Boundary Waters Trip Planning

Planning a canoe trip can be a big job. Let us put our expertise to work for you. We would be happy to send you a free route guide and trip planning map. We invite you to look through our brochure, call or write with any questions, and then complete and return your reservation. We'll send you a letter of confirmation, and a copy of your reservation form along with information about what personal gear to bring, location details and canoe camping and fishing tips. Feel free to call with any questions along the way. We'd be happy to suggest an entry point based on your trip objectives.

This guide walks through the main decisions in planning a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) trip, in the order most groups make them, and links to our detailed pages on each topic.

Step 1: Choose When to Go

The paddling season runs from ice-out, usually in early May, into early October. Each part of the season has its own character:

May and June bring cool water, fewer people and some of the best fishing of the year, but also black flies and mosquitoes by June.
July and August offer the warmest weather and swimming, and the busiest entry points. Weekend departures and dates from mid-July to mid-August fill first.
September is quiet, with fall color, cool nights, few bugs and good fishing again.

We also offer a 5% discount for trips that start before June 10th or after August 20th; see our outfitting rates.

Step 2: Decide How Far You Want to Travel

A good first question is whether your group wants to cover ground or settle in. Some groups set up a base camp on a lake one or two portages from the entry point and spend the week fishing and exploring by day. Others plan a loop that moves camp most days and crosses a dozen or more lakes. Be honest about your group's paddling experience, the ages of the paddlers and how much time you want for fishing, swimming and resting. Travel early in the day, before the wind picks up, and plan a spare day in case you are windbound.

Step 3: Pick an Entry Point and Reserve Your Permit

Every overnight BWCAW trip from May 1 to September 30 needs a quota permit for a specific entry point and entry date. Permits are released on Recreation.gov on the last Wednesday of January and the most popular entry points and dates go quickly. Our base serves the Ely and Babbitt area entry points, including Fall Lake, Moose Lake, Mudro, Lake One, the South Kawishiwi River, Gabbro Lake, Isabella Lake, Crab and Cummings and Hog Creek. Read our full guide to BWCAW permits, user fees and entry points.

Routing and Navigation

Your trip orientation at our base will include complete trip routing. We'll highlight specific areas of interest, cover campsite selection, and provide fishing information. At this time we'll also cover navigation using large scale, easy to read maps of the area, and a compass. We show each camper the U.S. Forest Service Leave No Trace videos concerning regulations, and camping techniques. We record the route of your trip so that you can be reached if an emergency arises at home. At this time we issue permits, collect final payment and you can purchase last minute items in our store.

Canoe Camping Orientation

Our canoe trip orientation will take you through all aspect of your adventure. We'll instruct your group, and answer any questions that you may have about paddling, portaging, and setting up camp. We feel that it is very important to spend this time with our guest to increase your trip enjoyment and safety. We make it a point to take as much time as you would like, and answer every question about the area and equipment.

BWCA camping and portaging tips | Boundary Waters fishing tips | Personal Gear / What To Bring

Step 4: Choose Complete or Partial Outfitting

With complete outfitting, we provide the canoe, camping gear, kitchen, trail meals and transportation, so you only bring personal gear. With partial outfitting, you rent just the pieces you need, such as a lightweight Kevlar canoe or a food pack. Organizations can also take advantage of our youth group outfitting rates and leader allowance.

Fishing

Many visitors plan their trip around fishing these legendary waters. Walleye, northern pike, small mouth bass, and lake trout are among the species that are abundant in these cool, clean waters. Trophy fish are caught by our guests each season. May, June and September are traditionally the best months for fishing, but nice catches are brought in throughout the season. We stay abreast of conditions and will assist you in fishing methods and the selection of bait and lures. Every angler 16 or older needs a Minnesota fishing license.

Read our BWCA fishing tips

Partial Outfitting

We are happy to provide partial outfitting to guests that have some equipment. Many guests will combine partial outfitting with transportation or lodging to add convenience to their plans. Canoe rentals start at $20.00 per day. We have high quality, name brand equipment at reasonable rates, call for complete partial price list. You may also want to consider our complete food package which includes everything that you'll need for great trail meals and conforms to all regulations concerning cans and bottles.

Partial Outfitting Rates

Step 5: Pack and Arrive

Use our BWCA packing list to pack your personal gear, and download the menu planner to choose your meals. Plan to arrive at our base the day before or the morning of your entry date. Permits must be picked up on your entry date or the day before, and you must enter on the date and at the entry point shown on your permit. Many guests stay in our bunkhouse the night before so they can get on the water early.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I plan a Boundary Waters trip?
Start planning in the winter. Permits are released on the last Wednesday of January, and popular summer entry points and weekend dates can fill within days.

How long should a first BWCA trip be?
Four to six days is a comfortable first trip for most groups. It allows a day or two of travel each way and time to enjoy a base camp.

Do you help first-time paddlers?
Yes. Our orientation covers routing, map and compass navigation, paddling, portaging, camping and fishing, and we take as much time as your group needs.

What if the wind keeps us off the water?
Stay on shore. Plan a spare day in your route, and if you are windbound at the end of your trip we will pick you up the next day at no extra charge.