Canoe Down the Boundary Waters of Arrowhead

Sometimes there isn’t anything better than getting away from it all: the hustle and bustle of everyday life, traffic, noise and people in general. Spending some time in the nature and wilderness can be a great way to relax and appreciate life and the things that surround you. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the perfect place to get out and experience nature as it was intended to be.

The BWCAW extends along 150 miles of the U.S.-Canada border in the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota. With a mixture of north woods, forests and glacial lakes and streams, the region has become a popular destination for canoeing, hiking, fishing and camping in and around the 1,100 lakes within its borders.

Containing more than 2,000 campsites, 1,200 miles of canoe routes and 12 different hiking trails, the BWCAW is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the United States. The area is popular for canoeing, fishing, backpacking, dogsledding and overall enjoyment of the region’s beautiful and remote wilderness character.

Canoeing is the most popular method of exploring the region, as motorized boats are prohibited and the large majority of lakes and campsites are only accessible by boat. The size and abundance of campsites, rivers, lakes and trails allow for a myriad of travel routes throughout the region.

Permits are required for overnight visits to the region, as it is protected by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act. Just be sure to apply for one of these before heading out into the wilderness.

While the BWCAW is a great place to get away and get “lost,” make sure you have a route map handy to ensure you know where you are and where you are heading.

The Boundary Waters region is the perfect place to get that much-needed dose of natural wilderness. Get your permit, strap that canoe to the back of your truck, make sure you have all your tent poles and get out there.