Boundary Waters Minnesota Canoe Trips for the Ultimate Adventure

The famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area is the ultimate wilderness adventure experience. Located in the northern third of the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota, the Boundary Waters of Minnesota has over a million acres of clear lakes and deep green pine forests, and is unlike any other wilderness area in the world. Its rugged scenic beauty allows one to capture the spirit of this natural place -- often calling it "God's Country."

Hundreds of lakes, dot this vast Boundary Waters canoe trip wilderness travel area, so many, that some are yet to be named. This magnificent area, created during the last glacial period, and abundant with numerous species of wildlife, birds, game fish, and a great variety of wildflowers challenges the senses and urges one to explore and experience as only the canoeist can.

Boundary Waters Minnesota Canoe Trips: Paddling through this same vast wilderness first inhabited by the Indians, the Voyageurs, settlers in search of new homes, and finally the mineral prospectors and loggers, one senses a bonding with the past. Because there are literally hundreds of routes joined together by waterways and portages in the Boundary Waters, the paddler searching for wilderness adventure travel can canoe those same routes used by the early people that populated this rugged wilderness.

One can still view the ancient Indian pictographs, or pictures, on the sheer granite cliffs connecting the unending bodies of water. The images depict life long ago, and let you imagine what life was like then and marvel at the wonder of it.

This and more awaits those who wish to experience a wilderness adventure overnight in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. To insure the beauty of this place, there are no homes or roads allowed and motorized watercraft is not allowed in the interior lakes. There are hundreds of designated campsites for overnight stays, offering you privacy and solitude during your wilderness canoe trip adventure.

The backpacker, birdwatcher, wildlife adventurer, and photographer all can find peaceful tranquility in this wonderful wilderness travel area. Hearing the mournful call of a loon in the evening when the lake is as calm as glass or watching a soaring bald eagle high above the tree line is a special experience.

Attentive paddlers and watchful photographers may be rewarded with sighting a fleet white tail deer, the many antics of a playful beaver, the sleek movement of the otter and fox, or the protectiveness of the mother black bear with her new cubs -- just make sure you give mom and her cubs lots of space, should you spy them!

Boundary Waters Fishing:  It's hard to put into words the thrill of landing a mouth-watering golden walleye, enduring a challenging fight with a northern pike, matching wits with the feisty smallmouth bass, or netting a huge lake trout. If you are an avid angler, the possibility of enjoying these and other species, such as crappies, bluegills, stream trout, and largemouth bass, await you on your fabulous wilderness adventure.

Nothing can describe the aroma and taste of fresh fish sizzling in the frying pan, and some of the very best lakes for catching them are those set aside just for canoe travel. So if you are into fishing, the BWCA may be just the place for you.

Whether the season is spring, summer, or fall, the changing forest wilderness will offer you a full spectrum of experiences to sample. Plants offer succulent berries for the picking, and the tall splendor of the stately conifer trees offer shade and an opportunity to view the many creatures and birds that make these magnificent trees their home. Consider, too, a spring or fall camping trip adventure when the solitude of the wilderness is even more intense. If you are searching for a time to reflect, relax, and revitalize, the Boundary Waters canoe trips wilderness adventure may be right for you.

With the beauty and peacefulness of the wilderness surrounding you, it becomes easy to see why, once you have tasted the sweetness of this incredible place you desire to return again and again with your camera, ever-ready to capture magical memories to share until the next visit to the Boundary Waters wilderness of Minnesota!

YOUR TRIP PLANNING...WHEN TO COME ON A CANOE TRIP... Canoe trip season begins in May and ends in late September. June through September is an excellent time for family canoe trips because of the fair weather, and is an overall good time for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass fishing. May, June, late August, and September are the best walleye and bass fishing times, have far fewer people along the canoe trip routes, and have cooler temperatures.

Trophy northern are more active from mid-May to mid-June and mid-September, and our fall colors are spectacular. The last two weeks of June and first two weeks of July typically have as pleasant weather as later in July and into early August, and have far less people using the Boundary Waters BWCA wilderness. Consider this time as a good option for your wilderness adventure, as well as September when the forest turns to crimson-and-gold.

The evenings in the Boundary Waters Minnesota are cooler, so mosquitos and other bugs are less of a bother than one might think, especially when using today's outstanding insect repellents. Head-nets and other protective clothing items are available for sale in the Wolf Den Gift Shop at our lake-base near Ely, Minnesota.

AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW IF YOU WILL BE FISHING... Remember to pack only the tackle you truly will use, and keep it light and in a small container that can be easily carried. We carry a full line of tackle to catch the varieties of fish that are in the Boundary Waters wilderness, and will give you as much current information when you arrive about what the fishing action has been like, so that you can be successful. Spoons, spinner baits, Rapalas, jigs, spinners, rubber worms, hula poppers, steel leaders, sinkers, and large casting lures are items you should have in your tackle b

Live bait is recommended for best Boundary Waters fishing-- leeches and nightcrawlers, are normally readily available in the on-site Bait & Tackle shop.

Spin casting, regular casting rods, and fly rods are great. Consider 10-20 pound test line for casting and 6-12 pound test line for spinning. There should be a balance of weight between the rod, reel, and the line you choose.

During your orientation and wilderness adventure routing session at our base, we will highlight good fishing spots on the waterproof maps along the canoe adventure route chosen for you. We will also evaluate the tackle, rod, and reel you may have brought with you and make suggestions, if needed.

WHAT TO BRING...It is most important to be prepared for any type of weather condition since you will be living in a wilderness setting and your happiness and comfort depends on your level of preparation for your wilderness adventure. The key is to stay dry and warm, and you probably have most of the personal items you will need right at home.

Bring two complete changes of clothing, in addition to the clothing worn on the trip to and from nearby Ely, Minnesota. Wear one set on the canoe trip and pack the second set in a packsack, which we will provide. Typically, 2-3 persons' stuffsacks will fit in a packsack. You may purchase stuffsacks at our lake-base outfitting station.

LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS...

Clothing:

• Broadbrim hat

• 2 pair trousers

• 2 long-sleeve shirts (cotton in summer, wool in spring & fall)

• 2 sets underwear

• 2 pair heavy boot socks

• 2 pair light socks

• Heavy wool sweater or heavy flannel/chamois shirt

• Nylon wind jacket

• Raingear including hat (completely waterproof!)

Footwear: pair of leather boots or shoes with ankle support; and a pair of moccasins or tennis shoes to wear around camp.

Miscellaneous Items:

• Handkerchief

• Sunglasses

• Personal toilet articles

• Wash cloth and towel

• Sunscreen and burn lotion

• Compass

• Match case and extra matches

• Bic-type lighter

• Sheath or pocket knife

• Small sharpening stone

• Small flashlight

• First Aid kit (medication)

Remember: Pack light!
What you pack you will have to carry!

Optional for your Boundary Waters Minnesota canoe trip:

• Shorts and swim suit Memorial Day to Labor Day

• Long underwear or sweat suit

• Insulated vest or wool jacket

• Wool hat and gloves before Memorial Day or after Labor Day

• Rubber boots

• Camera and film

• Rainy day items (cards, book)

• Journal and pencil or pen

• Fishing gear

• Fillet knife

• Pliers

Our well stocked Wolf Den Gift Shop and Bait & Tackle shop have most miscellaneous items for sale, including insect repellent, should something be forgotten for your Boundary Waters Minnesota canoe trips wilderness adventure. Rain gear, broad-brim hats, sweatshirts/tees and fishing tackle are available for purchase, also.

Boundary Waters Minnesota Canoe Trips