Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

     Fishing in the Quetico Park this summer?  You can purchase your Canadian Fishing License online and print it prior to your Quetico trip. Save valuable paddling time by not having it issued at the Quetico Park Ranger Station.

     You'll need both your Outdoors Card and your license in order to fish in Canada.  Anyone 18 years and older needs a license and can get one by visiting the website http://ontario.ca/outdoorscard or by calling 1-800-288-1155.

     The fee for the Outdoors Card is $9.68 and an 8-Day Conservation License is $28.84.  A One year Conservation License is $48.26.  You can find additional information regarding fishing in Onatrio online.

     The answer to the question, "How do I plan a Boundary Waters Trip?" is very simple, you just call an outfitter, preferably Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.   We can help you plan a BWCA canoe trip within a few minutes of speaking with you.

     The benefits of using the services of a canoe outfitter to help you plan your Boundary Waters Canoe Trip are endless.  We've been outfitting canoe trips into the wilderness for 20 years and we know the lakes and the routes.  We know what type of fish are in which lakes, the degree of difficulty of the portages and the best places to camp.  We also know where you are most likely to run into a moose and when you're most likely to see people.  We can tell you lots of valuable information about planning a Boundary Waters Canoe Trip but you have to give us a call first.

     It's our job to outfit folks into the Boundary Waters and to make sure they have a good time and return year after year.  We'll help you plan your Boundary Waters trip, we're ready and waiting to do so. 1-888-CANOEIT

     Do you have your canoe trip planned for the summer yet?  If not then there is still plenty of time to get your BWCA or Quetico Park wilderness adventure on the calendar.  There are permits available and summer is just around the corner.  We can help you plan a great canoe camping trip.

     Our first canoe groups will be heading into the BWCA and Quetico Park later this week.  The water temperature is still pretty cold but they have lots of experience so we're not worried about them paddling the wilderness waters.  They'll paddle close to the shore, wear their life vests and won't take any chances while out in the canoe country. 

     The forecast calls for the temperature to reach 70 degrees by Wednesday but then it will drop back into the 50's for the weekend.  If I had a clear schedule I think I'd be planning to go camping in the BWCA yet this week.  But it will have to wait until after the Ham Run Half-Marathon on Sunday.

     I think this is finally the year for an early season Boundary Waters canoe trip.  How about you?

     Despire the declining moose population in Northeastern Minnesota we still see our fair share of them on the Gunflint Trail.  This last time I had my dog Rugby in the car with me and he doesn't particularly like to see moose. Here's what he had to say about it.

     The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located in the state of Minnesota.  In Minnesota all personal watercraft must be registered in order to be used on public waters.  If you want to bring your canoe to the BWCA then your canoe must be registered either in your own state or in the state of Minnesota. 

     Unfortunately the Minnesota DNR hasn't made registering online an option for watercraft registration unless you are renewing a current registration. You can find information about registration online.

 

Where to apply:

In person at any deputy registrar of motor vehicles (where you license your car) or at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN.  On your way up to the Gunflint Trail you can stop at Isaak Hansens in Lutsen, MN.

City:	LUTSEN
Address:	4921 WEST HIGHWAY 61
Zip:	55612
Phone:	218-663-0021
Hours:	M-F 8:00-4:00 Sat 8:00 - 12:00

 

 

 

If your new boat (except kayaks or canoes) is longer than 16', your dealer will apply for title and registration (license) on your behalf, and is responsible for providing you with license materials.

When you register your boat for the first time, know its length, manufacturer, type of hull material (wood, metal, or plastic), type of propulsion, model, year, serial or hull identification number (HIN) and have a sales receipt that shows you have paid the sales tax.

Length is the straight-line distance from the foremost part of the boat (bow) to the rearmost part of the boat (stern). Bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, rudders and other attachments are not included in the measurement.

Boat registrations are good for 3 calendar years (for example 1/1/2003 through 12/31/2005).

