This was our first trip to the BWCA. We brought 2 adults and 4 kids (ages 6-11)! We purchased the Complete Outfitting Package with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters to make sure that we had everything we needed and to keep the trip as simple as possible from a packing perspective. It was a FANTASTIC experience!
The Voyageur staff was very professional and really took the time to go over the equipment, route, and maps with us until we felt comfortable. They also put us up in a nice rustic cabin and served a great pancake breakfast to get us going with a strong start. All of our equipment was in excellent condition and packed perfectly. The food was generous, well-packed, labeled perfectly, and really good. When we returned from our BWCA adventure, the staff had our car pulled up for easy loading, took care of all of the equipment immediately, and offered us towels and a shower.
I have done lots of camping trips before, but have never been outfitted by a company. This is really the way to go. I HIGHLY recommend VCO for their professionalism, high quality of gear, level of support, and the convenience.
Name: MB
City: Minneapolis
State: MN
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip
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.
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.
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.
Larch Creek, Entry Point 80 into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a great place to begin your BWCA canoe camping adventure. It's perfect for a day trip or a multiple night wilderness camping trip. You can choose to do a base camp on Larch Lake and come back out the same way or paddle in through the Creek and come out through Saganaga Lake or Gunflint Lake via the Granite River.
Larch Creek is a little bit different than your typical entry points into the Boundary Waters. It's a narrow, winding creek surrounded by Larch trees and tall reeds. The creek is quite shallow and there are numerous beaver dams along the way. Paddlers must be prepared to get out of their canoe to make it over the beaver dams and should plan on getting their feet wet as with any other time you get into and out of a canoe.
Larch Lake was affected by the Ham Lake Fire in 2007 so there is new growth of jack pines everywhere. There are some older trees along the lakeshore and quite a few at the island campsite. The island campsite is like an oasis in a desert and it's an absolutely perfect BWCA campsite. The other campsites on Larch are a little grown over but the one in the back bay is nice too.
If you feel like traveling and camping at a different site then you'll head to the Granite River. The River flows north to Saganaga but the only place you'll find much current is at the rapids and there are portages around those. It's just as easy to paddle upstream as it is to paddle downstream. It's farther to travel out to Saganaga so if you want more paddling then north is the direction to go and if you want less paddling and portaging you can travel south to Gunflint Lake.
Larch Entry Point is a great Boundary Waters Route for anyone but especially for those without much canoe camping experience. If you don't have much time then it's also a good entry point into the BWCA because you can be into the BWCA in minutes and camping in no time. The only time Larch isn't a good Boundary Waters route is when the creek is too low to navigate. If it's been really dry for a long time then the water levels can make the creek almost impassible.
Any other time Larch is a great place to enjoy the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
View Boundary Waters Route Larch Creek in a larger map
Little Vermilion Lake is located immediately downstream of the Loon River. It is part of the Namakan Resevoir which includes Crane, Kabetogama, Namakan and Sand Point Lakes. As they exited Little Vermillion Lake they left the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and will not be paddling the BWCA anymore this trip. They spent their first night outside of the BWCA on Sand Point Lake.
Day 12 will find the Voyageur Crew paddling in a park of their own name, Voyageurs National Park.
11 Days of Paddling for the Voyageur Hudson Bay Crew
Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures
It can be a difficult decision to determine where you want to enter the Boundary Waters. There are entry points throughout the wilderness from as far west as Crane Lake to as far East as the Arrowhead Trail. You can even enter the BWCA from the Sawbill Trail or near Isabella, Minnesota. There are so many different entry points it's hard to know just where to begin.
Even though we are BWCA outfitters at the end of the Gunflint Trail we have paddled all over the canoe country wilderness entering through Crane, Brule, Moose and many other Boundary Waters entry points. While each area is beautiful we are obviously partial to the entry points on the Gunflint Trail.
We have deeper lakes, higher cliffs and of course we can outfit you if you choose to enter on the Gunflint Trail. That alone should help you narrow it down to the Gunflint Trail. Once you've determined that you can think about the type of trip you want to take and how much you want to paddle, portage and fish.
