Boundary Waters Expedition

Join us for a paddle through the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) in Northern Minnesota. This is a true wilderness experience far from any roads or towns. Wildlife includes moose, otter, beaver, wolves, eagles, and more. We provide all necessary group gear, gourmet food, permit reservation and user fees, and of course your licensed professional wilderness guide committed to your successful adventure. 

This trip starts in Ely, MN. We will arrive on the evening of June 10th at a designated lodge to go over gear and trip details. Sunday morning, we head out for an early start to our adventure. 

Enjoy 7 days of paddling expedition style through 45+ miles of pristine lakes and wilderness. We plan for a couple layover days during the trip to relax at camp, practice camp or survival skills, fish, etc. The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or group interest. Everyone will paddle tandem canoes, help with portages, set up/take down camp, process firewood, share cooking and cleaning up of meals and any other activity of the day. We not only have years of experience in all aspects of the BWCA, but we are teachers, cooks, leaders, storytellers, fishermen and naturalists. We can assure you that our team leads a safe, fun, and educational trip!

Menu items: We believe cliff bars and ramen soup have their place but not on our trips. We love a varied menu that includes fresh foods and gourmet meals. A few camp favorites include our famous BBQ pork spaghetti, Rumchata French toast, fruit and yogurt parfait, and campfire pizza. We can accommodate most specialty diets. Just let us know.

Difficulty: Challenging

This trip is not for first-time campers or paddlers. You should be comfortable in a canoe and in the water. You should be able to provide sufficient clothing and personal gear items as per the gear list. Everyone will be expected to help around camp and on the water including portaging gear and canoes between waterways. Expect to carry 50 - 60 pounds of gear or a canoe for short distances on portage trails. The pace will be relaxed at times and challenging at others. Expect to paddle several hours on paddle days and portage over land when necessary. We plan to have 2 zero-travel days, weather permitting.  

Price: $1,300

Upon registration, you will have access to the event group where the gear list and directions can be found.

Price Includes: 

• Experienced guides 

• BWCA permits and user fees

• All meals from put-in to take-out 

• Wenonah Spirit 2 canoes 

• CCS packs with padded backs, waist belts and adjustable straps

• Paddles 

• Camp kitchen including mess kits

• Life vests 

• Group tarp and other misc. group items

• Lodging fees the night before put-in

• Free parking/shuttle

Not Included: 

• Personal gear items (rental equipment available)

• Fishing licenses

• Guide gratuities

• Transportation to/from the BWCA 

Please send all questions to info@nowoutdoors.org.