What kind of BWCA Wilderness canoe trip is right for you?
This guide will cover all the important factors to consider in making your decision. Whether you’re a total novice or a seasoned pro, we can find the right kind of trip for you.
Who’s Coming?
Consider the people you are going with; do you have a large group? Is there just 2 of you? The first thing you must know before planning out your epic camping trip is that BWCAW are restricted to a maximum of nine people. If you have a group larger than nine, you must travel and camp separately for the entirety of the trip, essentially planning two separate trips. This is why we suggest smaller groups; it is easier to get around and to find you perfect campsite. This regulation is in place to help protect the wilderness and mitigate human impacts on the land. It is also important to consider the level of wilderness experience within your group.
What kind of experienced do I want to have?
Whether this is your first wilderness camping trip or your 100th, we can find the right route for you. Trips anywhere from 2 nights to 20, we’ve got you covered. We see things a bit differently around here and believe that to make your trip the absolute best, we need to know your goals and ambitions. Share what you want to get out of your trip and how leisurely or challenging you want it to be. Our expert staff will then find 2 or 3 available route choices that may fit your vision. In depth discussions of routes are typically best done over the phone, but you can always email us to get the conversation started!
What do I want to see and do?
While time seems to move slowly when you are out in the BWCAW, making sure you get to accomplish all the things you want can be difficult. If your focus is on fishing, make sure you plan for slower travel when you are selecting your routes. Planning your activities sounds silly, but you don’t want to leave and not have done half of the things that you had hoped for! Planning extra, “layover days” can be a good way to rest, fit in an extra day trip, or a fishing excursion! Below are some important considerations:
– Do you prefer leisure or adventure?
– How important is fishing? Are you targeting any specific species?
– Do you want to travel everyday or base camp? Do you want a mix of the two?
– Are you trying to see anything specific? Wildlife, waterfalls, etc.
How long do I want to stay?
Trip length should be based on what you’re comfortable with and how much experience you have. We can outfit you for just 2 days or up to 20 days. Longer trips will allow you to cover more water and reach more secluded campsites, but take more time and physical effort. Make sure you plan enough time to include your camp set up and take down. The length of your trip is ultimately up to you and what you want to do while out exploring. If leisure is your goal, you can always find a nice open campsite and claim it for up to 14 consecutive days!
When can I visit?
The BWCAW is open year round! From May 1 – September 30 permits are required for overnight trips. Available permits must be purchased online if you trip falls within that timeframe. You can book permits from home, or we can assist you in the process. We are open for summer outfitting from early May to September 30 and can get you ready for your trip, weather permitting. Although we do not outfit past September 30th, you are still welcome to visit the BWCAW with self issued permits.
Spring Visits
May and June is our transition season. Plan on a layered approach to clothing, letting you mix and match from cool mornings and warm afternoons. If you plan on fishing all day (after the ice is out in May), rain gear is a good precaution and waterproof boots make you more comfortable. This is the time when we like tall rubber boots or a pair of tall waterproof socks. Gloves will warm your hands while holding onto a fishing rod or paddling. Long underwear keeps you warm when you are sitting in a canoe on a cool day. When in camp or on the water, fleece vests or jackets are great layers but don’t forget a waterproof shell or rain jacket to protect you from the spring showers.
Summer Visits
Day time temperatures normally run from the high 60s into the 80’s, and the nights cool down. You will want shorts, light pants, short sleeve shirts, and swimming suits. A sweat shirt or light jacket is good when it cools down at night. Good rain gear helps if you plan on being on the water every day, regardless of the weather. Tennis shoes and sandals work well if base camping or after setting up camp. Light boots with ankle support are suggested if you plan on portaging or doing a lot of hiking. Wide brimmed hats help mitigate sun exposure when you are on the water. Be sure to bring some sunscreen and bug repellant for summer months. June, July and August can potentially be very buggy. A good repellant will help during, “mosquito hour”!
Fall Visits
September is one of our favorite seasons. These days can be beautiful, clear and sunny with cool evenings. Like all areas, we have weather fronts that pass through from time to time. We recommend that you bring clothes that can be layered. Long pants, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, sweat shirts, vests, and jackets that can be piled one on top of another and pealed off the same way as the day warms up. If it is late fall or you plan on being on the water a lot, bring a pair of long underwear bottoms. Even on warm days, it can be cold in a canoe. A good wind-breaker or rain jacket is necessary. Later in the fall you might want a lined or partially insulated jacket. Shoes in camp and light hiking boots while traveling works well. Daytime temperatures run from the 50s into the 70s, with nights possibly dropping to the 40s and 30s!