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Boundary Waters

Canoeing

America

Adventure Type:

Canoeing

Technical Equipment Needed:

No

Fitness Level Required:

Good

Effort Level:

Moderate

Specialist Insurance Required:

N

Best Months To Go:

June - September

Grading:

None

see our Grading Guide HERE​

Accommodation:

Hotel or Chalet

 

Altitude in Meters:

None

 

Food Choices Available:

Kosher, Veggie, Vegan, Nut Free, Lactose Free, Halal

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness situated in the northeastern region of Minnesota stands out as one of the most breathtaking and secluded areas in the United States. This expansive wild expanse stretches for 150 miles along the border between the United States and Canada, encompassing roughly 1,098,000 acres adorned with more than 1,100 lakes and an extensive network of 1,500 miles of canoe trails.

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Shaped by colossal glaciers, The Boundary Waters boasts a diverse landscape of cliffs, canyons, hills, and rock formations. With lakes, streams, islands, and forests, the area covers a million acres along the Canadian border, showcasing rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.

Spend time experiencing one of America’s most beautiful, protected and remote places

  • Canoe the wilderness waterways of the Boundary Waters

  • Camp in one of the most pristine places on earth

  • Take in the natural beauty –granite shorelines, pristine lakes, old growth pines and rainbow sunsets

  • Go fishing for walleye, northern pike or smallmouth bass

  • Experience the wonders of the Northwoods- lakes, wildflowers, wildlife and more

The designated area was established in 1926 to protect its natural state and was later included in the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1964. This allows visitors to engage in activities such as canoeing, carrying boats, and camping reminiscent of the French Voyageurs from two centuries ago.

The wilderness experience is as much about what you won’t see as what you will. You won’t see motorized vehicles or many people. Black bear, moose, foxes and deer all call this wilderness home. Fish you may catch include brook, brown, rainbow and lake trout, splake, whitefish, walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, musky and panfish. 

 

You don’t need to be a seasoned outdoors person to enjoy the Boundary Waters.  If you have the desire for a wilderness adventure, but not necessarily the experience, numerous we are here to help

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. 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.

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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.

Tailor-made Itineraries for you and your group

 

Your journey begins when we meet you in Deluth Airport in Minnesota. We will drive to our cabins in Ely where our chef will cook a welcome BBQ before our overnight.

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After an early breakfast we meet our local guide and load up our canoes for our adventure.

During the canoe trip, we will set up our own campsite with accommodation in two-man tents by the water and we will use the same camp each day. This means we can spend as much time on the water during the day as desired. You will have plenty of time to fish, swim and even explore some areas on foot.

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We will serve a delicious camp breakfast at sunrise, either stop on the riverbank for a packed lunch or return to camp for lunch, after an afternoon paddle we will sit around a campfire whilst our chef prepares a BBQ dinner.

On the final canoeing day we will paddle back to our start point to spend our last night in the cabins in Ely. The following morning, we will drive back to Deluth Airport for our goodbyes.

 

We plan to canoe 4-6 hours per day in typically flat water, with mileage from 7 to 10 miles daily.

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. In addition, having backcountry camping experience will be an asset. Participants should be comfortable in the water and know how to swim - life jackets are required.

Sample Itinerary 

Day 1: Sunday

Arrival in Duluth, MN. Drive to cabins in Ely. Safety briefing and gear check. 

Gourmet campfire dinner.

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Day 2: Monday

Early start. Embark on the water. Arrive at campsite. Campfire & dinner


Day 3: Tuesday

On the water. Light portage option. Fishing. Arrive at campsite. Campfire & dinner

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Day 4: Wednesday
On the water. Swimming and light hikes. Arrive at campsite. Campfire & dinner

Day 5: Thursday

Begin the day on the water and head back to start point. Gourmet lunch along the way. Drive to cabins. Gourmet campfire dinner

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Day 6: Friday

Return to the airport for flights

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