Boundary Waters Canoe Trip
For paddlers taking a multi-day canoe-and-portage trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness during the May-September quota season.
- SeasonMay-Sept (quota season May 1-Sept 30)
- Length3-6 nights
- Sections8
- Items57
- Essential33
- Reviewed2026-10-07
Use this template All templates
Assumes a 3-6 night paddle-and-portage trip for a group of up to 9 people and 4 canoes entering on a quota permit from Superior National Forest. Covers permit pickup and the Leave No Trace video, the no-cans/no-bottles rule, designated campsites with fire grates and latrines, bear-resistant food storage and portage-friendly packing. Adapt for shoulder seasons (self-issued permits, cold water) and for current fire restrictions and wildfire closures.
Check before you go
- Overnight paddle permits are quota-limited May 1-Sept 30 (2026 reservations opened Jan 28 on Recreation.gov); fees were $16 per adult and $8 per youth per trip plus a $6 reservation fee in 2026, and the Forest Service has proposed higher fees from 2027.
- Permits are valid only for the listed entry point and date; pick up on the entry date or the day before with photo ID, and your whole group must watch the BWCAW Leave No Trace video series.
- Maximum 9 people and 4 watercraft together anywhere; one campsite per group at Forest Service designated sites with steel fire grates and latrines; 14-day limit per site.
- Cans and glass bottles are illegal except for fuel, insect repellent and medicines; repackage food and drinks into reusable containers.
- Bear-aware food storage order (April 1-Nov 30): hang food and scented items at least 12 ft up and 6 ft from the trunk, or use an IGBC-certified bear-resistant container (Superior NF rules, as of 2026).
- Fires only in the steel grates using small dead-and-down wood; drown and stir before leaving camp or sleeping. Fire bans and wildfire closures happen; check current forest alerts.
- Pack it in, pack it out: latrines are not trash cans; fish remains, bath and dish water go 200 ft from shore and camp; no out-of-state firewood; drones and fireworks are prohibited.
- A Minnesota fishing license is required to fish; dump bait water before each portage and pack out unused live bait.
What's inside
- Essential
- Optional
- Needs a permit
Permits & Planning 5/8
- BWCAW overnight paddle quota permit for your entry point and date Reserve on Recreation.gov; valid only for the listed entry point and date (quota season May 1-Sept 30).
- Photo ID for the permit holder or alternate at pickupPickup is allowed on the entry date or one day prior at the listed issue station.
- Whole group watches the Leave No Trace video seriesPart 3 is shown at permit issue; a seasonal LNT card speeds later trips.
- Minnesota fishing license if anyone will fish
- Route plan with campsites and portages shared with a contact
- Outfitter canoe rental and shuttle booking
- Check current fire restrictions and wildfire or entry-point closures
- Campground or outfitter bunk for the night before entry
Canoe & Portage Gear 6/9
- Canoes (no more than 4 watercraft per group)
- Life jacket (PFD) for every person, worn on the water
- Paddles plus one spare per canoe
- Portage yoke and pads
- Canoe packs with waterproof liners
- Dry bags for sleeping gear and electronics
- Bailer, sponge and painter lines
- Waterproof map case with BWCAW maps
- Leave portage wheels home unless using one of the five permitted portages
Food & Bear Storage 6/7
- Food repackaged: no cans or glass bottlesFuel, insect repellent and medicines may stay in original containers.
- IGBC-certified bear container or hang kit (50 ft rope, carabiner)Food storage order in effect April 1-Nov 30: 12 ft up and 6 ft out, or certified container.
- Reusable water bottles and a camp water container
- Water filter or treatment
- Stove and fuelFire bans are common in dry spells; do not rely on the grate.
- Cook kit and utensils
- Meals for each day plus one extra
Shelter & Sleep 3/5
- Tent with footprintPitch on the vegetation-free tent pads at designated sites.
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Tarp and cord for a rain kitchen
- Bug shelter or head nets
Clothing 4/7
- Quick-dry layers and wool socks
- Rain jacket and rain pants
- Warm layer (fleece or puffy)
- Water shoes or portage boots that can get wet
- Dry camp shoes
- Sun hat and sunglasses with retainer
- Bug jacket or long sleeves for mosquito season
Safety & Navigation 5/10
- Map and compass
- First aid kit
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Whistle clipped to each PFD
- Repair kit: duct tape, canoe patch, cord
- Satellite messengerNo cell service in most of the wilderness.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- EPA-registered bear spray
- Folding saw for dead-and-down wood only
- Lighter and matches in a waterproof case
Fishing (optional) 0/4
- Rod, reel and tackle in reusable containers
- Live bait in a bucket you can drain before each portage
- Fillet knife and a plan to dispose of remains 200 ft from shore
- Current Minnesota regulations for the lakes you will fish
Leave No Trace / Pack-out 4/7
- Trash bags; pack out everything, including food scrapsBurning trash is illegal.
- Latrines for human waste only; pack out wipes and hygiene products
- Bathe and wash dishes at least 200 ft from water
- Fires only in the steel grate; drown and stir until cold
- Final camp sweep; no new fire rings, trenches or cut vegetation
- Clean, drain and dry gear; no out-of-state firewoodPrevents spread of invasive species and emerald ash borer.
- Dispose of fish remains 200 ft from shore, camps and trails
Sources 2026-10-07
Rules, fees and conditions change. Verify with the official source before you go.
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Overnight Paddle Permits Recreation.gov / USDA Forest Service · 2026-10-07
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Rules and Regulations USDA Forest Service - Superior National Forest · 2026-10-07
- Rules and Regulations USDA Forest Service - Superior National Forest · 2026-10-07
- Camping on the Superior National Forest - 2026 Fees (PDF) USDA Forest Service - Superior National Forest · 2026-10-07