Boundary Waters Trip Packages

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA), is a 1,090,000-acre wilderness area within the Superior National Forest in the northeastern part of Minnesota. There are a lot of similarities to Algonquin, but the permit process, route selection, and navigation are a little different. We’ve partnered with a seasoned (25 years!) local outfitter to facilitate and serve nonprofit group trips at discounted rates.

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About Permits & Fees

Package Details & Rates

FAQ (Other Logistics)

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Package Details

We offer one package for Boundary Waters trips, which is similar to the Deluxe Canoe Package offered in Algonquin — but with some serious upgrades!

Ultralite Kevlar Canoe Package

$74

Per Person/Day

Ultralight We-No-Nah Kevlar Canoes (42 lbs)

Bentshaft Paddles

Vest-Style PFDs

Superlight North Face or Kelty Tents

Superlight Sleeping Bags

Self-Inflating Sleeping Pads (Full-Length)

Compression Sacks

Maps w/Map Case (incl Trip Route)

Utility Cord (50 ft)

Cook Kit w/ Cleaning Kit

Stove/Fuel (if needed)

Bear Rope

Collapsible Water Bucket

Lightweight Folding Saw

Base Camp Overnight (Bunk House)

Showers (Post Trip)

Wilderness Food Package (+$10 pp/day)

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Permit Costs

BWCA Permit: $20/Group (up to 9)
USFS Camping Fee
- $8 per youth (17 and under)
- $16 per adult

About Permits

Permits in BWCAW work a little differently than in Algonquin. Rather than reserving a route, groups will reserve an entry point. The number of groups per entry point is metered/limited. Once inside the wilderness area, your route can be flexible.

This can be liberating, but it becomes more important to secure the appropriate access point for your planned route as early as possible.

NOTE: Permits will be secured by our outfitting partner on your behalf, paid by us, then billed on your final invoice for Boundary Waters trips.

FAQ (Other Details)

What are the group size rules in the Boundary Waters?

Like Algonquin, the Boundary Waters limits travel/campsite groups to 9 people. So larger group events will require registration of multiple travel groups. The park regulations are a bit tighter than Algonquin as it relates to congregating together with more than 9 people, on campsites, in particular.

Also, since the permit process limits group permits per access point over a given time period, larger groups that want to travel the same route throughout the week should secure reservations and permits early. If there are fewer permits available than you need, you may have to split your group across multiple access points.

The Boundary Waters is farther than Algonquin. Are there any good ways to break up that trip into a couple of stretches?

We’re working on that. There are some camps in northern WI (about 8 hours from Ely, MN) that may be able to provide overnight accommodations for groups traveling to and/or from. We’ll update this if/when that’s nailed down.

Will transportation to and from the trailhead be provided for our people and/or the canoes and gear?

You will self-transport your people from the outfitter’s location to and from the trailhead. Canoes will be moved for you.

Where is the partner outfitter located? What do I need to know about them?

Location is Ely, MN — basically the epicenter for outfitters serving the Boundary Waters. They have been operating and serving groups for 25 years.

What are the trip route options? Is it comparable to Algonquin?

There are a lot of similarities. Our partner outfitter has 25 years of experience helping groups plan routes. He will walk through ideas and options with you over the phone. One of the helpful resources for this conversation is paddleplanner.com, which has an interactive map of the Boundary Waters.
There are also some interactive maps on the BoundaryWaters.com website.

What “facilities” are available inside the wilderness area? Do they have “treasure chests?”

Like Algonquin, BWCA campsites have what they call latrines, which are the equivalent of the wood box approach in Algonquin, but they are made of fiberglass.

Can multiple campsite groups travel together?

The Boundary Waters is a bit tighter than Algonquin when it comes to bigger groups. You can certainly travel together during the day but should avoid “rafting up” with several canoes out on the water. It is NOT permitted to congregate at campsites with more than 9 people, even if only for dinner and a talk. So plan to adjust your approach to those rhythms accordingly if your group is larger than 9.

Do we need to filter water in the Boundary Waters?

It’s recommended. Water filters are provided as part of the package.