Issuing fee If new, renewal & transfer or transfer only: $8.50

Canoes, kayaks, sailboats, sailboards, rowing shells (not rowboats) and paddleboats up to and including 19 feet (over 19 feet same as pleasure craft)

$10.50

$5.00

+ issuing fee*

 

    

     Taking kids fishing in the BWCA is a great experience.  It's so much fun to see their excitement no matter what the size or species of the fish is.  I guess I'm still a kid at heart since it doesn't matter to me what type of fish I catch when fishing in the Boundary Waters, it's always a blast!

     If you’re looking for a true wilderness then visit the Boundary Waters in October.  BWCA permits are based on a self-issuing process due to the lack of visitors during this month.  No people, no bugs but lots of places for you to enjoy the solitude of the BWCA.

 

     The month of October is known as the Harvest Moon and Falling Leaves moon.  After the fall colors have reached their peak and dried up then the winds blow the leaves to the forest floor.  The decomposing leaves produce the unique smell of fall in the air.  The air is somewhat chilly with the average daytime high of 51 degrees and a nighttime average of 32 degrees.  The sun can still be hot but the hours of daylight are dwindling and night fills the sky longer.

 

     The night sky is the focus in the Boundary Waters in October.  Two different events keep canoeists eyes on the sky during the evenings.  The Draconid Meteor Showers are seen at nightfall and occur the 2^nd week in October.  They are best seen without a moon as are the Orionids.  The Orionid meteors are the third week of October and display about 15 meteors per hour and leave long trains.  After midnight is the best time to see the Orionids.  Be sure to check the calendar to see the exact dates for each year and plan your BWCA trip around them.

 

     The BWCA lakes turn over in October and the water is chilly at around 40 degrees.  This is when whitefish and lake trout spawn and large northern pike can be caught.    Walleye move shallower once again making them easier to catch.

 

     The Boundary Waters is quiet in October as wildlife prepares for winter.  The snowshoe hare will be changing colors as moose and deer enter their rut.  Some ducks will be present like the Golden Eyes and Mergansers but soon they along with the loons will leave for warmer temperatures.  Snow buntings will appear as the other winged wonders disappear.  The Black Bears will be looking for a place to spend the winter months and other animals will be busily preparing for snowfall.

 

     With a little extra caution and clothing October can be a wonderful time to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  Camping can be a bit chilly but the lack of people and ultimate solitude makes October an incredible time to experience the wilderness of the BWCA.

In some people’s opinion there isn’t a better month to visit the BWCA than in September.  The bugs have departed, the people are scarce and the wilderness scenery is more beautiful than ever bathed in the fall colors.  If you’re looking for a real treat then try the Boundary Waters in September.

 

The temperatures begin to cool down in September and in response the lake’s water temperature also drops.  While swimmers may not be too happy about the temperature change the fish are.  Walleye and Lake Trout can be found in shallower water once again and become more aggressive.  Smallmouth Bass tend to bite less but Northern Pike are as feisty as ever and it’s a great time to catch a trophy Pike.  The average daytime temperature is around 66 degrees, nighttime temperature 44 degrees and we only receive 3.8 inches of rain on an average year.

 

When the temperatures drop the wildlife in the Boundary Waters gets busy.  The squirrels and chipmunks scurry about packing away food for the long winter.  Bear are busy fattening up and avoiding being shot during the annual bear hunt that is typically the first couple of weeks of September.  Small game like grouse are out and about and that hunting season opens as well.  Many winged wonders can be seen migrating and the loons bunch up in preparation for their flight.  The moose also prepare for their mating season.

 

The predominantly green landscape of summer begins to change color in the canoe country during September.  The September moon is sometimes called the wild rice moon because rice in the BWCA is ready to be harvested or the yellow leaf moon for the changing of colors.  The aspen and birch turn golden yellow, the maples a vibrant red and the tamaracks a warm burnt orange color.  The process can be slow or quick and the foliage varies from lake to lake but it all is similarily brilliant.  The peak color change is different every year but if you’re lucky enough to be in the Boundary Waters for it then you’re in for a real treat.

 

September is a wonderful time to visit the canoe country wilderness.  The peacefulness is plentiful and the bugs are basically non-existent.  The fishing, wildlife and changing of colors makes September a very special month to paddle the BWCA.

     You know what they say, "No news is good news?"  I think I agree because the headlines these past couple of days haven't necessarily been good. 

