Boundary Waters Wilderness

     It's been pretty cold on the Gunflint Trail lately and I wouldn't want to have been out camping in the Boundary Waters.  Winter camping in the BWCA can be a fun thing to do, but not when the temperatures dip into the -30's!  Last night our low on the Gunflint Trail was -37 degrees actual temperature and it only got up to -3 degrees yesterday for the high. Yep, it's been pretty cold on the Gunflint Trail.

     That doesn't mean there hasn't been activity on the Gunflint Trail.  The birds have been feeding endlessly at the bird feeder. Neighbors have reported moose, wolf and lynx sightings and of course the fox have been out and about too.  As for the two legged folks on the Gunflint Trail their time outside has been a little shorter than usual especially when the wind has been howling like the wolves.

     The moon is approaching full and it's an amazing time to be in a snow covered wilderness. The moon reflects brightly off of the snow and it looks almost like daylight on the lakes of the BWCA.  If the temperatures don't increase a little bit then I won't be out skiing beneath the full moon this weekend.  Until then I'll be sure to keep the bird feeders full and a log in the fireplace.

 

It was a four day BWCA voyage that created memories that will last a life time. Friendship Ventures journeyed into the BWCA with 10 boys ages 13-16 years old. Divided into two teams we conquered choppy water, freezing rain, blistering sun, and heavy packs. This trip was a platform for these boys to realize and awaken their true potential. I saw my campers amazed by the wonders of the outdoors, wearing an "AH HA" on their face after every discovery of something new. I watched them stand on the edge of fear as they built the confidence to take a leap, After the water rushes over them revealing the things they afraid of are not so bad. I witnessed the power of empathy and selflessness on portages when someone took on the personal responsible to help out another that was struggling. This Boundary Waters trip was a wonderful experience and Voyageur Canoe Outfitter helped use make it happen. A big thanks to all the staff at Voyageur.

Name: Jason Colvin
City: Eden Prairie
State: Minnesota
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

We went on a two-night Boundary Waters camping trip starting June 20. It rained all night June 19, which was very cozy in the bunkhouse with a tin roof. It also rained all morning of our first day, but cleared off for supper. The second day was windy, but clear. We made clotheslines and dried everything out. The highlight came on the third morning when the sun came out! As we were eating breakfast, we watched a Mama moose and her baby swim from a nearby island to the other end of the island where we camped. There was also a bald eagle perched on a tree near our camp all three days. We felt so blessed to have another BWCA wilderness trip, and hope to return!

Name: Carol Spurlock
City: Rolla
State: Missouri
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

    

     The dates are set for our BWCA canoe camping tips for Women and we'd love to have you be a part of one. If you have ever wanted to take a Boundary Waters canoe trip then this is the perfect opportunity.
     It doesn't matter if you have paddled extensively or if you have never been in a canoe you are welcome to participate in a Voyageur adventure. Our trips are designed so you can learn the necessary skills while you're out enjoying the canoe country with other women. You'll participate in all aspects of the trip including setting up the tent, cooking, cleaning, portaging and of course paddling.
      The benefits of the wilderness are many and you'll feel a new sense of confidence after accomplishing a BWCA canoe trip.

Itinerary
You will arrive at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters on the first day of your session to meet the rest of your group and discuss your trip. After your routing session, you will pack up your personal articles and depart for 3 nights of camping and 4 days of paddling in the wilderness. Group participants will return to Voyageur on the 4th day and will spend the night in one of our luxurious Lodge Hideaway units to celebrate their accomplishment. Enjoy breakfast with us in the morning in our main lodge before you head for home with wonderful memories of your wilderness canoe camping experience.

Package
This package has been designed for women by women. This complete outfitting package includes everything you need for a wilderness canoe camping adventure. We provide sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, packs, food, canoe, lifevests, paddles and everything you need. You just bring your personal clothing, toiletry items and fishing gear if you want to fish. We send you a trip preparation packet prior to your trip to help you in the packing of your personal items. In an effort to bring awareness to women's health and to promote an active outdoor lifestyle we include a Pink Paddle made by Wenonah Canoe designed by owner of Voyageur Canoe Outfitter's Sue Prom. This is a lightweight, bent shaft paddle made from graphite that you will get to bring home with you.

