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.

Moose spotting on day canoe trip in the BWCA

A family of 4 staying at the resort this week chose today for their wilderness adventure in the BWCA. They rented one of our kevlar canoes and headed across Farm Lake with Entry Point 31 - N Kawishiwi River as their destination into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. They were fortunate to have great weather - sunny & 70 degrees, caught a nice 24" northern pike on their one fishing rod they brought with AND they saw a mama moose with her baby! They took this video from a canoe and it's a bit fuzzy and shaky, but you can see both moose. I'll post the pictures as soon as she emails them to us.

Want to learn more about the flora, fauna and history of the BWCA?

Discover the special habitats that make the Northwood's so unique; floating bogs, old growth pines, boreal spruce stands. Explore our country with specialists in bird songs and bird I.D., forest ecology and flowering plants. Great photography opportunities await
Consider a Guided Eco-Tourism Day Trip or even a Boundary Waters All-Inclusive Outfitted and Guided Canoe Trip.

A Guided Eco-Tourism Day Tripwill put you on the water for 8 hours with your guide to check out all the different birds, trees and animals of northern Minnesota and the BWCA.


The 6 day/5 night All-Inclusive Outfitted & Guided Canoe Trip includes everything you will need to have an enjoyable & memorable BWCA experience: top-of-the-line lightweight camping gear & canoe packs, kevlar canoes, tasty & delicious meals and professional & knowledgeable guide. Your canoe guide will help you navigate your way through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, take you to the best campsites, help you set up camp, cook some delicious meals over the fire, and point out interesting things along the way including flora, fauna, BWCA history and for the anglers, put you on the fish!