How to Plan a BWCA Route

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area straddles the border between the United States in Minnesota and Canada at Manitoba and Ontario. This region is ripe with lakes, rivers and portages for canoe adventuring. The BWCA is home to a variety of wildlife including moose, fox, black bears, beaver and the occasional lynx. Outdoors enthusiasts heading to the area will have to plan the trip to get the most out of their adventure.

Things You'll Need

  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area map
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine where the trip will originate. The BWCA is managed jointly by Canada's Quetico Park through the Province of Ontario and through the state of Minnesota. It is broken into Eastern and Western sides. Guide books for both Eastern and Western are available along with maps and routes through the regions.

    • 2

      Apply for the necessary permits through the American and Canadian sides for your route. For example, if you choose to go through the EP 14 Little Sioux River North, you need to get permits for the Quetico Park and the U.S. BWCA. Get permits online through the appropriate websites (see resources).

    • 3

      Reserve your canoe rentals at available outfitters if you are flying into the region and plan to rent gear. Make reservations for the gear as soon as possible as they are sought after during the busy season between late May into mid-September.

    • 4

      Get fishing permits for both Ontario-Manitoba and for Minnesota if you plan to fish during your canoe trip in the BWCA. Keep both licenses on you at all times when fishing as game rangers and wardens may be present and request the licenses. Failure to have them may result in fines or other penalties. Keep your passports with you to travel into Canada.

    • 5

      Program the route into any GPS unit and mark the camping sites with points of interest. File a trip plan with the park rangers and with a friend or relative. Give an estimated time of arrival and emergency numbers in case you are late contacting friends or rangers.

    • 6

      Use bear-proof containers for all food and items with an aroma. Prepare for flies and mosquitoes and pack netting and bug-spray.