Boundary Waters Canoe Area Expedition

Overview

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is renowned for its abundant wildlife, clear cool waters, and vibrant forests. Join our seven-day Boundary Waters trip to explore deep into the rustic backcountry of this northern gem. Paddle our lightweight canoes on pristine lakes and rivers. Travel flora-filled portage trails. Enjoy wonderful meals prepared by our professional guides. Stretch out beneath the stars listening to loon calls as waves lap the shore. In a park of one million acres with over 60 starting points, each route offers its own unique sights and adventures!

Wilderness Inquiry is one of the only organizations that provides two professional guides on its Boundary Waters trips. Our lightweight Wenonah canoes make paddling and portaging easier than ever.

Itinerary

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Your trip will begin in the afternoon at one of the three BWCAW ranger stations. The trailer will be unloaded here and your gear packed into large dry bags. The first day’s paddle will be to a island campsite on the western side of Saganaga. Prepare dinner and enjoy an evening around the fire as you discuss trip expectations with your group.

Rise early for breakfast. Break camp and paddle east, navigating through Saganaga’s many islands. Enjoy lunch on Munker Island with a refreshing swim. Make camp on American Point, a short distance from Canadian soil. Enjoy a fire and camaraderie as the sun sets.

Wake up to a strong cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast. Today you will take a day trip to the Canadian border. Enjoy lunch on a large outcropping of the Canadian Shield. Take pictures next to large obelisks marking the border on Monument Portage. Return to American Point for another beautiful sunset.

After breakfast break camp and load your boats for the paddle through Red Rock Bay towards the trip’s first portage. Enjoy the native foliage on the short 10-rod portage. Continue paddling south through Red Rock Lake. Challenge yourself to one more portage, this time 50 rods, before finding a beautiful campsite on Alpine Lake.

Take a slow morning as you settle in for a much-deserved layover day. Spend your time exploring the shoreline, fishing, or bird watching. Prepare a delicious lunch and learn about the Ham Lake fire of 2007.

Rise early and set out for your final portage of the trip. After following an easy portage to Seagull Lake, you will see the effects of the Ham Lake fire along the shoreline. Set up camp early and have time to enjoy your final afternoon.

Paddle across Seagull Lake to the access point. Help pack up the van and trailer for the ride home. Those who use WI's van transportation can expect to return to Minneapolis by that evening.

Dates & Fees

Wilderness Inquiry leads trips to this destination but currently has no dates scheduled for this itinerary. If you have a group of people interested, we can set up a customized adventure just for you! Please contact us or request a trip quote below if you are interested in a group trip to this destination.

Request Trip Quote »

What to Expect

TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: The BWCAW lies on the Canadian Shield, and is characterized by exposed granite with a thin layer of topsoil. The lakes and trails make this wilderness area one of the most accessible in the country. The BWCAW offers a wide range of route options from very easy to very difficult. Wilderness Inquiry runs trips all over the wilderness area, on all kinds of routes. Your Wilderness Inquiry staff will determine the route you will take, based on wilderness conditions and your group’s interests. No previous experience is needed to complete this trip.

TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: You will travel in 18-foot ultra-lightweight Wenonah Kevlar canoes, which hold two to three paddlers, plus all necessary gear. An average day’s travel consists of 3-6 hours of paddling, and you can expect 2-4 portages (short trail crossings) per day. The portages tend to be hilly and range from 20 feet to 1/4 mile. Travel distances vary from 6-12 miles per day with the exception of scheduled layover days.

WEATHER: Temperatures in the summer range from 40 F to 95 F. Rainfall can vary, but you should expect at least a day or two of rain.

YOUR GROUP: Your group size will be no larger than 7 people, plus 2 Wilderness Inquiry staff. Most groups consist of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities. Our trips are cooperative in nature. Wilderness Inquiry staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where they can. Part of the adventure involves learning about daily camp activities.

ACCOMMODATIONS: At night you will sleep in a comfortable tent that fits 2-3 people. Bathroom facilities consist of USDA Forest Service commodes.

MEALS: The fun of wilderness camping includes cooking in the wilderness, a challenge with great rewards. We pride ourselves on providing healthy ingredients for simple, plentiful dishes everyone will enjoy. Count on hearty breakfasts, trail lunches, plenty of snacks, and wonderful dinners, finished off with campfire s’mores. If you have special dietary restrictions, be sure to list them on your registration.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: Wilderness Inquiry will provide all group equipment. You will need to provide your personal gear as outlined in the packing list. If you are new to outdoor activities, you do not need to spend a lot of money. Wilderness Inquiry can usually arrange for you to borrow most items.

COVID POLICY: We continue to monitor and update our COVID-19 policies. Wilderness Inquiry strongly encourages everyone to be fully up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination and take other necessary steps for the health and wellness of all. We ask you to self-screen for any signs of illness prior to your trip’s departure. Please contact Wilderness Inquiry if you are exhibiting signs of illness. We will also continue to follow all guidance and requirements of locations that we travel, keeping in mind some international destinations do require vaccinations and/or negative covid tests. We will update this policy as new information and guidance becomes available.

SAFETY WHILE ON TRAIL: Though not required, some individuals may choose to wear a mask, and we expect all participants to respect this choice. Please ensure proper hygiene including, but not limited to, hand-washing and/or sanitizing before eating and after using the restroom. Individuals who become ill or test positive for COVID-19 during a Wilderness Inquiry experience will be isolated to the best of the group’s ability and are responsible for their own transportation and expenses to depart the trip.