you get to camp – there’s work to be done! In addition to fishing, reading, and jumping into the water, you need to set up camp. This is your home for the night (or several nights) so be sure that you have a good sleeping and cooking area, and that you manage things so that nothing gets lost or — in case of bad weather — wet!

7 Tips to Keep the Boundary Waters Wild

We are all visitors to the Boundary Waters. It is up to each of us to do our part to protect the pristine beauty we are so fortunate to enjoy. This video gives you a few simple reminders on how to be a good steward to the land and fellow travelers.

We hope you enjoy these videos. Please share them with others and if you can, consider donating to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness . For over 50 years, we’ve worked to protect the Boundary Waters by bringing together people who are passionate about clean water and wilderness.

• About BWCA
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Boundary Waters Canoe Trips into Canada's Quetico Provincial Park and Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

We are one of the leading outfitters for  Boundary Waters Canoe Trips  for wilderness experiences into the  Boundary Waters  in Minnesota &  Quetico Provincial Park  in Ontario, Canada.

Our Boundary Waters Canoe Area trips feature fishing, camping, and fly in adventures from Ely Minnesota. Our Boundary Waters Canoe Trips are designed for groups of friends, business partners or clients, honeymooners, families, and  Boy Scout  Troops or other youth groups.

Our canoe trip parties explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for wildlife and see fantastic scenery of lakes, rivers & streams, waterfalls and forests.

Ely, MN: Gateway to the Boundary Waters & Quetico Park

The portages, paths winding between lakes, once used by the French trappers and voyageurs of the Hudson's Bay Company, remain unchanged over centuries of use.  Canoe trip  fishing  in the Boundary Waters centers around  smallmouth bass ,  northern pike , and  walleye .

Within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) the ageless sights and sounds and smells of emerald pine forests and sapphire blue lakes are now awaiting your arrival here in the BWCA Wilderness. We are looking forward to assisting your canoe trip with our knowledge of the area, our top quality equipment, and convenient BWCA outfitters services.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Superior National Forest

Click "Show" to read the latest BWCAW Alerts banner!

A Place Worth Preserving The BWCA Wilderness is a unique area located in the northern third of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Over 1,098,000 acres in size, it extends nearly 150 miles along the International Boundary adjacent to Canada’s Quetico and La Verendrye Provincial Parks, bordered on the west by Voyageurs National Park with Grand Portage Monument to the east. The BWCAW contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites. 

This area was set aside in 1926 to preserve its primitive character and made a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1964 with subsequent legislation in 1978. Wilderness offers freedom to those who wish to pursue an experience of expansive solitude, challenge and personal connection with nature. The BWCAW allows visitors to canoe, portage and camp in the spirit of those travelers that came before them centuries ago.  The BWCAW Act of 1978 In 2018, we observed the 40th anniversary of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act (PL 95-495). The 1964 Wilderness Act created the National Wilderness Preservation System that included the BWCA. The BWCAW Act of 1978 added more acreage and specific management direction with the purpose to protect, manage, enhance and restore the area. Learn more about the BWCAW Act of 1978 Plan Ahead and Prepare For the most current, comprehensive information on planning a trip to the BWCAW, please review the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide from the U.S. Forest Service to help you plan a safe and successful trip, and learn more about the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. 

Notifications and Alerts

Reminders about BWCAW rules and best practices:

One permit per day, per permit holder: When a permit holder makes multiple reservations on the same entry date or has overlapping reservations, all but one permit will be cancelled by the Forest Service without notification. This is because a group leader can only lead one trip at a time and must remain with their group for the duration of the trip. 

Alternate Permit Holders: Alternates cannot be added once a reservation has been made. Check the box under a group member’s name to select an alternate who can pick up the permit if the group leader can’t go.

Issue Stations: Pick an issue station near your entry point prior to making a reservation. Check the “Issue Stations” tab for hours and locations. 

Non-profits: Click for information about reserving BWCAW permits for a non-profit organization  

Plan Ahead and Prepare: All permit holders are required to watch three Leave No Trace education videos and review the BWCAW Regulations and Rules prior to receiving their permit: 

• Watch parts 1 & 2 of the BWCAW Leave No Trace video series prior to departing. To receive credit, click the links in the emails sent to the permit holder to access the videos (use Chrome to avoid errors). If you have not viewed parts 1 and 2 of the video series before arriving at your issue station, you will need to watch the complete BWCAW Leave No Trace video series before receiving your permit. 
• Thoroughly review the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide. A fed bear is a dead bear! Thoroughly review the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide . A fed bear is a dead bear! Hang food using these food hanging diagrams or choose an IGBC certified bear-resistant container . Always leave a trip itinerary with family or friends prior to departure and remember to call and let them know once you’ve exited the Wilderness.

Near Wilderness Experience: Discover a gem of a campsite just outside the Wilderness. The Superior National Forest has 254 backcountry campsites with fire grates and latrines that provide a unique backcountry experience with no reservations or fees required. The Superior National Forest has 254 backcountry campsites with fire grates and latrines that provide a unique backcountry experience with no reservations or fees required.

