Boundarywaters

     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.

     There are some people who say, "You have to have a kevlar canoe for the BWCA."  While I most often paddle a kevlar canoe on my Boundary Waters Canoe Camping trips I don't think everyone has to paddle one.  
     Kevlar canoes are great for BWCA canoe trips when there is going to be alot of portaging.  They are lightweight for carrying and make portages much easier for those without alot of strength and endurance. 
     It's also great to paddle a kevlar canoe when you're planning to travel alot.  The kevlar canoe is made for speed and paddlers in a kevlar canoe can get places pretty quickly.  Their streamlined design and almost weightlessness make paddling a kevlar a breeze.
     There are however a couple of times when you may not want to paddle a kevlar canoe in the Boundary Waters.  For an inexperienced paddler the kevlar canoe may feel less stable than a wider canoe.  If a beginner is looking for a solid, safe canoe then an aluminum or royalex canoe may be a better choice.  Also, if a person isn't planning to portage at all then the advantage of the lightness of the kevlar canoe no longer becomes important.  And if a person is planning to spend alot of time fishing then the royalex or aluminum canoe allows more room for gear and could be the better choice.
     I prefer to paddle and portage kevlar canoes and for most people they are the best canoe for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  However, you don't have to have a kevlar canoe to enjoy the BWCA even if you're planning to portage.  Some folks swear by their 100 pound sturdy boats and as long as you're in the Boundary Waters that's all that really matters.

     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!

     There are ways to improve your odds for catching fish on a Boundary Waters canoe camping trip.  I'll share with you five sure fire ways to experience success on your BWCA canoe trip.

     Make sure the Boundary Waters lake you are fishing in has the type of fish in it you are trying to catch.  There's no bigger waste of time than jigging for walleye when you're on a lake that doesn't contain walleye.  The MN DNR has a listing of most of the lakes in the BWCA and what type of fish are in them.  Make sure you're using the right technique to catch fish on the right lake.

     When you're on a Boundary Waters fishing trip make sure you bring along a good variety of lures and plenty of them.  There's nothing more depressing than losing the hot lure and not having a replacement one in your tackle box.   You'll no doubt lose a lure or two by getting them snagged on logs or rocks so bring along plenty of them so you don't find yourself without the one lure that was working the best.

     Before you head into the wilderness waters of the BWCA make sure you have good line on your reel.  Replace old fishing line with new 8-10 pound test and plenty of it.  Remember you'll get snags and tangles and you want to have enough line even if you have to cut it a couple of times.

     Go through the hassle of bringing along live bait.  Chances are you'll be able to catch plenty of fish in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness without live bait but why take the chance?  You can increase your chance of catching fish by having a good variety of bait for the fish to choose from.

     Lastly, spend plenty of time fishing while you're on your Boundary Waters canoe trip.  If you're constantly paddling from campsite to campsite then you won't have as much time to fish.  You'll lower your odds for catching fish if you don't spend enough time fishing.  Plan to set up a base camp and spend the majority of your time with your line in the water.

     Consider these five BWCA fishing tips when you're planning your next Boundary Waters Canoe camping trip.  You'll improve your odds of catching fish and of enjoying a fresh meal of fish while on your Boundary Waters fishing trip.

     If you have your Boundary Waters Canoe Trip for this summer all planned out then you can reserve your permit beginning January 25th, 2012.  If you don't have your plans determined then don't worry, there's plenty of time to make your plans especially if you're paddling out of the Gunflint Trail.  

     The Gunflint Trail side of the BWCA is not as heavily used as entry points into the BWCA near Ely, MN.  We'll often have Boundary Waters permits available up until the last minute.  However, if you want a particular entry point on a particular day then the sooner you reserve your permit the better.

     How do you reserve a BWCA Permit? You can give us a call with all of the information below and we'll do it for you or you can do it yourself.  It's quite easy and you can reserve your Boundary Waters permit online or by telephone(1-877-444-6777) When reserving a BWCA camping permit you'll need the following.

1. Name, address and telephone number of the party leader.
2. Name of up to 3 alternate party leaders
3. Number of watercraft(estimated & can be changed) up to 4/permit
4. Number of adults & children(17 & under) estimated & can be changed upon arrival at your permit pick-up location.
5. Entry point & Entry Date(these are set in stone)
6. Exit Point(is not set in stone)
7. Permit Pick Up Location(Choose us, Voyageur Canoe Outfitters if you're outfitting with us or entering at an entry point near us).  By default the permit will be sent to the USFS Ranger Station closest to your BWCA entry point. 
8. Submit payment with a credit card($6 Reservation Fee, $16/adult, $8/youth)

     That's all there is to reserving a Boundary Waters canoe trip permit.  If you need help determining an entry point or route then feel free to give us a call.  We love to talk about canoeing in the BWCA.  1-888-CANOEIT

     We love to help our guests reserve their Quetico Park permits for their annual wilderness canoe trip.  Our jobs just got easier because the Quetico Provincial Park finally accepts reservations online. Most of the details are the same including the overnight camping fees for children and adults at $8.50 & $21.50 respectively.  There's still a reservation deposit of $100 required that gets applied to your overnight camping fees upon your arrival at the Ranger Station.  Reservation and cancellation fees depend upon whether you make your reservation online or call it in.  You can find those rates on their website.  

     We'll gladly still reserve your Quetico permit for your canoe trip but if you want to reserve your own online then visit their website and follow the directions below.

