About the Boundary Waters and Quetico

Unique Wilderness Experience

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Quetico Provincial Park (Quetico) are 2 million acres combined and emcompass over 2000 glacial lakes, providing the most unique canoe camping wilderness in the world. Each wilderness is completely roadless. There are no developed structures inside the wilderness area. Motorboats are only allowed on a handful of lakes. Canoe is the primary mode of transportation. Streams and footpaths called "portages" connect the lakes for easy wildneress travel. Primitively developed campsite near the water's edge provide a tent pad, fire grate, and latrine. Paddle near waterfalls, gorges, and rock palisades on the same routes the Native Americans and fur traders did centuries ago. View moose, deer, black bears, beavers, otters, loons, eagles, timber wolves, and other animals in their wilderness domain. Sportsmen in pursuit of smallmouth bass,northern pikewalleye and lake trout consider these border lakes some of the finest fishing in North America.

BWCAW and Quetico Rules and Regulations

The U.S. Forest Service manages the BWCAW. Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources manages the Quetico. Each management plan enforces similar rules and regualtions.

A quota has been established to limit the number of parties accessing each wilderness entry point on a daily basis.
Party size is limited to nine (9) people per campsite.
Parties are required to camp at a designated site in the BWCAW, but can camp anywhere in the Quetico.
Food items must be packaged in plastic or biodegradable containers.
A permit is required to enter a specific point on a designated day.
Permits are issued on a first-come-first-serve basis and are very competitive. It is imperative to make an early permit reservation; Up to 6 months in advance of your trip to ensure that the trip meets your expectations and fits your schedule.

For more information on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness check out http://www.bwcaw.org/. You'll find information about the Wilderness Area and how to make a permit reservation. LaCroix Outfitters can make permit reservations on your behalf and issue the permit to you upon your arrival.

http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/quet.html is the link to more information on Quetico Park. When you do business with LaCroix Outfitters we will make your reservation with Quetico Park on your behalf as the process can be confusing.