?? a beginner's guide to the boundary waters





explore minnesota | minnesota outdoors | paddle, portage, repeat | two people paddling in a canoe with the sun shining on them [ [link removed] ]




by cinnamon janzer

Accessible primarily by canoe, the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota is one of America's most beautiful and remote adventures. It has 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 11 hiking trails and approximately 2,000 designated campsites.






Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - Camera Roll [ [link removed] ]




slow down to enjoy
View of giant Cumulus clouds above the Boundary Waters [ [link removed] ]

 

While it can be tempting to paddle your heart out and see as much as you can, the best way to do the Boundary Waters the first time is to pick a central spot to set up camp and take day trips from there. That way, you’ll spend more time exploring and less time packing and unpacking, portaging your canoe and taking your tent down just to set it back up again.






left double quotation mark in yellow
if you head out without a plan, chances are you’ll feel more like you’re on a bad episode of 'survivor' rather than in one of the most incredible places on earth.
right double quotation mark in yellow









pre-trip prep
Woman with a canoe in the Boundary Waters [ [link removed] ]

 

The key to a successful Boundary Waters trip is proper preparation. If you head out without a plan, or sans necessary equipment, chances are you’ll feel more like you’re on a bad episode of “Survivor” rather than in one of the most incredible places on Earth.

 

When packing, make sure you have the essentials covered:


* Two full sets of weather-appropriate clothing
* Footwear that functions well in water and on rocks
* Rain gear
* Dry bag
* Zinc (leave the sunscreen at home—it pollutes the water!) and bug repellant
* Toiletries
* A compass, flashlight, Boundary Waters map and any other wayfinding equipment plus spare batteries
* Fishing gear if you plan to drop a line in the water
* A water bottle and water purification tablets (or pump)
* A Swiss Army or multi-tool knife
* Matches in a waterproof case
* Easily transportable foods in lightweight, paper or plastic containers

 

Don’t forget that no cans or glass bottles are allowed in the wilderness. You won’t want to hassle with anything that isn’t worth its weight to portage (yes, you’ll be carrying your canoe and everything else you brought if you plan to travel between lakes). A good rule of thumb is if you can’t portage everything you brought in one trip (or two at the most), you probably brought too much. Plus, the less you have, the easier it is to leave no trace!






screenshot from Explore Minnesota's BWCA Beginner Guide Reel [ [link removed] ]




*WATCH THIS BEGINNER GUIDE* [ [link removed] ]






 

getting gear and finding guides
View of the stars while camping at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness [ [link removed] ]

 

Whether you’re looking for a guide or simply some solid options for renting a canoe or other essential gear, you’ll find ample options in nearby towns. *Ely [ [link removed] ]* has over 20 outfitters alone, there are several located along the *Gunflint Trail [ [link removed] ]* and in *Grand Marais* [ [link removed] ], a few near *Tofte [ [link removed] ]* and one in Babbitt. Trip outfitters can help you with canoeing equipment, camping supplies and the best boundary waters routes.

 






*LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BWCA* [ [link removed] ]






Author Portrait of Cinnamon Janzer [ [link removed] ]


*Cinnamon Janzer* is a freelance journalist based in Minneapolis who writes broadly about culture, business and travel. Her words have been published in National Geographic, New York magazine, The Washington Post, Fast Company, Eater and USA Today.











last, but not least

You’ll need an entry permit from *recreation.gov [ [link removed] ]* that’s linked to the specific entry point you plan on using before you hit the water. The type of permit you need depends on the type of trip you want to take (overnight or day use, hike or paddle), and remember that *fishing licenses [ [link removed] ]* are additional.






related content

MORE BWCA IDEAS & ADVENTURES

 

*?? Choose your own adventure, BWCA edition >> [ [link removed] ]*

 

?? *Three resorts to stay in near the BWCA and Gunflint Trail >> [ [link removed] ]*

 

?? *How to experience Voyageurs National Park in a weekend >> [ [link removed] ]*

 

?? *Plan a trip along the Superior Hiking Trail >> [ [link removed] ]*






"credit from top to bottom, left to right: couple in canoe, photo by Paul Vincent  | " woman paddling, photo by Paul Vincent"  |  person portaging, photo by "Joe Baumann  "|  looking at stars, photo by ""Paul Vincent "" |  clouds above the BWCA, photo by Lauren Cutshall  "|  """"""person by canoe in gear, photo by """""Steve Piragis""  "|  POV: canoe, reel by Explore Minnesota"  "|  "stars at night in the BWCA, photo by Lauren Cutshall"""""""  "|  author bio portrait of Cinnamon Janzer"""






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