Road Construction Alert: Please allow extra time for travel to your issue station for those driving Hwy 61 through Two Harbors on your way up the North Shore. For more information from MDOT, click here.  

Shift in hours of operation for Gunflint and Tofte Ranger Stations

Effective immediately, these two locations will be operating Wednesday through Sunday only from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST through September 30th. To pick up your permit on a Monday or Tuesday, consider moving your permit to the Forest Superior’s Office in Duluth. The Supervisor’s Office is open Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST through September 30th located at 8901 Grand Ave Place, Duluth, MN 55808.

1.) Need a later pickup? Review additional locations and hours of operation under Issue Stations. 2.) Then contact Recreation.gov at 1-877-444-6777 or email a Forest Service office to request an issue station change. 

Border Route Trail - Storm Damage Alert

Hikers traveling along the Border Route Trail may encounter sections of extensive windfall due to the June 18th storm that impacted the Superior National Forest. Forest Service crews and volunteer trail partners have assessed and cleared some sections of the trail, but there are several areas that have not yet been evaluated. As always with remote wilderness travel, visitors should plan routes that are within their abilities and be prepared to navigate by compass and map or GPS if the trail is obscured.

Permit & Season Information

A permit is always required to enter the BWCA Wilderness: 

• Visitors taking an overnight paddle, motor or hiking trip, or a motorized day trip into the BWCAW from May 1 – September 30 are required to obtain a quota permit through Recreation.gov. Walk-up permits may be obtained at any permit issuing station on the entry date or one day prior when available, however, reservations are recommended since there are a limited number of quota permits for each entry point. 
• Self Issued permits are required for non-motorized day use visitors year-round and for all overnight visitors entering the BWCAW from October 1 – April 30 . Self Issued permits are also required for Day Use Motor visitors from October 1 - April 30 . Self Issued permits are available from kiosks at BWCAW entry points and Forest Service offices (no reservation required and no recreation fees).

A BWCAW permit allows a group of up to 9 people and 4 watercraft to enter the Wilderness.

• One permit per group per trip.

Need to Know

A permit is always required to enter the BWCA Wilderness:

• Visitors taking an overnight paddle, motor or hiking trip, or a motorized day trip from May 1 – September 30 are required to obtain a quota permit. Walk-up permits may be obtained at any permit issue station on the entry date or one day prior when available, however, reservations are recommended since there are a limited number of quota permits for each entry point. 
• Self Issued permits are required for non-motorized day use visitors year-round and for all overnight visitors entering the BWCAW from October 1 – April 30. Self Issued permits are available from kiosks at BWCAW entry points and Forest Service offices (no reservation required and no recreation fees).
• When making a reservation, visitors are allowed up to 7 reservations in one cart and 1 cart per transaction.

BWCAW Quota Permit Requirements

• Permits are not transferable (permit holder, alternates, entry date and entry point cannot be changed once the permit reservation is made).
• One permit per day, per permit holder. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to make a reservation, when a visitor makes multiple reservations on the same entry date or has overlapping reservations, all but one permit will automatically be cancelled by the Forest Service. Cancelled permits will be returned to the inventory and permit holders will not be notified prior to cancellation.
• Permit is valid to enter BWCAW only on the entry date and at the entry point specified. 
• Permits can only be picked up on the entry date or one day prior. Only permit holder or alternate permit holder specified at time of reservation can pick up permit (photo ID required). 
• Reserved permits must be picked up at issue station specified on the permit. Allow extra time to discuss wilderness principles and current conditions when picking up permit. Office hours vary, see "Issue Stations" tab for hours of operation.
• Once a permit is placed with a cooperator, issue station cannot be changed. 
• Cooperators may charge a service fee for issuing permit (up to $2 per overnight permit).
• No refunds. See Fees.
• BWCAW quota permit requirements are strictly enforced.  

BWCA Wilderness Regulations and Rules

Permit holders and group members are responsible for understanding and following all BWCAW Regulations and Rules .  

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Wilderness trips don't just happen, they are the result of careful planning. Thoroughly review the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide and always remember to leave a trip itinerary with family or friends prior to departure (see page 24 for an example).  

BWCAW Leave No Trace Video Series

Permit holders are responsible for sharing the BWCAW Leave No Trace Video Series with their group prior to departure: 

Part 1: Trip Planning

Part 2: Plan Ahead and Prepare  

Part 3: Know Before You Go Part 3 will be shown to all groups at permit issuance. 

Learn about reserving permits for a non-profit organization.  