     One headline deals with the Minnesota Moose Hunt.  In spite of declining moose numbers the MN DNR has decided to allow another season of moose hunting.  Apparently the moose shot during the hunt don't affect the population.

     Another headline is about air pollution that makes its way to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  There are plants throughout the state that cause there to be a haze over the BWCA but the MPCA decided not to decide what to do about it at a recent meeting.

     Lastly the headline regarding mining near the BWCA didn't do much to cheer me up.  The MPCA won't deal with the problems they already have and we're supposed to trust them to do the right thing when it comes to mining next to the Boundary Waters? 

     The good news is the paddling season is almost here.  Some lakes are ice free and more will be soon.  This is a record breaking year for earliest ice out.  I'm also seeing moose on Sag Lake Trail on a daily basis and that's great news too.  Let's hope for no more "news" about the BWCA, unless it's the good kind.

The first couple of weeks in August tend to be a very popular time to canoe camp in the Boundary Waters.  Is it because of the never-ending sunlight, lack of bugs, bountiful blueberries or starry night skies?  Whatever the reason August is a great time to visit the BWCA.

The days are a bit shorter in August but are still plenty long for paddling the lakes of the Boundary Waters.  The lake water is at its warmest for swimming and air temperatures are warm too.  The average high temperature is 76.1 degrees, average low 52.4 degrees; perfect conditions for sleeping outside of the tent beneath the stars. 

Hang in a hammock between two trees and make yourself cozy.  There’s no need for a screen because the bugs are basically non-existent in the BWCA in August.  While hanging in the hammock keep an eye on the sky for the Perseid Meteor Shower.   Perseid meteors can often be seen as early as July 23, when one meteor every hour or so could be visible.  It is possible to see up to five per hour at the beginning of August and when they peak around the 12^th of August you could see as many as 50-80 per hour.  After the peak the number slowly declines but they offer sky watchers a real treat for the first half of the month.  There’s no better place to watch the Perseid meteor shower than in the dark skies of the BWCA.

The light of the moon reflecting off of the lake is another beautiful sight.  The month of August is known in Ojibway as the Blueberry Moon.  Sometimes blueberries will ripen before August but we’ll almost always have blueberries in the Boundary Waters to pick in August.  Along with the blueberries are raspberries, thimbleberries, bunchberries, cranberries and rose hips to pick and enjoy.  There’s even some flowers still blooming and they are primarily purple towards the end of the season.  Purple Knapweed, Purple Loosestrife and Fireweed are seen in August as are Black-Eyed Susans, Goldenrod and water lilies. 

The fishing in the Boundary Waters during August is good.  While lake trout go deep the smallmouth bass and northern pike are ready and willing to bite.  Walleye can be a little difficult to find but once you find them you’ll catch lots of them. 

As if the above reasons weren’t enough to want to visit the Boundary Waters there are other things happening in August such as Monarchs emerging from cocoons, mushrooms ripening, wild rice getting ready to harvest and hummingbirds preparing to migrate.  August is indeed a wonderful time to be in the BWCA.

 

     Is mealtime your favorite time when you're camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?  If so, then I bet you have some sort of method of madness for what you put into your BWCA food pack.  I have a method of my own when I'm on a solo BWCA canoe trip just as everyone has their own including the Voyageurs from many moons ago.

     A scientist named Kennicott had this to say about the Voyageurs' food after traveling with them.  "Pemmican is supposed by the outside world to consist only of pounded meat and grease; an egregious error, for from experience on the subject I am authorized to state that hair, sticks, bark, spruce leaves, stones, sand, etc. enter into its composition. It is very rarely that the Voyageurs reject anything in the shape of fish or bird...I think they would eat eggs so nearly hatched that the chick could almost peep."

     Most BWCA canoe trip enthusiasts aren't packing Pemmican or purposefully eating hair, sticks or bark.  I do know some folks who will kill and eat a grouse and I have even heard of a modern day Voyageur eating a birds' egg but this is seldom done in today's world.   

    However there are many people who take canoe trips into the Boundary Waters who bring along items to prepare fish for a meal.  Whether it is shortening & fish breading for frying or butter & garlic for grilling some folks plan to eat fish while in the woods.

