Boundary Waters Canoe Area Expedition
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is renowned for its abundant wildlife, clear cool waters, and vibrant forests. Join our seven-day Boundary Waters trip to explore deep into the rustic backcountry of this northern gem. Paddle in our lightweight canoes on pristine lakes and rivers. Travel flora-filled portage trails. Enjoy wonderful meals prepared together. Stretch out beneath the stars, listening to loon calls as waves lap the shore. In a park of one million acres with over 60 starting points, each route offers unique sights and adventures!
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Delicious, healthy campfire meals & snacks prepared together
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Shared, spacious tents
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- BWCAW permits & fees
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Paddle to an island campsite on the western side of Saganaga Lake
Your trip will begin in the afternoon at one of the three BWCAW ranger stations. The trailer will be unloaded here and your gear packed into large dry bags. The first day’s paddle will be to an island campsite on the western side of Saganaga. Prepare dinner and enjoy an evening around the fire as you discuss trip expectations with your group.
Day 2 – Navigate through Saganaga’s many islands before setting up camp at American Point
Rise early for breakfast. Break camp and paddle east, navigating through Saganaga’s many islands. Enjoy lunch on Munker Island with a refreshing swim. Make camp on American Point, a short distance from Canadian soil. Enjoy a fire and camaraderie as the sun sets.
Day 3 – Take a day trip to the Canadian border before returning to American Point
Wake up to a strong cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast. Today you will take a day trip to the Canadian border. Enjoy lunch on a large outcropping of the Canadian Shield. Take pictures next to large obelisks marking the border on Monument Portage. Return to American Point for another beautiful sunset.
Day 4 – Make several portages to Red Rock and Alpine Lakes
After breakfast, break camp and load your boats for the paddle through Red Rock Bay towards the trip’s first portage. Enjoy the native foliage on the short 10-rod portage. Continue paddling south through Red Rock Lake. Challenge yourself to one more portage, this time 50 rods, before finding a beautiful campsite on Alpine Lake.
Day 5 – Spend the day fishing, swimming, or exploring the shoreline on this layover day
Take a slow morning as you settle in for a much-deserved layover day. Spend your time exploring the shoreline, fishing, or bird watching. Prepare a delicious lunch and learn about the Ham Lake fire of 2007.
Day 6 – Make the final portage of your trip to Seagull Lake
Rise early and set out for your final portage of the trip. After following an easy portage to Seagull Lake, you will see the effects of the Ham Lake fire along the shoreline. Set up camp early and have time to enjoy your final afternoon.
Day 7 – Paddle across Seagull Lake and say farewell to your trip mates
Paddle across Seagull Lake to the access point. Help pack up the van and trailer for the ride home. Those who use Wilderness Inquiry’s van transportation can expect to return to Minneapolis by that evening.
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.Â
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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