Pick your reservation type- Quetico is a backcountry reservation

1. Choose your arrival date(can only reserve 5 months in advance of the start date of your trip)

2. Pick your park- Quetico Park
3. Pick your party size- 9 or less*  Next you start an entry search by choosing one of      the options to the right. Find on Map, In a List or On a Calendar.
4. Pick your Residency- Non-Resident or Canadian
5. Pick your entry Point- Cache Bay is our closest

     You'll then be prompted to reserve or start a new search.  As with any website it's easier to create a profile before you begin the reservation process so you don't lose any of your reservation information.  You'll need to submit payment in the form of a credit card so have one nearby.

     If you'd rather make your reservation by telephone then check out the information below.  For questions regarding reservation policies you can find those  ONLINE.
 

From the Quetico Park website...

To make a reservation, cancellation or change by phone, please call:
1-888-ONT-PARK
1-888-668-7275

Simply call our toll free hotline (14 hours a day, 7a.m. to 9p.m. EST, seven days a week, 363 days a year).

Before you call remember:

• When making a telephone reservation, you will be asked for the following information:
  • park name
  • arrival/departure date
  • type of site required (hydro, tent or trailer, lakefront etc.)
  • your name, address, postal code, telephone number and email address
  • number in your party
  • method of payment (e.g. credit card number and expiry date)

     Yesterday we received a letter from the USFS outlining changes made to Boundary Waters entry point quotas and campsites.  According to the Forest Service 114 campsites were affected by the fire.  Not all of those received equal fire damage and out of those only 75 campsites will be closed at the beginning of the 2012 season. 

     The Forest service will open the BWCAW campsites when the sites are safe and rehabilitated.  Some campsites just need some snags removed while others need attention to prevent erosion.  The USFS said, "Forest Service crews will be opening most campsites early in the 2012 season."

     The were 23 lakes with campsites that were affected and of course none of these were near the Gunflint Trail.  The lakes included are, One, Two, Three, Four, Hudson, Insula, Horseshoe, Brewis, North Wilder, South Wilder, Harbor, Clearwater, Gull, Pietro, Hudson Pond, Baskatong, Bog, Isabella Lake, Isabella River, Kawashong, Quadga and Rice.  The reductions range from 1 campsite removed up to 13 on Insula. 

     In order to prevent crowding in this area of the Boundary Waters the USFS has reduced quotas for entry point lakes.  According to their document there will be no quota for Little Isabella River, Bog Lake or Island River and the Pow Wow Hiking Trail is closed until further notice.   Isabella Lake will have 1 permit a day as will Snake River.  All of these areas have restrictions regarding day use and directions which one may go so be sure to check with an outfitter or the USFS before traveling.  Lake One lost 4 permits a day but gained 2 permits called Lake One Restricted. 

     The Lake One Restricted will be in place until the other four permits are added to the regular Lake One quota.  Folks entering the BWCA with the restricted permit will not be allowed to camp on Lake One, Two, Three, Four or Hudson at any time.  This isn't a problem for people who want to travel on the fist and last day of their canoe trip.

     On the Gunflint Trail we're thankful to have all of our entry point permit quotas in place and campsites ready for use.  We can start reserving BWCA permits on January 25th so give us a call 1-888-CANOEIT or send us an email to get yours reserved.

     There are so many reasons to visit the Gunflint Trail in the winter.  There are groomed cross-country ski trails, lakes to ice fish on, forests to snowshoe in, endless opportunties for snowmobiling, stars to gaze at and wildlife to watch.

     To see wildlife on the Gunflint Trail you don't even have to get out of your vehicle.  Just head up the hill out of Grand Marais and keep your eyes open.  Before long you'll most likely see a moose or three.  Thirteen moose from Grand Marais to the end of the Gunflint Trail in one drive is our record.  This year a friend of ours saw seven before making it half-way up the Trail.  

     Snowshoe hare, fox, pine marten, deer and wolves can often be seen while driving the Gunflint Trail as well.  If you want a closer look at deer then head up to Gunflint Lake where residents and resorters feed the deer sometimes from their hands.  Where there are deer there are sure to be wolves so the Gunflint Lake area is great for seeing and hearing wolves. 

     While out on a snowshoe trek the other day I saw an otter slide in the snow.  I haven't seen an otter yet this winter but they are around any open or moving water and are fun to watch.   

      Canadian Lynx are even spotted on the Gunflint Trail and side roads.   The Gunflint Trail is a winter wonderland where there's wonderful wildlife to watch.  Come see for yourself and visit us at Voyageur. 

     If there's one New Year's Resolution that should be easy to stick to it is to Visit Voyageur Canoe Outfitters in 2012.  Whether it is for a Boundary Waters Canoe trip or a stay at the end of the Gunflint Trail you must include a trip North on your 2012 Bucket List.

     The lakes are frozen but will be liquid once again before we know it.  We can reserve your BWCA canoe camping permit beginning January 25th but there's no need to worry if you don't have your canoe trip dates determined at that time.  There will still be plenty of permits available throughout the entire summer.

     Our cabins are booking up quite nicely for the summer of 2012.  There are still plenty of weeks open for you and your family to enjoy time at the edge of the Boundary Waters at the end of the Gunflint Trail.  Call today to reserve your place in the woods.

     We're wishing you the best in 2012 and we're hoping you'll include us in your New Year's Resolutions.

     It's a white winter wonderland at  Voyageur and we couldn't be happier with our snow.  The Gunflint Trail is a beautiful place to spend Christmas or any time of the year.  The BWCA is blanketed in snow and the lakes are almost all frozen.

     We're wishing you and your family the happiest holidays ever from our neck of the woods to yours.