Reserve Boundary Waters Permits, Quetico Permits - Costs and Rules
BWCA Entry Permits And Quetico Entry Permits For Your Paddling Trip
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry permits and Quetico entry permits for access into either canoe wilderness are controlled by a permit quota system managed by the US Forest Service and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Only a limited number of permits are issued for each day at each entry point. The Forest Service sets the BWCA permit rules and BWCA permit costs.
A US Forest Service issued BWCAW permit is required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness which is part of Superior National Forest. They are issued on a first-come-first-served basis, on a date in January specified by the Forest Service.
Therefore it is VERY important that you select your trip dates as early as possible. This will allow you to have your BWCAW permits reserved and guarantees your group can enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness on your chosen date.
Quetico Park permits are issued 5 months to the day in advance.
Our season, here in Ely, Minnesota, runs from Ice Out (or early May, whichever is later) until the third Saturday in September.
Choosing the Right BWCA Permit
People come to the wilderness for many reasons; solitude, exercise, fishing, to see wildlife, adventure, etc. It is important for our staff at Williams and Hall to understand what you want from your wilderness experience. This will allow us to better recommend the Boundary Waters permits that will best suit your needs.
All entry points are not created equal, and a great deal of your success will rest upon which Boundary Waters or Quetico Park permit you obtain. We spend a lot of time with our guests talking about their trip objectives and offering suggestions on appropriate entry points. Group leaders can help us understand party size and capabilities which are important considerations. As the permit holders, group leaders are important in the planning process.
For those who may already be familiar with some of the U.S. and Canadian entry points, see some entry point travel suggestions here.
Hint: Always have some flexibility. If you can provide a second and third choice of entry points and entry date, your chances of getting a permit increase exponentially.
RABC - Remote Area Border Crossing permit
Since you will be crossing the U.S./Canadian border at an uncontrolled entry point, you must obtain a Remote Area Border Crossing permit (CANPASS). The link below will provide you with the necessary form. The cost is $30.00 (Canadian Dollars).
Remote Area Border Crossing Pass (CanPass): Click button below to access the RABC form from the Canada Border Services Agency website.
Tech Note
After downloading the RABC form from the Canada Border Services Agency website, go to the downloaded file in the downloads folder on your computer, right click the file, and select “Open with Adobe…”
Don’t Forget About BWCA and Quetico Fishing Licenses.
Let Williams And Hall Help Reserve Your BWCA and Quetico Entry Permits
Most importantly, we will make all necessary arrangements for you, the permit holders. We steer you confidently through the permit process, so you can enter the BWCAW and Quetico Park.
Camping Permits/Fees [both U.S. and Canadian Trips]: Camping permits, which control your entry date and location must be reserved for every group of 1 - 9 campers.
9 Campers per BWCA Permit
One permit is required for every 9 campers. Make your reservation as soon as you have firm trip dates! Ideally, you should contact us in November or December. Please have a valid email address and have identified an alternative group leader to list on the permit application.
We will make all necessary arrangements for your permits with the U.S. or Canadian officials as soon as your reservation is received.
BWCA Permit Costs
A permit will cost $6.00 (This is a reservation fee charged by the USFS). For U.S. trips, you will also be required to pay a USFS User Fee of $16.00 per adult and $8.00 per youth per trip at the time you reserve your permit.
Canadian Trips/Fees [Canadian trips only]: The user fee in Canada is $11.00 per night per adult (18 +) and $8.50 per night per youth (Canadian Dollars). This fee is paid directly to the Canadian Ranger at Prairie Portage when you enter the park.
When you make a reservation, Parks Ontario (the Canadian reservation organization) will at your discretion allow you to pay any or all of your camping fees.
The nightly charge is $21.50 per night per adult and $8.00 per night per youth (under 18). All charges are in Canadian Dollars.
Some Things to Remember about your BWCA Permits
Know the Rules [U.S. & Canada]: These are strictly enforced!
First of all, the maximum group size per campsite is 9 people in both the BWCAW and Quetico.
There are only designated campsites in the Boundary Waters or Quetico. However, permit holders can not reserve campsites in advance.
Campsites in the BWCA have fire grates. Campsites in Quetico Park do not.
No cans or bottles (either glass or metal), except for fuel or medicine are allowed in either park.
No firearms are permitted in the Quetico Park and we strongly discourage their possession in the BWCAW.
Finally, dogs are permitted in both parks, however, in Canada, they must have a current rabies certificate. They must also be under leash control.
Only permit holders can enter the BWACW or Quetico Park.
Permit Holders are required to carry their permit with them at all times.
Check out our Boundary Waters FAQ for more information