If you're fishing for a particular species then you can narrow the options down even further because not every lake has every species of fish. If you don't want to have to portage at all then you can eliminate quite a few of the BWCA entry points. If you want to hike on a hiking trail while out canoe camping then your options are really limited. How can you find all of this out without spending days reading guide books?
Voyageur has a great trip route finder that will help you pick an entry point into the BWCA. You can enter criteria into the program and it will provide you with trip route options as well as maps. After you narrow it down that way then give us a call or drop us an email so we can talk about your routes. We've paddled the routes and can help you find one that may be more suitable than had you played pin the pin on the BWCA map.
Check out the route planner today! http://owl.boreal.org/canoeit.com/route-search/
This blog entry was written by Adam Maxwell and edited by me. He and three other young men are paddling from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay this summer.
The most feared experience among people paddling the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is the fear of capsizing. There aren't polar bears, grizzly bears, poisonous snakes or other deadly creatures to worry about in the BWCA but capsizing in the canoe country is a real risk, especially to those who paddle early in the spring or late in the fall.
I experienced the fear of capsizing in the Boundary Waters in early May of 2009 while working at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters. I started my canoe camping trip the day before fishing opener for an early season, 8- day solo wilderness canoe trip. When I left American point there were still a few ice chunks floating on Saganaga Lake and plenty of snow hidden by the shade of the trees. After months of winter this trip was just what I needed. The solitude of the woods and the lake trout crusing the shallow water were calling my name.
On the fifth day of my Boundary Waters trip things took a turn for the worst. Just after leaving my BWCA campsite on Ogish I made the mistake of looking at my Boundary Waters map instead of the waves that were hitting my canoe. A gust of wind kicked up and the freezing cold water hit me like a brick. I was completely submerged in the water and at least 100 feet from shore. I could hear the last words Mike had said to me before I left, "Be careful, if you tip in this cold water you have about three minutes to get out of the lake."
I realized I needed to leave my canoe and main pack to swim toward shore with the little dry bag I had strapped to the thwart of my canoe. The bag contained a few items of clothing and some matches. When I made it to shore I was completely exhausted and with my first step onto land I stumbled and hit the ground. Struck with fear I retreated to the woods to escape the wind and put on what little dry clothing I had.
About an hour later I saw a group of canoeists, the first I had seen in three days. I yelled to them and in no time they had retrieved both my canoe and my pack. I knew I would make it through my worst moment in the BWCA.
Looking back I’m glad I experienced what I did. Nothing helps a person become a better paddler faster than a life threatening experience. The realization that a great day can turn deadly in a heartbeat has forced me to think through my actions better. It was a lesson that I had to learn the hard way, but a lesson I will never forget. Adam Maxwell
This lesson will help the Hudson Bay Expedition Crew as they make their way from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay this summer.
One question we get asked when people are doing their canoe trip planning is, "When is the best time to come to the BWCA?" This is a good question and thankfully if they are wanting to come canoeing we can eliminate half of the months when the lakes are frozen.
The paddling season in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness generally begins the first week in May and extends into October. The temperatures vary considerably as do the water levels, fishing and bugs. These things are closely related to when the ice goes off and what sort of weather we've been experiencing.
It would be nice to say, "The ice goes off the lakes on May 2nd, the lake trout start biting on the 15th, the walleye bite begins on the 22nd, the mosquitos arrive on the 25th, the black flies begin on June 4th, the smallmouth bass start hitting on June 10th and so on and so forth. Unfortunately that isn't how it works and we must say things like, "Our ice on Saganaga usually goes off the first week of May, but one time we still had ice on the fishing opener and another time we were able to use a boat during ice fishing season."
Canoe trip planning involves alot of things. If you have questions you can feel free to call or email us. Check out our list offrequently asked questions and with a little luck and a little help from us, you'll plan the perfect canoe trip.
Just like all of the different shapes and sizes a snowflake can fall to the earth as Boundary Waters routes come in all shapes and sizes. There are so many lakes and portages in the 1.3 million acre Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness they say there are over 1200 routes to choose from. I would guess there are even more routes than that since the park stretches over 150 miles in some places. No wonder folks have a difficult time determining what Boundary Waters Route they should travel with the over 2000 wilderness campsites to choose from who would know exactly where to go?
