The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness spans over a million acres of glaciated bedrock, lush pine forests, and thousands of island-dotted pristine lakes in northeastern Minnesota. The hallmark of this region is a network of lakes and rivers connected by portage paths. Canoe routes through the Boundary Waters region have served as travel corridors for Indigenous people, including the Dakotah and Anishinaabe, for generations. Many of these routes were also used by early explorers, French Voyageurs, trappers and prospectors who came to this region. Drift away from the frenzy and bustle of daily life as we canoe through this scenic wilderness of a thousand lakes—where no one lives and there aren't any towns, roads, buildings, or motorboats. We paddle and portage from lake to lake and get into more remote areas with each day. If we are lucky we may be serenaded by the timber wolves as we fall asleep in our tents at one of our peaceful, lakeside campsites.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness spans over a million acres of glaciated bedrock, lush pine forests, and thousands of island-dotted pristine lakes in northeastern Minnesota. The hallmark of this region is a network of lakes and rivers connected by portage paths. Canoe routes through the Boundary Waters region have served as travel corridors for Indigenous people, including the Dakotah and Anishinaabe, for generations. Many of these routes were also used by early explorers, French Voyageurs, trappers and prospectors who came to this region. Drift away from the frenzy and bustle of daily life as we canoe through this scenic wilderness of a thousand lakes—where no one lives and there aren't any towns, roads, buildings, or motorboats. We paddle and portage from lake to lake and get into more remote areas with each day. If we are lucky we may be serenaded by the timber wolves as we fall asleep in our tents at one of our peaceful, lakeside campsites.
Meet our canoeing companions this afternoon in Duluth, Minnesota. We transfer two hours to the Northwoods town of Ely, the "Canoe Capital of the World," our jumping off point for the week. Meet our guide for a full orientation including map review, packing and portaging. Check into our hotel and explore the town of Ely. Dinner tonight with our guide at an Ely restaurant. Dinner included.
Accommodation: Adventure Inn
Transportation: 2 hours private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Canoe in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Days 2-5
The early mornings in the Boundary Waters are beautiful, often the plaintive sound of loons and a thin mist hang in the air. We generally get an early start to take advantage of the cool mornings and placid waters. During our journey we paddle on both small and large lakes, on quiet streams and along granite shorelines. We glide past white pine forests along the rocky shorelines of remote islands, always on the lookout for otters, beaver, mink and moose. In addition to the healthy mammal populations, there are over 200 bird species living in the Boundary Waters. Keep your binoculars handy for bald eagles, loons, herons, pileated woodpeckers and ruffed grouse. Throughout our trip we will have several portages between lakes—our guides provide instruction for carefully lifting and carrying your canoe. After an exhilarating day on the water, we set up our campsite and have time to explore the woodlands. You may choose to sit back and relax, cool off with a refreshing swim or cast your line for walleye, bass and pike. Those wanting additional paddling later in the afternoon, or a stargazing paddle at night, will certainly have the opportunity. We gather in the evening for a delicious hot meal prepared by our guides, then relax around a campfire and listen for the howling of the timber wolf. All meals included.
Activity: 4-6 hours/7-10 miles canoeing and portaging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Canoe out of the BWCAW back to civilization
Day 6
A final day of paddling brings us to our take-out point. We transfer back to Ely and check into our hotel. Enjoy a hot shower before our final dinner together in town. Toast to our weeklong adventure in paradise and newfound friends. All meals included.
Accommodation: Adventure Inn
Activity: 3-4 hours canoeing
Transportation: 30 minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel home
Day 7
We say farewell to Ely and return to Duluth. Breakfast on own.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Local Tour Guide .
We work with only the most experienced and knowledgeable local guides on our trips. You will be in excellent hands with a fully licensed and accredited local guide who will share their expertise in everything from history and architecture, to culture and traditions, the best local cuisine, activities and crafts, or even shopping. Local guides live, breathe, and love their trips because as locals they are an integral part of their communities. Their connections run deep and pride in their piece of the world is contagious.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. We plan to canoe 4-6 hours per day in typically flat water, with mileage from 7 to 10 miles daily. You should be capable of canoeing up to 10 miles (6 hours) on lakes and rivers in both calm and choppy conditions. Mileage is combined with canoeing and portaging on hiking trails that connect the waterbodies. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
4-6 hours/7-10 miles canoeing and portaging
Day 6
3-4 hours canoeing
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Book ended by a comfortable hotel, spend three nights back-country camping.
Adventure Inn, located in the heart of Ely, Minnesota, is a cozy and eco-friendly hotel perfect for travelers exploring the Northwoods. Known for its warm hospitality and sustainable practices, the inn features comfortable, modern rooms equipped with organic linens, locally made furnishings, and energy-efficient amenities.
Staying at a wilderness campsite in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a truly unforgettable experience for those seeking serenity and adventure. Nestled amidst pristine lakes, dense forests, and rocky shores, each campsite offers a rugged yet tranquil retreat in nature's embrace.
Weather
Daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s with nighttime temperatures in the 40s-50s.
Jun
Jul
Aug
Boundary Waters
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Boundary Waters
73
50
79
56
76
54
FAQs
What will the portages be like?
Portages average about 5 per day and approximately ? mile-? mile each with the potential for longer portages depending on route. Portage trails are well maintained but the terrain can be muddy, rocky, and uneven with large step-ups/step downs. All guests and the guide share in the responsibility of carrying canoes and gear across portages. Portage items include the canoes, personal packs, and food/group gear packs - multiple trips (doubling back on a portage) are often necessary to transport all gear across portages. Food/group gear packs typically weigh from 45-55 lbs and the canoes weigh between 42-49 lbs. Participants should train for the portages and carrying weight over uneven, rocky terrain. Weight training and doing hikes with a weighted pack would be beneficial.
What are the canoes like?
Canoes will either be double or triples. Participants should be prepared to actively paddle their canoe in partnership with another person(s). This trip is appropriate for both the novice and the experienced canoeist. Although previous canoe experience is not necessary, you will benefit from having shoulder and arm strength.
