Planning your Boundary Waters Trip
Spring and Summer camping seasons are right around the corner, so it’s time to start planning for a Boundary Waters trip.
If this is your first time going — or if you need a refresher before bringing a few friends out there — we got you covered!!
In one of the best introduction to canoeing in the BWCA, Dan Pauly, author of a popular guidebook to paddling in the Boundary Waters, Exploring the Boundary Waters, takes you through the nuts and bolts of how to enjoy this magical wilderness.
This presentation will cover the basics to get you started.
If you are looking to dive deeper, we also offer online resources on many of the topics, linked here:
- Step-by-Step Planning Guide
- Route Recommendations
- How to get permits for the BWCA
- How to pack for the Boundary Waters
- BWCA gear you’ll need
- How to Contact an Outfitter
- How to Portage and Paddle
- Bear Safety
- Leave No Trace and Wilderness Ethics
The presentation was brought to you as part of our spring Boundary Waters Days with REI Co-op series.
Continue Reading
The Summer the Kids Went Anyway
Despite wildfires that closed the BWCA, 209 kids still got on the water this summer through No Boundaries to the…
Learning the Ways of Manoomin
Students discover the significance of Manoomin and learn about the efforts to restore wild rice beds in Minnesota's estuaries.
Announcing the Friends’ 2026 Photo Contest
Got a great shot from the Boundary Waters? Enter our annual photo contest for a chance to win one of…