Boundary Waters Canoe Area Outfitters

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Get out into the Wilderness! The Boundary Waters Canoe Area makes up more than 1 million acres of northern Minnesota. If you love to get away from it all, no motorized vehicles allowed, here’s the place. However, don’t bother with your cell phone; there’s very little cell service. Or go back to the overall Northern Minnesota post here.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Map of BWCA – The numbers are all of the entry points
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Table of Contents

Boundary Waters Canoe Area’s recent history

In the 1920s, the federal government began to take notice of the area’s natural beauty and its importance as a wilderness area. But in 1926, the Superior National Forest was established, which included the Boundary Waters area. Then, the Forest Service began to regulate the area, limiting logging and other commercial activities.

In 1978, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act was passed, which designated the area as wild and provided additional protections. Today, the Boundary Waters area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who come to canoe, camp, fish, and hike in the great outdoors of northern Minnesota.

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More about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) takes up over 1,000,000 acres within the Superior National Forest. It covers a stretch of the US/Canadian border. In Ontario, also on the border, the Quetico Provincial Park also covers over 1,000,000 acres. But, just west is Voyagers National Park, with much the same topology. Lots of lakes! However, Voyagers is just a bit over 200,000 acres. And here’s another map showing a broader area. And a link to the BWCA. Together, the BWCA and Quetico make up well over 2,000,000 acres. And it’s all pristine unsettled terrain, almost like it’s meant for canoeing and camping!

Boundary Waters and Voyagers National Park locations

As you can see, much of northeastern MN contains National Forest, the BWCA, and Voyagers National Park. So, getting off the Lake Superior Shore provides you with “a ton” of outdoor experiences.

By the way, the BWCA doesn’t allow motorized vehicles on land or on the water. The map with the numbers above shows all the entry points. The area remains the most visited wilderness area in the United States, with over 250,000 visitors every year.

The area contains over 1,000 lakes, and many of them are connected by streams and rivers. Portages exist between lakes. They are marked on the maps, but there are no signs. The state works to keep it a wilderness area and asks visitors to take care. To pack everything out.

Many people come from the surrounding states to spend their vacations here. And return for many years. If you love canoeing, roughing it, and spending time out in the beautiful wilderness, this one’s for you! In fact, here’s a link to a “fellow blogger’s” view of the BWCA.

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Let’s get into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) 

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

As you can see, much of northeastern MN contains National Forest, the BWCA, and Voyagers National Park. So, getting off the Lake Superior Shore provides you with “a ton” of outdoor experiences.

By the way, the BWCA doesn’t allow motorized vehicles on land or on the water. The map with the numbers above shows all the entry points. The area remains the most visited wilderness area in the United States, with over 250,000 visitors every year.

The area contains over 1,000 lakes, and many of them are connected by streams and rivers. Portages exist between lakes. They are marked on the maps, but there are no signs. The state works to keep it a wild area and asks visitors to take care. To pack everything out.

Many people come from the surrounding states to spend their vacations here. And return for many years. If you love canoeing, roughing it, and spending time out in the beautiful wilderness, this one’s for you! In fact, here’s a link to a “fellow blogger’s” view of the BWCA.

Let’s prepare for a Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. There are various recreational activities to enjoy in the area, including canoeing and kayaking, hiking, fishing, and camping. Since the BWCA requires much outdoor activity, there are many outfitters to rent equipment and provide advice and maps on navigation. 

While you need to do some trip planning before you leave home, the outfitters will help you with almost everything you need. 

 Visitors can obtain a permit from the U.S. Forest Service or a licensed outfitter. Packing lightweight and waterproof gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking supplies, are also essential. Planning the route beforehand will ensure a smooth trip. And don’t find yourself up the proverbial creek without a paddle!

Let’s look for a Boundary Waters Outfitter

Remember, your trip includes all wild and unsettled canoe areas! At least there are at least 60 BWCAW entry points around the BWCAW. Minnesota canoe outfitters abound near most of them. Most provide outfitting packages for rent.  Also, remember, you are in canoe country! And you very likely need a canoe trip outfitter! All the outfitters will say, “Just give us a call!” And maybe “call today!”

Guided Boundary Waters Canoe Area Outfitters

Here’s a link to find an outfitter to provide you with a guide if you are a novice or don’t want to do all the detailed planning. And the list of outfitters you will find there:

  • Border Lakes Tour Company
  • Clearwater Outfitters
  • Ely Outfitting
  • Moose Track Adventures
  • Piragis Northwoods
  • Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply
  • Way to Go, Outfitters
  • Wilderness Inquiry

Additional Outfitters – some may also provide guides

These are mostly in Ely, Minnesota, and others around when visiting the BWCA. Here’s the link. Hence, here are a few of the outfitters’ names:

  • Canadian Waters
  • Cliff Wold’s Outfitting Co. 
  • Moose Track Adventures Outfitter & Guide Service
  • Ely Outfitting Company
  • Spirit of the Wilderness
  • Duane’s Canoe Outfitters
  • Boundary Waters Outfitters
  • Echo Trail Outfitters

Ely alone lists 22 outfitters.

Where to find the best Boundary Waters

Here’s a link to one source’s ideas about the best wild area canoe trip. Of course, deciding on the routes depends on many factors, like how many days you will be going, do you want to fish, do you want to hike, do you want to pick a place and stay a few days, etc.

While considering a route, consider going on the Gunflint Trail, which heads west from Grand Marais. It’s another beautiful drive into the area. That route provides easier access to both the canoe area wilderness and Quetico

Want to trip to Quetico next door? A Quetico canoe trip?

How about taking a trip into the area wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park? Or just Quetico Park? But maybe you didn’t get reservations in time, and you are out of luck on the BWCA? Certainly, Quetico may provide a similar experience. Most importantly, you can reach there from the end of the Gunflint Trail.

Let’s head out for your Northwoods canoe adventure – BWCA canoe trip

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

When heading into the area, remember all stays are rustic camping trips. And there are many portages from one stream or one lake to another canoe landing spot. Of course, all the campsites are rustic. And pack out everything you brought in. But hang your food high in a tree to avoid attracting bears and other wild animals. 

Is this really a vacation?

What does a vacation mean to you? Also, do you really want to do all the planning and risk getting lost? Maybe consider guided trips. Earlier, I know I mentioned it, but give it some thought. If you enjoy this great trip, you may want to come back! 

Furthermore, you may love roughing it and staying at a campsite in the more than 2000 area. of course, they are almost all lakeside or “streamside/riverside.”

Summary

I hope you say, “It’s a wonderful trip!” Upon returning, your families and friends will hear your stories some will also want to go! Of course, you will see a lot of scenery, many types of wildlife, and maybe even the northern lights! Finally, you may even say it’s the best trip I’ve ever had!

Classic Rock Recollection

“Tangled Up In Blue” by Bob Dylan

…. She turned around to look at me
As I was walking away
I heard her say over my shoulder
“We’ll meet again someday on the avenue”
Tangled up in blue

I had a job in the great north woods
Working as a cook for a spell
But I never did like it all that much
And one day the axe just fell …..

Written by: Bob Dylan

#BWCA #Quetico #BWCAoutfitters #