Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness extends nearly 150 miles along the International Boundary, adjacent to Canada’s Quetico and La Verendrye Provincial Parks, is bordered on the west by Voyageurs National Park, and by Grand Portage National Monument to the east. It is composed of lakes, islands, rocky outcrops and forest.
Wilderness Area History
Established in 1964 as Federally Designated Wilderness, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is over one million acres of rugged and remote boreal forest in the northern third of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota.
The area’s status as a wilderness allows visitors to travel and camp in the spirit of those that came before them centuries ago. The entire wilderness lies within 1854 Ceded Territory. Members of the Boise Forte Band of Chippewa, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa retain the right to hunt, fish, trap, and gather within the Territory in perpetuity.
Terrain and Topography
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the only large temperate lake-land wilderness in the National Wilderness Preservation System and is renowned for its water-based recreational opportunities. The sculpting of the landscape by powerful glaciers over an immense period of time has left behind a variety of landforms and rocks as well as thousands of lakes and streams, interspersed with islands. This network of connecting waterbodies provides unique opportunities for long distance travel by watercraft—a rare experience within the continental United States.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - Photos
Active Alerts
Reservations
Reservations for permits can be made through Recreation.gov. Visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Permits page for more information on Reservations, Walk-in and Self-Issued Permits, International Travel and associated fees
General Information
Camping
There are over 2,000 designated wilderness campsites. Each campsite has a wilderness latrine and fire grate. All campsites are first come, first served.
Prepare for Your Wilderness Trip
Before you reserve your permit, do your research! Visitors can find solitude, adventure, risk, and excitement but the trip planning begins months before entering the Wilderness.
Successful trips don't just happen. Plan ahead for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness!
Make sure to thoroughly read this page and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Trip Planning Guide for tips on wilderness trip preparation.
Prior to reserving your permit, please also review the following:
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Regulations and Rules
- More About Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
When You're Ready
- Pick your activity
- Pick your Entry Point
- Pick your date(s)
- Reserve your permit
- Watch the Leave No Trace Videos 1 and 2
- Pack
- Pick up your permit and watch the 3rd Leave No Trace video with your group
Pro Tip: have several potential trips in mind in case permits are unavailable for your desired dates and entry point.
Safety and Leave No Trace
Be aware that wilderness has inherent dangers, and is a primitive setting where you meet nature on its own terms.
Bears abound, make sure you are ready if you encounter a bear.
We need your help treading lightly on the Wilderness; to keep it full of solitude and pristine for future visitors like you.
Getting Ready
- Pack! Ensure you have the appropriate gear, food and bear-resistant storage for food and toiletries, maps and first aid kits.
- Get maps, compasses, GPS, and plan your route.
January to December
The wilderness never closes.
For Office hours for Ranger Districts visit our Offices page.
A permit is always required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Permits go quickly, planning in advance is recommended if you would like to reserve a specific entry point. You will also need to identify your issue station when you make your reservation.
Pro Tip: Before reserving your permit, review the permit issue station locations and hours of operations to make sure you select an issue station near your entry point.
Entry Points and Getting a Permit
- Entry Points
- Reservations, Walk-in and Self-Issued Permits, International Travel and associated fees
- Research Permits
Permit Dates
May 1 to September 30
- Quota permits are required for overnight trips (paddle, motor, or hiking) and motorized day trips.
- Walk-up permits may be obtained at any permit issue station on the entry date or one day prior when available.
October 1 to April 30
- Self-issued permits are required for day use visitors year-round and for all overnight visitors entering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness during
Wilderness
- Limit your party size to 10 persons or less;
- no camping within 100 feet of trails, water sources and other camps.
- Terrain is sometimes steep.
- No motorized or mechanized equipment allowed.
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics;
- Pack out all of your trash
- Dogs should be on a leash
- No fireworks
Find Out More On the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area Rules and Regulations Page
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
There are multiple outfitters and guides operating on BWCAW under a special use permit.
Address: 2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone: (218) 387-1750
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. No BWCAW permit issuance and no Eastern National Forest Interpretative Association retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Travel Considerations
There are no signs in the wilderness; ensure you have the correct maps, a planned route and know how to use a compass.
Parking
Parking may be available at entry points, or adjacent to entry points. Please call your issue station for entry point specific parking information.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Wilderness latrines are available at campsites.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
There is no potable water in the wilderness, you will need to boil or filter lake water.
Other Amenities
Towns Near Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- Crane Lake, MN (gas, food, lodging)
- Ely, MN (full service, hospital)
- Grand Marais, MN (full service, clinic)
- Tofte/Lutsen, MN (gas, food, lodging)
- Duluth, MN (full service, hospital/level 1 trauma center)
Recreation Opportunities
Backpacking Info
There are 12 hiking trails, that give visitors options that range from shorter day hikes to longer backpacking experiences and range from moderate to strenuous. Trails are not well marked, if they are marked at all.
Day Hikes Info
There are 12 hiking trails, that give visitors options that range from shorter day hikes to longer backpacking experiences and range from moderate to strenuous. Trails are not well marked, if they are marked at all.
Fishing - Ice Info
There are more than 1,100 lakes and several hundred streams in the BWCAW, providing excellent fishing opportunities for species like northern pike, walleye, bass and lake trout. Visitors must have a valid Minnesota DNR permit to fish.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
There are more than 1,100 lakes and several hundred streams in the BWCAW, providing excellent fishing opportunities for species like northern pike, walleye, bass and lake trout. Visitors must have a valid Minnesota DNR permit to fish.
Viewing Scenery Info
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country because of it's beautiful lakes and breath-taking views.
Viewing Wildlife Info
There is an abundance of wildlife in the wilderness. You may see bear, moose, a wide array of birds, otters or beaver.
Bears abound, make sure you are ready if you encounter a bear, or a very aggressive chipmunk.
The ultimate wildlife viewing experience is watching animals in their habitat. Here are some helpful tips to become a wildlife friendly viewer:
- Use the right tools - A field guide, a pair of binoculars and a camera. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the season and activity.
- Watch at dawn and dusk - This is the time when most wildlife species are active enough to view.
- Keep your distance - Maintain a distance that is comfortable for the wildlife.
- Stay quiet - Move slowly and quietly to increase your chances of viewing wildlife, and to avoid stressing the animals you wish to watch.
- Do not feed the wildlife - There is plenty of food available in the wild. Human food can cause digestive problems, provide improper nutrition, and even kill an animal.
Boating - Motorized Info
Some areas are also open to limited motorized boating.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
There is over 1,200 miles of canoe routes and 190,000 acres of surface water to explore by canoe, kayak.
Swimming Info
Swimming in lakes is done at your own risk. Please be aware of lake water temperatures to prevent hypothermia.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Info
There are 12 hiking trails, that give visitors options that range from shorter day hikes to longer backpacking experiences and range from moderate to strenuous. Trails are not well marked, if they are marked at all.
Recreation Groups
