Your Gateway to the Wilderness

Planning a trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) can be one of the most rewarding outdoor adventures in North America. To make this experience both seamless and successful, most paddlers turn to the experts—Boundary Waters canoe outfitters.

What Does a Canoe Outfitter Do?

Canoe outfitters are experienced local businesses that provide everything you need to access the BWCAW. In addition to having first-hand knowledge about the area and the best fishing spots, canoe outfitters are a trip planners best friend. They offer a myriad of services like:

Planning all or part of our canoe trip
Providing rental gear such as canoes, paddles, packs, sleeping bags, tents, fishing poles, cooking equipment, and more!
Preparing a delicious camp menu and meals with step-by-step instructions
Suggest route recommendations based on what you want to see/do and experience level
Transportation to entry points, towing services, and arranging end-of-trip pick-ups
Permit reservation and issuance
Maps and safety briefings

Why Work with a BWCAW Outfitter?

Booking through a local outfitter means you'll gain expert insight and reliable gear while supporting small businesses that are dedicated stewards of the wilderness. These businesses work closely with the Forest Service to uphold conservation principles and preserve the wilderness character of the BWCAW for future generations.

Browse Canoe Outfitters

Where can I pick up my overnight BWCAW permit?

Outfitters located near the BWCAW can also serve as Forest Service Permit Cooperators, which means they are authorized by the U.S. Forest Service to issue official BWCAW permits.

All overnight visitors to the BWCAW are required to have a permit, which includes:

A designated entry point
A specific start date
A group size limit (maximum of 9 people)

Permit cooperators streamline the process by allowing travelers to pick up their permits directly from an outfitter. This partnership benefits both visitors and the Superior National Forest Service by reducing congestion at ranger stations and ensuring that every group receives proper Leave No Trace and wilderness regulations education.

Keep in mind:

Only the permit holder or alternate permit holders specified at the time of reservation can pick up the permit (photo I.D. required).
Permits must be picked up on the entry date or one day prior at the location specified.
Issue stations may be changed online at Recreation.gov or by calling the contact center or Forest Service or outfitter of choice.
Commercial issue stations may charge a service fee (up to $2) for issuing overnight permits.

You can pick up an overnight Boundary Waters Permit between May 1 - September 30 at the Tofte Ranger Station or at a participating outfitter or store.