     Then there are those people who want to eat in the Boundary Waters like they eat when they are at home.  This doesn't work well for me but if you don't mind carrying a ton of weight then pack in the potatoes, carrots, whole onions and fresh fruit.  You may as well bring along a cooler for all of the meat and other fresh food you plan to bring along as well.

     Maybe at home you eat lots of pre-packaged foods so in the BWCA you don't have to adjust your diet much from the pasta, rice-a-roni, hamburger helper and lipton noodles.  Carbohydrates from a box or pouch can easily be found and lately you can find meat in a pouch too.  Tuna and Spam come in pouches and I'm guessing chicken won't be far behind.

     In other people's food packs for their BWCA trip you might find everything dehydrated.  From the strawberries for their just add water shortcake to their astronaut ice cream if it's hydrated then it's not going into their food pack.

     Somewhere in between all of these Boundary Waters food pack options is a happy-medium.  That's what we like to supply at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.  Just the right mix of fresh foods, dehydrated items and things off of the grocery store shelf.  We've been packing for BWCA canoe trips for 20 years and we know what tastes good because we've tried it all.

     You may not eat just like you're at home while on your Boundary Waters canoe trip but believe me, nothing tastes bad when you're sitting beneath the stars and listening to the call of the loon.

 

 

     Deciding where to canoe in the Boundary Waters is always a tough decision whether it's your first trip, tenth trip or fiftieth trip.  Just like when you're planning a regular vacation you'll want to gather information for a BWCA canoe country vacation.  There is a plethora of information on the web including great commercial BWCA websites and outfitter websites.  There are also books published about popular BWCA canoe routes but keep in mind the information in books may not always be precise or up to date.

 

     To determine where you want to go in the BWCA you’ll need to know if fishing is an important part of your trip.  If fishing is important then you'll want to know what Boundary Waters lakes have which types of fish in them.  If you're going to paddle the BWCA in early May then find a lake trout lake because that's what will be biting then.  You'll also want to spend less time traveling and more time fishing if it's really important to catch fish.  Don’t plan to camp a 12 hour paddle from where you're BWCA starting point is or you’ll spend all of your time paddling and not fishing.

 

     Most folks want solitude on their Boundary Waters Canoe trip.  If your goal is solitude then choose a BWCA route with lots of long portages.  Look for lakes that are difficult to get to and farther in than a few hour paddle and find a BWCA campsite that is off of the beaten path.  This will keep you away from the vast majority of folks.  Don't be fooled by thinking an canoe entry point with lots of travel permits is necessarily bad.  There are smaller lakes off of some of these bigger lakes that you can find and have all to yourself. 

 

     Another factor in determining where you will go in the Boundary Waters is who you are going with.  If you’re paddling with elderly or small children then you may want to plan a base camp canoe trip.  Find a BWCA lake with good day trip opportunities so people have the option to paddle and portage or stay back and relax.

 

     There are lots of things to consider when planning a Boundary Waters canoe trip.  You can find a trip route finder on our website that might offer you some insight.  Also, we have maps we can mail you if you’d like to purchase one.  Then you can spend time looking at all of the BWCA lakes and dreaming about camping on them.

 

     No matter how many times I've been on Boundary Waters canoe trips it's still a tough decision to decide where to go.  Who I'm paddling with, how much time I have and how energetic I'm feeling all make a difference in what route I'll choose.  No matter where I go in the BWCA I know I’ll be happier there than anywhere else I could be and that’s a very good thing.

 

     72 degrees and sunny sounds like a great day to go canoeing in the Boundary Waters.  The only challenge is there is still ice on the lakes of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  We don't need to worry about canoeing mishaps in the BWCA in March but places where there is open water paddlers need to be extra cautious.

     All of this warm weather in the Boundary Waters makes me want to go canoeing and paddling enthusiasts are flocking to the open water.  In spite of the warm air temperatures the lake water is still dangerously cold so canoe paddlers should be extra careful during the early paddling season.

     The Minnesota DNR has the following to say about paddling.

