Camping Canoe Trip

     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.

     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.

     Have you ever spent 77 consecutive days in a canoe? A few friends and I spent our summer between the mesh seat and the portage pads of a couple of Wenonah Champlains.
     Wenonah makes awesome canoes and the Champlain was nothing but impressive.  It's the perfect canoe for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the perfect canoe for any trip! It is obvious that Wenonah got it right when they designed this boat. It has plenty of room for packs, gear, fishing tackle, and even a duffer (or two). The canoe tracked like a dream across the big water of Lake of the Woods and Lake Winnipeg. In the white water on the Hayes and God's Rivers in Northern Manitoba it did exceptionally well! Even though the canoe measures at about 18 feet, it paddles like a 16 footer in the rapids. Easy to maneuver around obstacles and keep pointed down river.
     Voyageur Canoe Outfitters   outfits their BWCA canoe camping trips with Minnesota Made Wenonah canoes.  You can test out the Champlain on your next Boundary Waters or Quetico Park adventure with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.

Name: Andrew Spaeth
City: Truckee
State: California
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

     The 2012 Boundary Waters Permit Reservation process begins online on January 25th, 2012.  We can take your reservation any time prior to the BWCA permit season opening, just get us your information and we'll take care of it.

     There will be no lottery for BWCA entry point permits on the Gunflint Trail this year so we'll make all permit reservations on the 25th of January.  If you know your entry date and entry point then we can process your reservation now.  The number of people in the group, the exit date and exit point are all estimated so we just need the basic information to take care of your reservation for a Boundary Waters permit.

     We're looking forward to being a part of your BWCA canoe camping trip so give us a call today. 1-888-CANOEIT or visit http://www.canoeit.com

     Nothing gives us greater satisfaction than reading about our guests positive experinces in the wilderness canoe country.  We take great pride in offering the best service and quality there is in canoe trip outfitting in the Boundary Waters canoe Area Wilderness.  At Voyageur Canoe Outfitters we know your time is important and that's why we want to make the best of it when you're depending upon us for a wonderful BWCA canoe camping trip.
     Want to share your experience?  Then please do so on this blog or on Trip Advisor.  We'd be very appreciative and would love hearing all about your trip.

     Just when we thought we had seen the last canoe camping guests of the season another one decides to come.  We usually don't have people paddling and camping in the BWCA in November but with the forecast for the next couple of days I can't say I blame him.
     The Boundary Waters doesn't get much quieter than it is in November.  What a nice time to visit if the forecast is good and the forecast is good.  Temperatures are predicted to be up into the 50's with nightly lows right around freezing.  The bays won't freeze overnight and with a nice sleeping bag and sleeping pad neither will the campers.
     I'm sure they will be extra careful while paddling the BWCA as water temperatures are cold.  Hypothermia is a real threat this time of the year especially when both water temperatures and air temperatures are cold.  As long as they stay dry they will be fine.
     It's a wonderful time to be in the BWCA or at the end of the Gunflint Trail.  Wildlife is moving about and there is abundant peace and quiet to enjoy.

     Our canoe camping guests at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters are loving the fall colors and solitude of the BWCA.  "This is my favorite time of the year to paddle!" exclaims one of our campers.  Of course, there's plenty of reasons to love a fall canoe trip into the BWCAW and one of them is because it's even more of a wilderness with far fewer people out enjoying it.

     I love being the only person on a lake and not seeing anyone else for days.  It's the time of the year when I go out to do a solo trip because I really enjoy the solitude.  I like to swing in my hammock and sit by the lake without any bugs buzzing around.  It's a great time to gaze at stars and sleep beneath them.  Some people get lonely or don't like being in the woods alone but I crave it.   And as I write about it I get even more anxious to get out canoe camping in the Boundary Waters.

     I suggest you come up and enjoy a fall canoe trip with Voyageur.  It doesn't have to be solo and I guess you could come and enjoy the BWCA on day trips and stay in a cabin.  Whatever you do, just don't miss this awesome time of the year in the Boundary Waters or Gunflint Trail.    

After our family trip to the Minnesota North Shore and a day trip to the Boundary Waters last summer, I was excited to see a Living Social deal at the end of the summer for an everything included Three Day Boundary Waters Canoe Trip, good for one year.
So after consulting with a friend, we decided it would be a great weekend getaway for the husbands and two deals were purchased. What is nice about going through an outfitters, is that they give you everything that you need for your trip, including canoe, tent, sleeping bags, cooking stuff, and even all the meals. You just bring your personal items and fishing poles!

Last Thursday, my friend and I made the 7-hour trip north to the Boundary Waters. The first night is spent in a bunk house at the Outfitters, where they give you instruction on the equipment and how to survive in the Boundary Waters without getting eaten by a bear or losing all your equipment in the middle of a lake.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, they headed out for the wilderness. We spent the next 2-1/2 days canoeing, fishing,
cooking over an open fire, playing Camp Cards and reading by flashlight.

We had a little bit of stormy weather, which was not fun. Although we protected all of the food supplies by hanging it in a tree (like we were taught at the Outfitters), there was no sign of a single bear. Or coyote. Or eagle. Or even squirrel. Apparently all the wildlife in the Boundary Waters takes their vacation in August. Including the fish. My friend caught 4 fish the whole time. Me, I caught none. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

We did see some incredible sunsets though.
It was a great weekend of male bonding. We learned a lot and would definitely do it again.

