How to Plan A Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

Advice and Tips for Planning Your Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

One of the great things about the BWCAW is that it provides good routing options for people of varying interests and abilities. Everyone deserves the rejuvenating spirit of the outdoors in the Boundary Waters.

1) Decide who's going

This will affect the nature of the trip, and is a good place to start. It helps if the group has generally similar interests for the adventure. Remember the maximum group size in the Boundary Waters is nine people.

2) Pick a window of time for your trip

There is no one best time to visit the Boundary Waters. Here are some considerations.

• Click here for average weather conditions.
• The best fishing is typically in May and June, though superb fishing exists through the summer.
• Bug condition considerations. Black flies (gnats) are typically more significant from mid May through June. Bug spray with the ingredient MGK repels black flies. Mosquitos are typically more significant from June through mid- August. DEET repels mosquitos. The bugs are typically not a problem when you are prepared for them. We sell effective mosquito repellants. Long nylon pants and long sleeves will also ward off the bugs.
• Peak use season is mid-June through mid-August. During that time, you may need to be more flexible on your desired entry date to obtain the entry permit that best suits your interests.

3) What is the experience level of your group?

Consider the following:
a) How many have Boundary Waters experience?
b) How many have backcountry camping experience?
c) How many have canoed before?
d) What is the age and fitness level of the group?

4) What qualities of a trip does your group desire?

a) Route pace: Basecamp - Relaxing - Moderate - Extreme
b) Overall level of physical difficulty: Easy - Moderate - Challenging - Rugged
c) Fishing goals and desired species
d) Solitude
e) Waterfalls
f) Wildlife
g) Lack of motors

5) How many days will you be on trail?

A Boundary Waters experience is worth it even if you're short on time. However, it often takes a couple days to adjust your mindset away from the connected electronic lifestyle, cellphone rings, the sound the cellphone makes when it's on vibrate, emails, texts, and facebook updates. After a couple days in the woods, people tend to connect more with the natural world around them. Thus, we recommend a five or six day trip if you're able.

Of course, vacation time is at a premium and it can be tough to fit everything into busy schedules. We can help you have a fun canoe trip even if it's just two or three days.

6) Professionally guided vs. self-guided?

• A self-guided wilderness canoe trip provides a level of personal freedom and self-reliance that can be extremely satisfying. When it's just you and your family and friends, journeying together in traditional canoes, living simply, cooking meals over a fire, finding your way with only a map and compass and your own orienteering skills, you return with a special sense of accomplishment. This requires particularly careful planning and preparation. Our Complete Quality Outfitting Package also ensures you have all the gear you need.
  
  
• A guided canoe trip makes your trip planning simple, and ensures you have a knowledgeable person along every step of the way. Our professional, local guides provide a wealth of canoeing and wilderness skills. And they're happy to share.
  
  Take the worry out of navigation and basic wilderness travel issues and let our guides share the wilderness with you. You'll learn more and, if you're fishing, you'll catch more fish with a professional guide along. All Boundary Waters Guide Service guides are licensed, insured, family-friendly, and fun to have along on your trip. If you choose a guided trip, then you can skip the next step - all of our guided trips are completely supplied with quality outfitting equipment. Just bring your camera, things you wear, optional fishing equipment and we provide the rest. Click here for our Boundary Waters Guide Service website, devoted exclusively to the guided canoe trip experience.

7) Selecting a Route and Entry Point

With over 70 BWCAW entry points and 1,200 miles of canoe routes, the possibilities are endless. The best and most efficient option is probably to think through the above information and then give us a call to talk about some options that fit your interests. We're happy to talk about canoe routes, and we can check permit availability and reserve your necessary entry permit.

You can also review our free online planning map including BWCAW and Quetico entry points.
At your local bookstore, you may also find several books on Boundary Waters canoe routes, including "Exploring the Boundary Waters" by Daniel Pauly. BWCA.com is also a helpful reference.

8) Complete Quality Outfitting Package or Partial Outfitting?

Specialized canoeing and camping gear tailored to the Boundary Waters region is what you'll find in our outfitting shop. When outfitting with us, you'll use the same equipment used by the most trail-savvy experienced wilderness travelers of our area. And we provide plenty of optional creature comforts to enhance your trip.

Complete Quality Outfitting Package. This is the simplest way to ensure you have everything you need for your adventure. We'll provide expert routing and trip planning assistance and show you how to use all the gear. Click here for more info.

Canoe Rentals and Partial Outfitting. Already have your own gear? Just need to rent a canoe or a few things. Click here for our canoe and gear rentals

9) Learn More!
Contact Ely Outfitting Company and Boundary Waters Guide Service to discuss your trip options and reserve your entry permit.