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             MARCH 15, 2012

 
Warm weather, cold water can be dangerous mix for paddlers

Canoeists and kayakers anxious to hit newly-thawed rivers and lakes across the southern part of the state should consider the potential danger of cold waters, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

With temperatures predicted to be in the 70s for the next several days, many paddlers may be coaxed toward the water. Such weather can prove dangerous, or even deadly, if people don’t consider the consequences of cold water shock and hypothermia that can result from tipping into the water.  

Even though the air is warm, water temperatures are still in the 40s or lower.  

“Falling into cold water can cause immediate cold water shock,” according to Tim Smalley, DNR boat and water safety specialist. “That’s when cold water causes you to involuntarily gasp for air. If your head is underwater when that happens, drowning can occur in a few seconds.”

The DNR recommends these safety tips for canoeists and kayakers:
•    Wear an approved life jacket; even good swimmers need to wear one.
•    Wear a wetsuit or drysuit when paddling in water colder than 70 degrees.
•    Don’t paddle alone; boating safety increases with numbers.
•    Don’t load beyond the labeled capacity of a canoe and keep weight low in the boat.
•    Keep an eye on the weather and go to shore if the wind picks up.
•    Don’t go out in a canoe or any boat after drinking alcohol; the effects of alcohol are more dramatic while balancing in a boat than while standing on dry land.
•    Tell someone about where you are going and what time to call 911 if you don’t return.
•    Take a canoeing safety course, offered by the American Canoe Association as well as the American Red Cross and other public service groups.
•    If a canoe tips, stay with it if possible and await rescue, because most canoes will continue to float, even after capsizing and filling with water. Drowning often  occurs when the victim tries to swim to shore rather than face the embarrassment of being rescued.

“A little planning and foresight can mean the difference between a fun day on the water and mishaps and tragedy,” Smalley said.

For more information on paddling safety, visit the DNR website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/paddling_safety.html
 

     We knew there would be long lasting effects of the Pagami Creek Fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  No forest fire of that magnitude could not result in some campsite closures in the BWCA.  The USFS announced changes to BWCA entry point quotas and campsites in January 2012 for the upcoming paddling season.

     Not one of the 114 BWCA campsites affected by the Pagami Fire are in the vicinity of the Gunflint Trail.  Only 75 of those campsites have been closed and many will open up quickly once crews can get into the Boundary Waters Wilderness to cut down snags and other hazards near campsites.  Some campsites will remain closed longer due to lack of cover from the fire or the need for a new latrine to be brought in.  The USFS will work to get the campsites and portages cleaned up in a timely matter.

     As you'll see on the map below, the Gunflint Trail was not affected by the Pagami Fire.  None of the lakes in our District or BWCA entry points in our District have been closed due to the fire.  We're very lucky the fire remained closer to Ely's entry points and stayed far away from the Gunflint Trail. 

     For more information about the closures you can check out a previous blog entry of mine. 

 

      While most of the population is thinking about fireworks and 4^th of July parades I’m thinking July is a great time for a canoe camping trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  With its warm temperatures, good fishing, refreshingly cool water temperatures and blueberries ripening there may not be a better time than July to visit the BWCA.

 

     Smallmouth bass and northern pike are two easy species of fish to catch in the Boundary Waters especially in July.  Troll a lure in a lake inhabited with fish and you’ll have a difficult time keeping the fish off of your line.  It’s almost guaranteed you’ll catch something if you put your time in.  While some fish snobs don’t like to eat smallmouth or northern pike the people who remove the y-bone and eat these species are in for a real treat.  The fish that come from the cold waters of the Boundary Waters taste absolutely delicious when they are prepared fresh.  A shore lunch is just one of the many good things about paddling the BWCA in July.

 

     The warm air temperatures combined with the warm water temperatures makes July a perfect time for people who want to spend time swimming.  It’s so refreshing and fun to swim from BWCA campsite to campsite or out to an island.  Hours of entertainment are provided for families with kids who want to spend time swimming.  It’s a very comfortable time of the year not only for swimming but also for sleeping in a hammock.

 

     The nights are warm and the bug population has dropped considerably by July in the Boundary Waters.  It makes evenings by the campfire even more enjoyable.  The nights get a little bit longer in July but not by much.  By mid-month the sun rises around 5:24 AM and sets around 9:00 PM.  There’s plenty of daylight to paddle, swim, fish and pick berries.