The first place I reccommend asking about canoe routes is a BWCA canoe trip outfitter. As an outfitter and an avid paddler I have paddled in most of the lakes in the Gunflint Ranger District and many of them out of the Ely District. Not all outfitters paddle the lakes of the canoe country but most of them have at one time or another. Regardless most BWCA outfitters have a vast knowledge of the lakes and portages in their area.
A wilderness canoe camping trip is normally a great experience but I've heard people tell horror stories about BWCA lakes and portages. When I've inquired asking for further detail and to show me on the map they'll point to some route that isn't even maintained as a route anymore or they'll describe where it was and I'll know from previous experience that's where a moose path is, not a portage. If they would have checked with an outfitter first then most likely they would not have spent an afternoon bushwhacking through shoulder high brush or dragging their canoe through a dried up beaver pond.
Most outfitters are willing to give you a little advice even if you aren't outfitting with them. We charge for a full map routing session but if it's just a question or two then we're more than happy to answer the questions. We want people to have a good BWCA experience so they will return again and bring their friends or their kids or their friend's kids.
Deciding your canoe route is an important decision you should think about carefully. We have a trip route planner on our website as well as maps to go along with it. If you have questions then feel free to give us a call or drop us an email. We can even send you maps of the area so you can plan and dream in the comfort of your own home.
While you're at it, keep an eye on the snowflakes and remember the BWCA has endless route possibilities just like the shape of a snowflake.
Dreaming of and planning a canoe trip are two different things. If you want to take a BWCA canoe trip this summer then just give us a call at Voyageur, 1-888-CANOEIT. We can help you plan the route, reserve the permit and get you set up with all of the gear you need.
We're trying to help another group of people plan a different kind of canoe trip this summer. Voyageur Canoe Outfitter crew members Andrew Spaeth, Adam Maxwell, Mike Swenson along with Ranger Janice Matichuk's son Leif are planning to paddle from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay. We're not quite as familiar with the lakes and rivers of the area in Canada but we're very excited to be a part of their trip.
Every canoe camping trip is an adventure whether it's in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Quetico Park or the vast wilderness of Canada. We get excited to help everyone plan their trip because it's such an awesome experience. So, don't delay, give us a call today so we can start planning your 2011 BWCA trip.
There's only so much time to paddle and portage when you're on a BWCA canoe trip and you can't make it to every wilderness lake in the area. Often I sit in the tent at night planning the next day and wishing I could take a side trip into a nearby lake. Unfortunately I don't have endless time to explore the Boundary Waters even though it is right in my backyard.
I often find myself in an internal debate. Do I want to see something new or would I rather go back to a BWCA route I've been on? Maybe a little bit of both is the perfect mix for a Boundary Waters trip. There's something comforting about the known but exciting about the unknown.
Good thing I have all winter long to pour over my BWCA maps and plan my first BWCA route of paddling season 2011.
The two most popular Boundary Water maps are Fisher and McKenzie. Both companies have been around for quite awhile and offer waterproof, tearproof, detailed BWCA maps. Fisher maps are recognized by their yellow and blue colors while McKenzie are white and blue.
Newer to the BWCA map market are the Voyageur Map series and National Geographic maps. The Voyageur map series are fine for navigating while the National Geographic maps should not be used for navigational purposes. There are two BWCA maps by National Geographic one for the Eastern side of the BWCA and one for the West. Both provide a great overview of the area complete with campsites but not enough detail to navigate the canoe country.
We sell a great overview map of our area at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters. It's a multi-purpose map as it is printed on a bandana. Our guests have loved these and you will too. We also sell all of the other Boundary Waters maps online so check them out and don't leave a BWCA entry point without a map or two. It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially in the Boundary Waters.
Experience the real wilderness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on Saganaga Lake this October. This vast wilderness lake has more than just beautiful islands and abundant wildlife it is teeming with fish as well.
October is the time to fish these wilderness waters for the trophy you have always wanted to catch. The Minnesota State Record Walleye was caught in Saganaga Lake and no doubt there’s a record breaker out there in the depths of this BWCA Lake. Monster Northern Pike are also swimming in these waters just waiting for your lure to pass by so they can strike it.
