The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a unique wilderness paradise along the Minnesota-Canadian border. The BWCAW offers a variety of outdoor activities including canoeing/kayaking, hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Paddling a canoe or kayak in the BWCAW provides access to the many lakes, rivers, portage trails, scenic waterfalls, and more.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities in the BWCAW, with access to many lakes and rivers….A true fisherman’s paradise. (No motorized equipment is allowed in the BWCAW.)
The BWCAW also offers multiple hiking trails including the Border Route Trail and the Kekekabic Trail. Trails include hiking to Eagle Mountain, which is the highest point in Minnesota, or you can hike to a 60-foot Magnetic Rock. Bring a compass to test the strong magnetic pull.
Wilderness camping in the BWCAW is a first come, first serve basis with designated rustic campsites.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is home to a variety of wildlife including large populations of timber wolves and moose, white-tailed deer, and black bears.
The season for the BWCAW is from May thru September with May being the beginning of the season and the ice is melting off the lakes and rivers. June can be wet and cool with lots of mosquitoes. July and August provide warmer weather for campers and paddlers, but the fishing may not be as good. In September, the weather may turn cold, wet, and windy. The weather plays an important part in your experience in the BWCAW, so please plan your trip accordingly. Local outfitters are also available to help you plan your trip in the BWCAW.
Permits are required to enter the BWCAW. There is a limited number of overnight permits offered per entry point per day.