     We are offering three scheduled Women's Trips for the summer of 2012. Each session features an easy route suitable for beginning paddlers and costs $500. To reserve your space on a trip just call us toll-free at 1-888-CANOEIT, tell us the session you want to participate in and secure your reservation with a deposit of $250.


July 2-6th- arrive & paddle on the 2nd, off water & stay in lodge on 5th, depart on 6th.

July 8-12th- arrive & paddle on the 8th, off water & stay in lodge on 11th, depart on 12th.

*July 15-19th- arrive & paddle on the 15th off & stay in lodge on 18th, depart on 19th. *For women 50 and older.
 

    Hauling hammocks, camp chairs and tables across BWCA portages isn't something I like to do even though I love to have them when I'm camping. I like the comfort they offer and a tent you can stand up in is pure luxury.  It seems the older I get the more comfort I crave and the only way to satisfy that craving is to do a base camp canoe trip.

     There are quite a few different Boundary Waters entry points to choose from for a base camp trip where you don't have to portage.  Saganaga is probably my first choice because I can use a boat and motor or have a towboat haul out some of my gear.  This allows maximum comfort including a cooler with ice and cots!

     Seagull Lake base camp is a close second choice for setting up a base camp.  I love all of the different day trip options there are to choose from.  I like to hike the portage into Grandpa or J.A.P. or get a line wet in Alpine or Rog. 

     East Bearskin Lake and Brule Lake entry points into the BWCA provide nice options for setting up a base camp as do a few of the lakes just outside of the Boundary Waters. Gunflint Lake, Poplar Lake, Birch Lake and Bearskin have wilderness type campsites that do not require a portage to get to or a permit to camp in.  Three entry points into the BWCA where you can park your vehicle and then portage into a campsite are Morgan, Ram and Bower Trout Lakes. 

     If you're looking for comfort, don't want to travel alot or are short on time then check out these base camping in the BWCA favorites of mine. 

     With Memorial Day weekend upon us some folks are looking to get away from the city.  Many of them want to flock north but don't think they can take a canoe camping trip into the BWCA with this short of notice.  The good news is there are still permits to enter the Boundary Waters available. 

     While I prefer to take longer canoe camping trips into the BWCA I do on occasion take one night and two night trips into the wilderness.  On these trips I prefer to find an entry point lake that doesn't involve a portage to get into.  Saganaga and Seagull Lake are my two favorite BWCA lakes for a quick trip. 

     A few other other entry points I like for a quick Boundary Waters trip are Larch Creek and Crocodile River.  With just a little bit of paddling and portaging you can be into a nice lake with good fishing.  This is also true for Magnetic Lake for accessing the Granite River.

     If you only have the weekend off then don't rule out the BWCA. There are plenty of great lakes to choose from and there are permits available at the last minute for many of them.

 

    

     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?

     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*

 

    

     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.

     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.

 

     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!

 

     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.

     Every once in awhile we'll hear the question, "Why should I paddle with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters?"  Our first thought to this question is, "Because we're the best!"  And while this statement is true it might sound a bit like bragging so we usually tone it down a little bit.

     Our answer to why take your BWCA trip with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters goes something like this.  We've been year round residents at the end of the Gunflint Trail since 1993 and have been outfitting BWCA trips since then. 

     We're 56 miles from the nearest town of Grand Marais, MN and you are already in the wilderness when you begin your trip up the Trail.  Just by driving the Gunflint Trail and coming to Voyageur you're farther into the wilderness than some people get on their Boundary Waters canoe trips.

     We love what we do and where we live and this shows.  Our enthusiasm and love of the wilderness is evident and we want to share this love with as many people as we can.  We take pride in being the best there is in BWCA trip outfitting.  We're knowledgeable about the Boundary Waters, Quetico Park, wilderness fishing and camping and everything Gunflint Trail. 

      We have an excellent facility and incredible staff and we provide a one-of-a-kind outfitting experience.  We guarantee your satisfaction with Voyageur and the number of repeat customers we have speaks loudly.  

     There it is in a nutshell.  While it may be easier to just say we're the best it's probably better to give the lengthy explanation, even though we really are the best!