Day Use Motor Permits and Overnight Motor Permits  

• Motor-powered watercraft are permitted only on the following designated lakes. All other lakes or portions of lakes within the BWCAW are paddle only. Motors may not be used or be in possession on any paddle-only lake.   
• Lakes with 10 HP Limit: On these lakes, the possession of one additional motor no greater than 6 HP is permitted, as long as motors in use do not exceed 10 HP: Clearwater, North Fowl, South Fowl, Seagull (no motors generally west of Three Mile Island), sections of Island River within the BWCAW.   
• Lakes with 25 HP Limit: On these lakes or portions of these lakes, the possession of one additional motor no greater than 10 HP is permitted, as long as motors in use do not exceed 25 HP: Basswood (except that portion north of Jackfish Bay and Washington Island), Saganaga (except that portion west of American Point), Fall, Newton, Moose, Newfound, Sucker, Snowbank, East Bearskin, South Farm, Trout. 
• Lakes with No HP Limit: Little Vermilion, Loon, Lac La Croix (not beyond the south end of Snow Bay in the U.S.), Loon River.   
• Portage Wheels: Mechanical assistance is only permitted over the following portages: International Boundary, Four-Mile Portage, Fall-Newton-Pipestone and Back Bay Portages into Basswood Lake, Prairie Portage, Vermilion-Trout Lake Portage.  

Recreation Fee Required for all overnight visitors May 1 – September 30. Per person, per trip recreation fee: Adult $16.00 Child/Youth 0-17 $8.00     

Minimum Deposit A minimum deposit of $32.00 (equal to two adult recreation fees) is required when making an advanced reservation for a quota permit. When recreation fees are less than $32.00, the difference will be refunded when the permit is issued.

Pass Discounts The Senior/Access pass discount applies to the recreation fee of the pass holder only. All Interagency Senior and Access Passes must be presented for validation when picking up permit or discount will not be honored.

Reservation Fee The $6.00 reservation fee is non-refundable. 

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel online anytime up to two days before the entry date for overnight permits. If you cancel reservation two or more days prior to entry date, all recreation fees paid will be refunded. If you cancel reservation on the entry date or one day prior, you will be charged a penalty of $32.00 (two adult user fees), any additional recreation fees paid will be refunded. Cancellations made through the call center must be made 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM CT.  

• The $6.00 reservation fee is non-refundable. 
• Walk-up permits cannot be cancelled once they are issued. 
• BWCAW permits are not transferable.

No refunds are granted for weather events including but not limited to storms, rain, wind, hail, ice, snow, flood, lightening, tornados, excessive heat, cold, bugs, locusts or drought. No refunds for personal, work, or medical emergencies; accidents or casualty. No refunds for operator error, technical issues or network outages. No refunds for force majeure, unforeseen circumstances, or acts of God.

Contact Information

Mailing address.

8901 Grand Ave Place Duluth MN 55808

Permit Reservations: 1-877-444-6777

Phone Number

218-626-4300

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Tips On BWCA Canoe Trip Routes

Your trip through the wilderness will only be as good — or as bad — as the route you travel. There is no one route that is best, and there is no one entry point that is best. BWCA Routes can change a great deal over the course of a summer.

Considerations in picking a route

• Your personal preferences on the number of times you would like to change campsites play a major consideration. A party wanting to be out for five days and have four campsites would obviously travel farther than one want to be out seven days, but only want two campsites.
• From mid-May thru early June, some portages may be muddy.
• In August, some of the smaller rivers drop to a point where whole sections might have to be walked because there isn’t enough water to float a loaded canoe.
• Some lakes have different kinds of fish than others.
• The bug situation of June and July varies from one section to another.
• Forest fires are a natural part of the wilderness ecosystem. However, it takes a season or two for an area to start to green-up after a fire. Blackened areas might want to be avoided.
• Some areas may have bans on open fires . North Country provides stoves with our complete outfitting, so cooking would not be impacted. But as for the evening campfire … the answer would be NO. If having an evening campfire is important to your party, picking another area would probably be wise.

We know what those differences are, and are prepared to offer our suggestions so your trip can match your expectations .

The ability level of your party as a whole must be considered. If your participants have had a lot of time in canoes prior to arriving in Ely, they will travel farther each day than a group who has only had canoe experience in their city park. How well does everyone work together? Can meals be cooked in 15-20 minutes, or is it an all evening chore?

Obviously, a group that has only five days to spend in the woods will not have the same route as one having 7-10 days. We want to know how many campsites you will want to be in. On a 6 day/5 night trip you can have as many as five different sites, or you may choose travel every other day using 3 sites, or even set up a base camp and take day-trips from your one location.

Remember, every time you take down and set up another campsite, you are pulling about three hours of your day that you could have been doing something else. Also, on day trips you can travel farther and faster since you are not taking equipment across the portages.

Long-time NCCO Customers Scott & Nicole Sims talk about their experience:

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Boundary Waters Trip Planning Info

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BWCA - Boundary Waters Permit Videos

Before entering the BWCA, your group has always been required to watch a video either at the outfitter or Forest Service office before your permit was issued. The video guides you on the rules of the Boundary Waters. The Forest Service has now created three videos. The first two videos are sent out before you pickup your permit, and the last video will still be required to be watched by your group when you pickup the permit. You can watch them all now.

 BWCA Permit Video 1- Trip Planning

 Permit Video 2 - Plan Ahead and Leave No Trace

 Permit Video 3 - Know Before You Go

Planning Links

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