About the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

About the BWCA

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is within the Superior National Forest of northern Minnesota. Sometimes referred to as the North Country or Canoe Country, the Boundary Waters Minnesota wilderness offers 1,200 miles of paddling routes via lakes and streams and portages, fishing, camping and hiking trail opportunities. It is over 1 million acres in size and includes over 1,100 lakes as well as rivers and streams. The BWCA includes over 2,200 designated campsites. The Boundary Waters contains the largest area of uncut forest in the eastern United States. For over 150 miles, the BWCA is adjacent to the Canadian border. It has contiguous border with Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park.

Wildlife abounds in Canoe Country. Timber wolves, bald eagles and moose may be the main attractions, but many other species call the BWCA home. These species include black bears, bobcats, falcons, loons, beaver and deer.

The Boundary Waters Wilderness was established in 1978 under the 1964 federal Wilderness Act.  Thus, it falls within the United States national wilderness preservation system. As a wilderness, the BWCA is not solely for human use.  Wilderness exists for ecosystems to function largely unchanged.  Wildlife, both flora and fauna, co-exist with human visitors. Wild beauty abounds here.

Permits are required for access to the Boundary Waters. Permits are for a specific entry point. Any camping may only be done in any one of 1.200 designated campsites. Leave No Trace camping is a must.

Sit on our dock as you prepare to depart on your Canoe Country adventure and listen.  The loons are calling you to come and pay them a visit.  Along the way, you may see moose, eagles, and all sorts of other wildlife.  Rock outcroppings with ancient paintings can be found as well.  And, of course, lots of fish.  The BWCA is remarkable.