Planning a Boundary Waters Overnight Canoe Camping Trip - STEP 1

Is 2011 the year you visit Ely Minnesota to experience the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)? Great! Let's talk about what you need to know in the early planning stages of a wilderness canoe trip.


First of all, you will need to reserve an 'Overnight Paddle Permit' for your overnight canoe camping trip.

There are a total of 62 Entry Points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area within a total of 4 Districts - Gunflint, Kawishiwi LaCroix and Tofte. An overnight camping permit is required between the dates of May 1 and September 30, 2011. Choosing an 'Entry Point' is done by a.) determining your 'Entry Date', b.) knowing what your groups canoeing abilities are, c.) determining what your groups 'interests' are and d.) what you want to accomplish on your BWCA overnight camping trip.

Keep in mind that the number of people on the permit (maximum of 9 people) and the 'Exit Date' can change at any time before your trip, but the 'Entry Date' and the 'Entry Point' are what is 'set in stone' and your confirmation will show once you make the reservation. You could always cancel your reserved permit if you need to change the 'Entry Date' or the 'Entry Point', but there is a non-refundable fee of $12 with the Forest Service to do so.

www.recreation.gov is the site to check Permit Availability, Entry Point Maps, etc. All of the information that you read might be overwhelming, which for some people is a reason to use a Boundary Waters Outfitter to help with the process. Keep in mind that routing a canoe trip is a big responsibility, it is also a free service that Moose Track Adventures Outfitters provide to our outfitting clients.

Come back to learn about 'Choosing a Destination' for a memorable Boundary Waters Canoe Trip.

Time to plan your 2011 Boundary Waters Canoe Adventure!

Tired of the winter already in your neck of the woods? We woke up to -20 degrees here this morning in Ely Minnesota! Our public school doesn't cancel school unless the temperature is colder than -39. Kind of crazy sounding, but I guess once you have lived up here a while it doesn't seem out of the ordinary.

I have noticed that our kids don't seem to mind the winter weather. The just bundle up with the typical snowpant/jacket/boots/mittens and hat and out the door they go whether it's to go sledding, cross country skiing or just rolling down the snow hill made by the plow truck in the driveway. They never come in saying they were cold, just rosy cheeks and asking for a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows!

Hard to believe the 'soft water' season will be back in less than 4 months!

Just a reminder that the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) lottery for both 'canoe only overnight', 'motorboat day & overnight' permits can be made until Saturday Jan 15, 2011 (midnight Central time). This lottery will be for permits with entry dates between May 1, 2011 and September 30, 2011.

Now is the time to be planning your Boundary Waters trip starting in the Ely area. Moose Track Adventures Outfitters can help with your 2011 canoe trip planning. To get started, we just need to know your groups' interests/abilities, entry/exit dates and your outfitting needs. Our Boundary Waters Complete Kevlar Outfitting Package would be the perfect fit for those that just want to show up with their own personal clothes and fishing gear and be on their way. Already have your own gear and just need kevlar canoes and food? We can handle that with our Boundary Waters Kevlar Canoe & Food Package or any gear from our Partial Outfitting Rental List.

Give us a call at 800-777-7091 to start the planning process.