 

     There’s nothing more satisfying than filling a camp cup with fresh blueberries while you’re out in the Boundary Waters.  They taste wonderful in pancakes or when eaten by the handful.  In addition to blueberries you may find some strawberries left from June and perhaps ripening raspberries.  The wild roses will be blooming along with the Blue Flag Iris, Twin Flowers,  Cow Parsnip and many other colorful and fragrant wildflowers.

 

     Also appearing in July are newborn loons.  Loons in the BWCA usually have their young around the 4^th of July.  Look carefully if you see a loon because there’s a good chance there’s a little one riding around the back of their parent.  You may also see moose with their young in the water eating underwater plants or cooling off in the mid-day heat.

 

     The lack of bugs, addition of blueberries and good fishing are just a few of the reasons to visit the Boundary Waters in July.  With the solitude, scenery and serenity found in the BWCA it’s difficult to understand why anyone would want to swap fireworks in a city for fireflies in the wilderness.  But that’s what keeps the numbers down in the Boundary Waters in the beginning of July so I guess we should be thankful for the folks who have to stick with their city traditions for the 4^th of July and who leave the BWCA for the rest of us.

     A Canak is not to be confused with a Canuck, which is what we call people from Canada.  A Canak is made by Wenonah Canoe and is a hybrid watercraft that is part canoe and part kayak.  It’s the ideal boat for solo camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

     The Canak was made for the BWCA.  There is plenty of space for canoe packs with two compartments for gear.  One compartment is in the bow and the other in the stern with large openings on top so they are easy to access for loading and unloading.  Not only are they easy to paddle but also to portage since they are made of kevlar and have their own portaging yoke.  This feature makes portaging in the Boundary Waters a breeze and sets the Canak apart from traditional kayaks that are cumbersome on portages.

     The Canak weighs just 38 pounds, is 16.6 feet long and handles like a dream.  My 9-year old son took one out last year and was able to keep it tracking even in a fierce wind.  There is a spray skirt you can get for it to keep you and your gear completely dry.

     If you want to try one out  then come on up to Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, we’ve got four of them for you to try!

 

     Have you ever been camping in the Boundary Waters and witnessed a person all lathered up with soap jump into the water?  I cringe just thinking about seeing such a thing because I know even biodegradable soap contaminates the water.  

     In order for soap to biodegrade in the BWCA or anywhere it needs soil.  That is why it is recommended to wash dishes and yourself 200 feet from the shoreline. Think about where your cooking and drinking water comes from when you're canoeing and camping in the Boundary Waters.  This should encourage you to keep soapy water and other contaminates out of the lake. 

     If you wouldn't want to drink it then you shouldn't put it into the water.  Think about how bad bug spray tastes on your lips and how Deet can eat clothing.  Sunscreen, lotions and bug spray can end in the water if you go swimming without pre-washing yourself.  Just get a few pots full of water and rinse off well away from the water before jumping into the crystal clear lakes of the Boundary Waters.

     It would be nice to be able to not use soap or other contaminates while camping in the Boundary Waters.  While this isn't real practical you can find some soaps that are better for the environment than others.  Campsuds is a popular vegetable based cleaner that's been around since 1965.  It is competely biodegradeable as is Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap and a variety of others you can find online. 

     Just remember, in order for any soap to biodegrade it needs soil so keep it out of the water and focus less on keeping your body clean and more on keeping the lakes of the BWCA drinking water clean.

     The month of June in the BWCA finds all sorts of canoe trippers. From groups of men fishing to groups of students just released from school. There are a few families taking their vacations in June but it’s usually the serious fishermen who prefer to paddle during the month of June. 

     The water is still cool at the beginning of June and is perfect for catching walleye. Walleye is one of the most sought after fish in the BWCA for their tasty fillets. Fishing at dusk and dawn for these feisty fish usually produces great results. In addition to walleye the lake trout continue to be shallow and hungry until later in the month of June. Northern pike will bite in June and smallmouth bass begin their feeding frenzy about the 2^nd week in June. The fishing in the BWCA is good throughout the summer but it is excellent in June. 

