National park · United States
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Enter BWCAW with a $30 permit, paddle a 3‑day loop from Ely in early July for mild weather and few crowds, or hike the Eagle Mountain trail in September for cooler temps.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²)
approximate
Established
1964
Best months
Jun–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 15Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- Midwest ↗Outside Chicago, public transport is thin; a car is the practical way between cities and parks.
- Midwest ↗Chicago-area tollways are electronic; rent a transponder or pay online after the rental.
- Midwest ↗Listed prices exclude state and city sales tax; restaurant bills add 18–22% tip.
- Minnesota ↗Drinking age 21. Grocery and convenience stores sell only 3.2% beer; wine and spirits come from liquor stores, which may close on Sundays in some towns.
- Minnesota ↗In winter keep the tank at least half full and carry blankets; check ice thickness before walking on any frozen lake, and never walk on river ice.
- Northeastern Minnesota ↗Below about -15 °C, plug in the engine block heater overnight if the car has one.
- Northeastern Minnesota ↗Do not drive a vehicle onto lake ice unless you know the lake and the route is confirmed safe.
- Northeastern Minnesota ↗Boundary Waters overnight trips are reported to need a permit reserved in advance (check); day use is easier.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²)
- Approximately 4,000 km² (1.1 million acres) of boreal forest and lakes; figures vary by boundary definition.
- Established
- 1964
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a 1.1-million-acre roadless expanse of interconnected lakes and boreal forest in northeastern Minnesota, adjoining Canada's Quetico Provincial Park. It is managed by the US Forest Service and permits only non-motorized travel (canoe, kayak, on foot) on most lakes. Entry requires a permit; the main access towns are Ely (west) and Grand Marais (east). The area is known for its solitude, wildlife (loons, black bears, moose), and the chance to see the aurora borealis. The 1999 derecho caused extensive blowdown, which the Forest Service manages with prescribed burns.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national site · 1964Designated as a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System by the Wilderness Act.
Size and age
4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²) · national park since 1964
Approximately 4,000 km² (1.1 million acres) of boreal forest and lakes; figures vary by boundary definition.
Why go
- Canoe across a network of 1,000+ lakes and portage trails in pristine boreal forest.
- Spot loons, black bears and moose in a low‑density wilderness.
- Experience remote camping with no roads or motorized boats.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCold, ice‑covered lakes; good for winter fishing.
- FebStill icy; fewer visitors.
- MarSnow melt begins, early paddling possible.
- AprSpring melt, longer days.
- MayVariable weather, some mud.
- JunWarm days, lakes clear, insects manageable.
- JulPeak summer, long daylight, mosquitoes high.
- AugWarm, still many insects, crowds low.
- SepCooler temps, fewer bugs, good water.
- OctFall colors, early freeze possible.
- NovCold, many lakes frozen.
- DecWinter wilderness, ice travel.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loons (year‑round)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Black bear (summer)May–Sep | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Moose (spring‑fall)Apr–Oct | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Ely, MN
Drive 5 mi north on County Road 13 to the BWCAW entrance; parking available.
30 min
From Grand Marais, MN
Drive 12 mi east on MN-61 to the BWCAW eastern gate; ample parking.
20 min
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance gate area | Permit office, parking, information kiosk. | Open year‑round with permit. |
| Campsite network | Unreserved sites on most lakes, pit toilets nearby. | Accessible by canoe/kayak after permit. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate centre of the wilderness area.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BWCAW entry permit | US$30 | person | Check current price on USFS site |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entry permit permit or guide
Park rules
- Motorboats
- Prohibited on most lakes; only electric motors allowed on designated lakes.
- Group size
- Maximum 9 people and 4 watercraft per group.
- Permit
- Entry permit required for all overnight trips.
- Fire bans
- Campfires may be restricted during dry periods; stove use encouraged.
- Leave no trace
- Pack out all trash and human waste.
Where to stay
Near the park
Ely cabins
Simple cabins and lodges a short drive from the gate.
Near the park
Grand Marais resorts
Lakeside hotels and cabins with outfitting services.
Safety
Mosquitoes medium
Bear encounters medium
Cold water immersion high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- No road access inside the wilderness; only canoe/kayak travel.
- Portages are uneven and may be challenging for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Carry out all waste; use camp stoves to reduce fire impact.
- Choose outfitters that follow USFS low‑impact guidelines.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?
A $30 per‑person entry permit is required; purchase online or at ranger stations.
What are the best hikes in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?
Eagle Mountain (2 km round‑trip) and the 3‑day Eagle River Loop are popular; both are accessible from the North Shore.
When is the best time to visit Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?
June to August offers warm days and clear lakes, while September provides cooler temperatures and fewer insects.
Do I need a permit for day trips?
Yes. All trips, even day use, require a BWCAW permit.
Can I bring a motorboat?
Motorboats are prohibited on most lakes; only electric motors are allowed on a few designated lakes.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
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