How To Plan a BWCA Canoe Trip

A step-by-step guide for organizing a successful and memorable wilderness canoe adventure.

Step 1: Decide Who’s Going

Your group dynamic will shape every aspect of the trip. Start by figuring out who’s coming and what kind of trip you want to share.

Key Group Decisions:

  • Size: BWCA permits allow up to 9 people and 4 watercraft (strictly enforced). Larger groups will require multiple permits. While you can plan the same route, you’ll need to camp and travel separately throughout the entire trip.

  • Experience Levels: Who’s new to paddling or portaging? Who’s comfortable in the wilderness? This will influence your route.

  • Fitness & Comfort: Are people okay with long paddles, carrying heavy gear, or dealing with bugs/rain? Set realistic expectations for daily effort.

  • Group Goals: Clarify early:

    • Do you want to travel daily, or basecamp and relax?

    • Is the focus on fishing, photography, wildlife, solitude, or adventure?

    • How comfortable is your group with remoteness or challenging portages?

Step 2: Choose Trip Dates & Duration

Pick dates that work for everyone — then plan around weather, bug seasons, and travel logistics.

Start With:

  • A date range that fits everyone’s schedule

  • How many full days you want on trail vs. travel days

  • Preferences for early season, high summer, or fall paddling

What to Expect Each Season:

Season Pros Cons
May – Early June Quiet, great fishing, fewer bugs Cold water, unpredictable weather
Mid – Late June Warm days, good for swimming Mosquitoes and flies ramp up
July – Early Aug Warmest water, peak season Busier lakes, tougher to find campsites
Late Aug – Sept Fewer people/bugs, fall colors Cold nights, earlier sunsets

Trip Duration Tips:

  • 3–4 days: Great intro trip or long weekend

  • 5–6 days: Ideal for loops and layover days

  • 7+ days: For deeper routes, remote lakes, and full immersion

Step 3: Select an Entry Point & Plan Your Route

This is the heart of your trip — where you start, how far you go, and what you’ll see.

Entry Point Strategy:

  • Entry points are limited to a fixed number of groups per day. Popular ones fill fast.

  • Choose based on:

    • Your group’s skill and comfort level

    • Whether you want seclusion or easier access

    • How far you’re willing to travel from town

Example Entry Points:

  • Beginner-Friendly: Lake One #30, Moose Lake #25, Fall Lake #24

  • Moderate Challenge: Mudro Lake #23, Moose River North #16, Snowbank Lake #27

  • Remote & Rugged: Little Indian Sioux North #14, Stuart River #19, Angleworm Lake #20

Route Types:

  • Out-and-Back: Easy and flexible

  • Loop: No backtracking, great for 5+ days

Plan With These Factors:

  • Daily travel distance (6-10 miles is typical). Average travel speed is 2-3 mph.

  • Campsite availability

  • Group energy: consider including layover days for rest, fishing, or bad weather

  • Number and difficulty of portages

Use tools like:

  • PaddlePlanner.com (maps, distances, campsite reviews)

  • McKenzie or Fisher paper maps – available for purchase in our Online Store

  • Our experienced staff can help you plan a route and make suggestions based on your trip length and goals.

Step 4: Reserve Your Permit

A permit is required for all overnight trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) from May 1 to September 30. Permits are limited and tied to a specific entry point and entry date, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Permit reservations open on the last Wednesday in January each year—and the most popular entry points fill quickly!

You have two options for reserving your permit:

  • Let Cliff Wold’s reserve it for you
    If you’re using our outfitting services, we can take care of the permit reservation.

  • Reserve it yourself on Recreation.gov
    If you prefer to book your own permit, you can do it online. Be sure to select Cliff Wold’s Outfitting Co. as the Issuing Station if you would like us to issue/print the permit upon your arrival.

Step 5: Reserve Outfitting, Lodging & Transportation

Whether you’re packing light or going all-in on comfort, good outfitting makes all the difference. We offer a range of outfitting services, from our Complete Outfitting Package to basic gear rental.

Outfitting Packages:

  • Complete Outfitting Package – All-inclusive: ultralight canoes, top-quality camping gear, freshly packed meals, route planning, and transportation. Ideal for those who want a fully supported and hassle-free experience.
  • Partial Outfitting Packages– A good option for those who already have some gear but need a little extra support. Choose what you need:
    • Canoe & Deluxe Food Package: Includes canoe and custom-packed meals with cooking gear
    • Canoe & Gear Package: Includes canoe and camping gear (no food)
    • Deluxe Food Package: Includes meals and cooking gear if you have your own canoe and equipment
  • Canoe Rentals & Camping Gear – Rent just the canoe and any other gear you need, such as tents, packs, and stoves.

Overnight Accommodations (before/after your trip):

Bonus: If you book the Complete Outfitting Package, your campsite is free, and bunkroom rates are discounted.

Transportation:

  • Included with Complete Outfitting Package: Free shuttle to/from most nearby BWCA entry points
  • Partial Outfitting: Shuttle service is available for a fee. Refer to our Transportation page for pricing.

How to Make a Reservation:

  • Complete the Online Form:
    Simply fill out our Reservation Request Form to get started with your booking.

  • Give Us a Call:
    If you prefer, you can also call us directly at 218-365-3267 to speak with someone and confirm your reservation.