Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) & Quatico Park

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is over 1,000,000 (yep, a million) acres of pristine nature in northern Minnesota. The BWCAW offers more than 1,500 miles of paddling routes and more than 2,000 camp sites.

Boundary Waters is a rugged wilderness - make no mistake about it, you have to have experience with back country camping and paddling or hook up with a guide. It is also highly protected and there are more than a few rules for anyone wishing to visit, and all visitors must have a permit. Access is limited in order to protect the area. But the reward for those who do plan and go, is great for the beauty and tranquility of this area is unmatched.

Quetico Park on the US/Canada border is part of the BWCAW. Quetico is a protected, pristine wilderness retreat of international acclaim west of Lake Superior. The park's tangled network of lakes once formed water routes travelled by Ojibway and fur traders. Now it is primarily the destination of experienced canoeists seeking solitude and rare glimpses of wildlife by cascading waterfalls, glassy lakes and endless forests. For more information, permits - you'll need one - trail maps, weather, how to make a reservaion and more about Quetico, please visit their web site: Paddle Quetico Park

Couple of quick facts about visiting BWCAW:

• There are numerous points of entry into the BWCAW. You'll need a reservation and permit specific to the POE you choose. Click here for a map to give you a good idea of where these POEs are located.
• All watercraft must be licensed - even non-motorized canoes and kayaks. If your home state does not require a license, you'll have to get one in Minnesota.
• The National Forest Service manages BWCAW. You should visit their reservation web site if you're thinking of going to make a reservation and for information on getting a permit.
• Groups are limited to 9 people and 4 watercraft. This limits the impact on the wilderness.
• Dogs are OK in the BWCAW and in Quetico Park, but they must be leashed and you must clean up after them around campsites and portage areas.

If you're not experienced at back country camping or paddling, you'll want to consider going with an outfitter. This is the wilderness, and you'll want to make sure you're fully prepared for this type of canoe trip.

Best place to start planning your trip and to find information about permits, reservations, outfitters, guides, group planning and more is at the Boundary Waters web site.

If you go, let us know! We'd love to publish stories about your experiences in this awesome paddlers paradise! Please use our handy contact form to send us the details.

To find other places to paddle, kayak and canoe all over the USA, go to our Places to Paddle page and click on any state, or check out nationwide kayak, canoe and paddle events and races on our Paddling Events and Races page.

If you would like us to post your favorite place to paddle, kayak or canoe or your favorite paddling event or race, please use our handy contact form to send us the details.

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