Camping in the Boundary Waters in October can be a bit chilly but not when you’re camping in style. A canvas tent protects you from the elements and the wood stove keeps you nice and toasty. Sleeping on cots keeps you off of the cold ground and keeps you comfortable while camping in the BWCA.
The use of a boat and motor in the Boundary Waters is only allowed on a few special lakes. Saganaga Lake is one of the lakes you can use up to a 25hsp motor on. Using a boat and motor will get you to your fishing spots faster and allow you to explore the hidden bays on this beautiful island studded wilderness lake.
If you really want to treat yourself then consider taking a guide along with you on your Boundary Waters Fall Trophy fishing and camping trip. Otherwise let us pack all you need for a wilderness adventure and we’ll send you on your way.
Guided Boundary Waters Camping Trip
Includes:
Guide | Canvas Tent | Packs |
Boat, Motor, and Gas | Wood Burning Stove | Saw and Ax |
Bait | Cots | Cook Stove |
Net, Anchors, Life Jackets | Sleeping Bags | Lantern and Fuel |
Fish Finder | Camp Tables and Chairs | Tarp |
Food, Snacks and Staples | Hammock | Rope, Cord |
Cook kit and Utensils | Map | First Aid Kit |
Clean up stuff, TP, Paper Towels | Water Filter |
|
Per Person | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days | Each additional day |
2-4 people | $799.00 | $949.00 | $999.00 | $99.00 |
5-8 people | $649.00 | $799.00 | $899.00 | $89.00 |
Self-Guided Boundary Waters Fishing Trip
Includes:
Orientation | Canvas Tent | Packs |
Boat, Motor, and Gas | Wood Burning Stove | Saw and Ax |
Bait | Cots | Cook Stove |
Net, Anchors, Life Jackets | Sleeping Bags | Lantern and Fuel |
Fish Finder | Camp Tables and Chairs | Tarp |
Food, Snacks and Staples | Hammock | Rope, Cord |
Cook kit and Utensils | Map | First Aid Kit |
Clean up stuff, TP, Paper Towels | Water Filter |
|
Per Person | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days | Each additional day |
2-4 people | $550.00 | $625.00 | $700.00 | $70.00 |
5-8 people | $500.00 | $575.00 | $650.00 | $60.00 |
Economy Boundary Waters Camping Trip
Includes:
Boat, Motor, and Gas | Canvas Tent | Wood Burning Stove | ||||
Per Person | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days | Each additional day | ||
2-4 people | $225.00 | $275.00 | $$325.00 | $50.00 | ||
5-8 people | $175.00 | $225.00 | $275.00 | $45.00 | ||
At Voyageur Canoe Outfitters we love to introduce people to the Boundary Waters. The experienced paddlers who come year after year are fun too and we often learn things about the area from them as well. However, our complete outfitting package is designed for someone who has little or no gear or someone who doesn't have time to pack up all of their own gear.
We prepare the canoe packs with everything needed for a canoe camping trip into the Boundary Waters. Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tent and tarp provide a comfortable sleeping experience in the wilderness while items like a stove, fire starter, cook kit and all of the food ensure hunger is not a problem while out camping. Guests choose a combination of fresh and freeze dried items from our expansive menu and we make sure it is packed and ready for them upon their arrival.
We like to ease our guests into the idea of canoe camping in the BWCA by inviting them to spend the night before their trip in one of our private bunkhouses. That way we can spend some time with them at a trip routing session going over all of the information necessary to enjoy a BWCA canoe trip. We show them the equipment they will be using, tell them how the food is packed and go over the map and route with them. Then if any on the water practice is needed we can show them that too.
Outfitted with a canoe, paddles and life vests guests spend the night at Voyageur before getting their fill of pancakes on the morning of their departure. Staying across the river at Voyageur is quite similar to camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. You can only get to the other side by paddling a canoe and without telephones, cell service and television it feels quite remote. Some guests enjoy spending their days paddling and hiking yet like a roof over their head at night. A bunkhouse stay is a perfect way to get comfortable with the Boundary Waters experience.
We know you will enjoy your Boundary Water's experience and hope you will make Voyageur a part of it. There's still time to come paddle this season so give us a call today. 1-888-CANOEIT
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