      The wildflowers of the BWCA are really abundant in June. Wood anemone, roses, bunchberries, blue bead lilies and hawkweed are blooming and strawberries and serviceberries are ready to eat. It’s a great time to see the flora of the canoe country.

      The wildlife is out and about including some newly born ones. Moose, deer and bear may bring their young out on their first major explorations and if you’re lucky you’ll be there to see them. Young fox might be seen as well as pine marten, fisher and more.

     The longest day of the summer is in June and the days right before and after the solstice are perfect for paddling the BWCA. The sun rises just after 5am and doesn’t set until just after 9:00pm providing 16 hours of daylight to paddle and portage through the canoe country. A person wanting to cover some miles can certainly do so in June. 

     The water temperature begins to warm up in June and most people can tolerate swimming in the chilly lakes by mid-month. The average high air temperature is around 73 degrees and the average low around 51 degrees. The black flies are normally gone by mid-June and the mosquitoes taper off rapidly by then too. You’ll still have mosquitoes at dusk and dawn but once the sun goes down campers can enjoy time at the campfire.

      June with it's long days and short nights, warm waters and great fishing is a canoe country lovers dream.

 

     Each month in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers the canoe camper a different experience.  While the water temperature in May might be too chilly for swimming it's just perfect for catching a meal of lake trout.  There are lots of great reasons to plan a May BWCA canoe trip.
    
     The ice is usually off of most of the Boundary Waters lakes during the first week of May. This is the time of the year to go if you are in search of solitude or moose antlers. Moose lose their antlers during the winter and often times it’s along one of the portage paths. Being one of the first people on the BWCA portages means you could find one of these treasures. The USFS encourages you to leave the antler where you find it for others to enjoy. 

     As soon as the ice is off the loons return to the wilderness lakes of the Boundary Waters. The bald eagles will have already returned to their nests before the ice is off.  The mosquitoes don’t normally appear until later in May but the black flies could come any time depending upon the weather.  Wildlife viewing is generally very good due to the lack of people in the BWCA.

     Lake trout fishing in the Boundary Waters is phenomenal in May when the water of the BWCA is the coldest. The lake trout are close to the surface and are usually hungry for a meal so are eager to bite. They’ll continue to bite throughout the summer but they swim deeper and deeper as the summer goes on.

     The temperatures in May can be very warm or quite chilly. We’ve had snow and we’ve had 90 degree days in the Boundary Waters in May. The average daytime high temperature in May is 66 degrees and the average low is around 45 degrees. Rainfall is minimal with just under 3 inches being the average in the BWCA for May.

     If you're looking for a time to have the Boundary Waters all to yourself then take a canoe trip in May.  The smell of spring is in the air, the lake trout are biting and your chances of seeing wildlife are wonderful.  The BWCA is a great place to be in May.

     Every year we outfit a fair amount of Boy Scouts for their canoe trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  There is a Boy Scout Base over on Moose Lake outside of Ely, Minnesota but we have been told time after time that Scout Troops would rather outfit their BWCA trip with us. 

     We've heard from Boy Scout Troops who have outfitted with the Sommers Boy Scout Base and they have said our equipment is much nicer and the prices for outfitting with Voyageur are less expensive.  The quality of equipment is important when you're out in the wilderness and any little discount helps when it comes to how much a BWCA trip costs especially for Boy Scouts who often have to fundraise for all of their money.

     Another reason Boy Scout Troops like us is that we're located at the end of the Gunflint Trail.  Moose Lake where the Scout Base is located is quite busy and and our location is less hectic.  Scout Troops love to be made to feel special and at Voyageur we make them feel very special.  We provide each Scout with a map, t-shirt and patch when they choose the complete outfitting package.

     Unlike the Boy Scout Base or other Boy Scout destinations you don't need to reserve your space at Voyageur three years in advance of your trip.  You can reserve now for a trip this summer or you can even wait until April or May to let us know.  Chances are there will be plenty of permits available for your Scout Troop to camp in the Boundary Waters.

     We love to outfit all types of groups and individuals at Voyageur and we'd love to see you all this summer.  If you know of a Boy Scout Troop that might be interested in a BWCA canoe trip then be sure to tell them about Voyageur, we'll take great care of them.