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.