The people at Voyageur couldn't have been better and we would definitely go back to them again.

Name: Carl
City: Chaska
State: MN
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

     We know kids these days don't spend enough time in the great outdoors. Soon they will get even less when school starts back up.  Why not give them some time to play and take advantage of all of the benefits of outside play by bringing them to the BWCA?
 
     The Boundary Waters provides a great place for kids to use their imagination.  Yesterday my son and his friends were pretending they were Rescue Swimmers as they jumped off of rocks and swam to a small island in the BWCA.  Pine cones have a number of uses for a child with an imagination as do sticks and other items found in the woods.  Creativity explodes while kids are in the BWCA.

     Kids learn self-discipline and enhance their problem-solving skills by spending time outside.  There are so many things to learn and opportunities to grow while canoe camping in the wilderness.  It's a great place to bond as a family before the busy school year starts back up.  Give your children and yourself a lasting gift this year and come on up to the Boundary Waters today.

     Not much of a paddle on the last day of July for the Voyageur Hudson Bay Expedition Crew.  But here's an interesting tidbit and a photo of the Voyageur Crew.
    
     Jeremy and Charlie paddled the Red River to Lake Winnipeg and then to God's Lake.  They had met Andy at Clear Waters Canoe Outfitting Company when they were picking up their Wenonah Canoe for their trip.  This is from the letter they wrote to Dan, the owner.

We are sitting in Thompson waiting for a train to Winnipeg. We have had a brilliant,brilliant trip. I don't know if you have been in contact with Andy. We met them on Playgreen Lake a day south of Norway House. We had just paddled through the night from Limestone Bay because the north shore of Lake Winnipeg was flooded and there was nowhere to stop. We had been asleep about an hour, camped on a tiny rock of an island when they came by and called to us, Andy recognised the canoe. They went on to Norway House and we followed the next morning. They stayed there one night, we stayed three, and thought we were a long way behind them, but we caught up with them at the rapids that enter Gods Lake where they had stopped a day to fish. We all had a couple of good days at the Narrows before they left for Gods River.

Last Day of July Voyageur Expedition

Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures

This was our 23rd year canoeing / fishing the Quetico. Many of the years consisted of two trips. This trip we paddled Lake Saganagons from Silver Falls to Boundary Point, camping and fished for 6 days. The weather was great, with a little of everything. Heat, storms and a few cool mornings that gets a fisherman excited. We do mainly catch and release, but do keep one or two for what I call " The best meal on a rock”. The largest Walleye was 28” (all four of us caught at least one) and the largest Northern measured out at 36 inches.

I can’t say enough about Voyageur Canoe Outfitters. With the loss of Superior Northern Outfitters during the Ham lake fire, we we’re taken in by Voyageurs. Mike, Sue and crew were great taking us in at the time and we have been with them ever since. They know how to pick a crew! The young adults they have working for them are always so friendly and helpful. We will be back as long as I’m able to carry my canoe and master the portages of Silver Falls and beyond.

Dennis Black (Stillwater, MN)

Name: Dennis Black
City: Stillwater
State: MN
Voyage: Quetico Park Canoe Trip

We set up base camp on Gneiss Lake in Minnesota's Boundary Waters and went portaging up the Granite river to go fising for the day. It was overcast and no wind - great for BWCA fishing or paddling. We were catching lots of Smallmouth all along the way and stopped for lunch a few rapids up on shore. I cast my top water popper out from the bank and boom, got a hit, set the hook only to find the lure and leader gone from my line. That was a bummer - Northern must have bit above the leader and cut the line. We went up another rapids and continued to have a blast catching fish. A few hours later as the sun was setting, we decided to turn back towards camp and shoot every rapids. Two rapids down we were enjoying the beautiful scene when my canoe partner points out something in the water...it was the top water popper I had stolen by a fish 5 hours earlier floating in the middle of the glassy lake two rapids down stream. UNBELIEVABLE! I snatched it up and rigged it up and caught many more fish. I also hooked myself in the arm with it the next day flinging it from a tree. You could say I developed quite the relationship with that lure on this Boundary Waters trip. Stuff like that just doesn't happen anywhere. Chad and the Voyageur Canoe Outfitters were great to us. I hope to be back to the BWCA next year.

Name: Chris
City: Peoria
State: IL
Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

     The Voyageur Hudson Bay Expedition Crew traveled about thirteen miles on the 11th. They paddled through MacVicar Lake and camped on Ralph Anderson Lake en route to God's Lake.  I would think all of the lakes up there would be considered God's Lake or at least be known as heaven.


I found this itinerary on another expedition's website...
The plan of attack for this trip is take the Hayes River to its closest point of connection the Gods River drainage, somewhere around Max Lake, and bushwhack to the waters of the Gods. Once on the Gods River drainage, it’s a series of lakes, rivers, rapids and portages to Gods Lake. Gods Lake is said to be a spectacular lake by those fortunate enough to see it. It boasts some of the best Brook Trout fishing in the world and is accessed by small aircraft (or canoe in this case). It runs generally northeast by southwest and its two main bodies are separated by a narrows where there are a couple of lodges and an airstrip. At the northeast end of Gods Lake is the head of Gods River. From here on, the route is 100 percent river. The Gods River runs some 120 miles to a confluence where it absorbs the waters of the Echoing River. Forty miles downstream from this point, the Gods River joins the Hayes River.

July 11th on the Voyageur Hudson Bay Expedition

Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures