I am looking for advice as to what age to start bringing my daughter to the BWCAW and any advice on bringing young kids to the BWCAW.

Thanks!

My son's first trip he was 9, I think he easily could have been a few year younger with no problems.

I've read trip reports with much younger kids than mine on them, you just have to be vigilant and know your limitations.

I did my first trip with my kids when they were 7 and 9. I wanted them to be old enough to be able to carry some stuff over portages and help around camp. They'd been fishing since they were 3 or 4, so they kind of knew what they were getting into there. My wife won't let me go into the wilderness alone with them should anything happen to me (and she's not a BWCA kinda wife), so a friend is willing to go in with me and the kids. We use a MN IV which is kind of a tank, but it works for us. They'll be doing their fouth trip this August, now ages 10 and 12. Not sure it would have worked for my kids to go much earlier than that, but obviously depends on each kid.

It clearly depends on the type and length of trip. It also depends on how many adults per canoe. Two adults per canoe where the child can ride duffer and carry a few things at the portages is a far cry different than if you're expecting the child to paddle from the bow seat. You're certainly not going to take them on a death march type of trip when they're young. You'll kill any desire to ever go again.

A trip with kids is all about the wilderness experience - not the miles or number of portages or campsites. If you paddle in, do one portage and camp on an island or at some really nice campsite, your kiddo will think that's absolutely the coolest thing ever... and maybe you've paddled a mile. Make the trip fun, throw rocks in the lake, hang out, do some fishing, have some good meals and wrap up the day with a campfire... pay attention to what your kiddo's ability is and you'll have a great trip.

Quick side note: My two Quetico buddies and I each had sons born a total of six weeks apart. After they were born, we couldn't help but ask the question... how old do they have to be until they can do our annual Q trip - meaning sit in the bow seat, paddle and portage? We decided that age 12 would be the target. It worked out perfectly. My (now) 28 year old son just got back from Q after probably his 12th or 13th trip. The other two boys have been up there between 6-10 times. They're all hooked.

My daughter brought her kids with us last year on our trip to Alton lake.

Good advice above. Being able to swim is a major condition for me.

Both of my daughters were in a canoe before they could walk! I would say that their first extended overnight trip they were probably 3 and 5..

CrookedPaddler1: "Both of my daughters were in a canoe before they could walk! I would say that their first extended overnight trip they were probably 3 and 5.."

Our daughter did well on her first overnight BWCA trip at 4 years old.

My kids all went as babies. The youngest was 6 weeks old. Honestly babies are WAY easier in the BWCA than toddlers. Our kids go every year and have a wonderful time.

Make sure to check out the Canoeing with Kids forum.

Great advice has been given. Yes, the type of trip and how many adults vs kids ratio you have also makes a difference. It also depends on the individual kid.

This is what we did.... at 1 and 3, we started taking them state park car camping... 2 and 4 we started doing edge of the BWCA rustic campground camping w/ daytrips into the BWCA.

At age 5, my older daughter did her 1st daddy/daughter BWCA trip with me and just did her 5th trip w/ me last week at age 13. My younger daughter did her 1st daddy/daughter trip with me at age 6 and will be doing her 4th trip next year. I alternate each year which girl goes with me for 1 on 1 time in the BWCA while the other one gets to do fun stuff w/ mom while we are gone. The alone time that each of us gets each year w/ one of the ducklings is priceless. They were able to do a little portaging and help a tiny bit w/ paddling. I used a small tandem canoe (16ft) that is ok to paddle solo and kept to small lakes.

My boys started their week-long dads-n-lads trips to BW/Q at age 5 yrs. I think by 8 or 9, they moved from the middle to the bow seat.

Lots of great advice. Plan your trip with your child's age and personality and likes in mind. It's all good.

We've taken all 3 of our kids at the age of 2-3. My only condition was that they were potty trained. We did use and pack out pull ups to wear at night. Our trips were a little easier than what we had been doing but that was fine with us. We took them to Lake 3, Oyster and Knife for each of their first trips. My daughter isn't very interest in the whole camping experience at this point but my boys are becoming seasoned veterans at the ages of 7 and 9.

Our next hurdle will be the same as some of the rest of you are dealing with. When will they be too big to fit 4 of in 1 canoe vs strong enough to paddle on their own?

I just did a trip with my 4.5 year old. Went to Lake 2/3 since there was only 2 portages. While I think she enjoyed it, she didn't really "get it". Sitting around a campfire was boring to her. We colored and played with a few toys she brought with but keeping her busy at night enough to be contempt was really difficult. She did like fishing and playing in the water. Canoe she didn't mind until the way back, feel asleep shortly after leaving the camp site.

I took my youngest daughter at about 6 years old. She was the youngest of 4 daughters and did fine.

I took my son at 6 and he did great on a 5 day with 9 portages I’m taking my going in. I’m taking my 4 year old daughter on her first trip in August. It all depends on what the kid can handle, most kids are pretty hardy.

Tony

My oldest went on his first overnight canoe trip to Sylvania at 10, then again at 11, and finally BWCA at 13. Middle kid was 11 when it was their turn for a trip down the Granite River. Now this summer middle is going back for trip #2 at 13 and the youngest is getting his first full BWCA trip. We did a whole family (including mom) trip last summer to Turtle Flambeau... it was maybe 3 miles of paddling followed by base camping on an island.
This year we're putting in at Seagull, heading over to Alpine for a couple nights, then Red Rock for a couple nights, then Sag for a night or two before paddling back to the car. Should be the right mix of changing campsites and travel to get a good initial experience for the area.
Hopefully the blueberries are at or just past prime when we're there!

My #1 rule is regardless of ability, if you're going to to play in the lake you're wearing your PFD and staying close to shore if unattended or swimming with a buddy if you want to go farther out.

Took my twin 10 year olds on a 5-day 25 mile paddle 4 weeks ago in Turtle River Provincial Park...they did great, including contributing with portaging. My daughter even surprised me by getting an excellent fire going completely on her own while I set up the tent on the last night.

I think it was a pretty ideal age. My daughter probably could have gone a year or two earlier...not so sure about her brother.

Agreed 100% with those who have the ability to swim as a prerequisite.

TuscaroraBorealis: " "

HA! I was going to respond by telling DJJRW7 to search for your trip reports.

Took my kids on numerous day river trips beginning age 2. My son went with me 1st time age 12 to Quetico. After my 28th trip and his 15 th, he took his 2 daughters ages 10 and 9 last summer and a great trip. They loved the pike fishing, fire cooking, and tent camping.

Both our kids were in a canoe before they could walk. Same for car camping. They also did some weekend primitive camping. Swim lessons, one starting in kindergarten, one as a toddler, taking all lessons except the lifeguard course.

I'm sure they would have done fine in the BW at a younger age, but we waited until our son was in 8th grade so he could portage a canoe ( no lightweight Kevlar either). By default that made our daughter a few years older, but she is very petite. We wanted both kids to be able to paddle effectively, even if the water got a bit rough, which it definitely did on our last day.

We also tried to visit an area that had some activities for them. We made sure there was a lot of fishing for our son, and a nearby beach for our daughter. We also found a jumping rock (adults swam the area first, and only feet first jumping). And of course we took cards and books for down time.

SteveF: " My daughter brought her kids with us last year on our trip to Alton lake. "

Cute grandkids! Those two look about the age of my son and daughter when my wife and I paddled them into Horseshoe Island on Sag for a 3 day stay. Those were magical times (the present trips still are to be honest :)

Two and a half. She had to be able to walk.. She did use a kid sized horsecollar lifejacket.. Those were the days.

My buddies and me were canoe camping by 0ur selves on the Namekagon river from
about the age of 8 granted not to far from the farm but we be dropped off 10 to 12 miles away fish and swim on the way down set up camp.

Arriving at the farm and pull the canoe up on the lawn.

I was absolutely thrill to make my 1st BWCA trip in 1968 at 12. Mt father personally knew Sigurd Olson and his wife's farm was just a few miles away from ours. His son Robert still lives there and I talked with him occasionally.

I personally meet Sigurd at about the age of ten on a field trip.

I could have went earlier and been thrilled to do so.

Given the proper up brining I would not be afraid to take 5 to 7 yoa or younger on short easy couple of over nights . Depending on the 8 to 10 yoa much longer.

If they were a fishing addict like I was with a lot of camping and outdoor experience it would be not problem doing a week or so.

It all depends on the child and their willingness.

I wouldn't take no I am not going for a answer but then I would not force them into a hard trip the first time.

Make it fun with some work and you well have them hooked.

MiniMN started when she was 7.

Mudro>Fairy>Gun>Fourtown>Horse

You can develop a trip for just about any abilities and ages. My oldest started before she was one. I'm not sure I'm the best one to give advice, because after taking my children one - three times a year, none of them want to join me at ages 16 18 and 19. I'm hoping something stuck and that they will eventually choose to come back to it on their own at a later date.

Shoved kids off in their own canoe with gear at ages 8-9, with me in separate boat and calm weather. Piled all 3 in SR Q18.5 for many years with my bow paddler age 8 or older.

Pick the right boat so you can paddle solo if kid needs to be ballast for a while!

Enjoy!!

Take them as soon as they are out of diapers, as long as you are a skilled tripper. Just make sure you pick a route with portages suitable for their little physiques. We've taken 3 and 4 year olds all the way into Gabimichigami and Little Saganaga Lakes with no problems.

I thought diapers were a pain in the butt, so I waited until there were out. My motto was.
"If you can pee on a tree, you can camp with me!"

I was 4 months old when my parents took me.

I started my daughter when she was about 8. She sat in the bottom of the canoe in a chair pad. When she was 14 I took her with me where she paddled in the front of the canoe.

Soledad: "I was 4 months old when my parents took me."

WOW! So THAT's what's wrong with you, lol!

My parents didn't take to the BWCA, but did a 90 day road trip starting in January when I was 3 months old, sleeping in the car or a tent (19 degrees the first night). So that is MY excuse for wanderlust and a need to sleep outside, ha!

I took my son when he was three, lots of booboos. I waited till my daughter was four for a bwca repeat. In the meanwhile we did numerous trip on the st croix and flambeau rivers. The safe rapids on these rivers kept my kids interested. Many trips with both of them when they were young. I regret neither were intersted in scouting.

We took our boys on a Quetico trip when they were five and nine. We used two canoes and the nine year old could already paddle well. Both were good swimmers and we always wore life jackets. We went in July after the water had warmed up. Two portages in and then base camped for four days. They enjoyed the trip very much and now at 45 and 49 they still love canoe camping. Don't push them hard and let them enjoy the trip. Stay with smaller lakes.

Cradle to Canoe is a great book for bringing kids to the BWCA

Its great to read about all of the successful trips taken when kids were very young. I took my kids when they were young but it was on short trips and still it was a lot for them. They join me now on some trips, but I think it was close to being too much for them when they were young.

I think that you need to be careful. When you go on that trip, it has to be about them, not you or other adults. Choose a trip that you think they will like and adjust it if they don't like it.

It seems that you are very much looking forward to that trip, and perhaps a lifetime of tripping together, so keep that long-term focus in the forefront of your mind.

3Ball: "Its great to read about all of the successful trips taken when kids were very young. I took my kids when they were young but it was on short trips and still it was a lot for them. They join me now on some trips, but I think it was close to being too much for them when they were young.


I think that you need to be careful. When you go on that trip, it has to be about them, not you or other adults. Choose a trip that you think they will like and adjust it if they don't like it.


It seems that you are very much looking forward to that trip, and perhaps a lifetime of tripping together, so keep that long-term focus in the forefront of your mind. "

I like that response... When you take kids it's got to be geared to them... I have a picture somewhere with my oldest sitting on Dorothy's lap up there on Knife at three years old. Their safety is number one... TuscaroraBorealis and Vicky are very qualified and able paddlers... They worked together and made Aurora's safety and comfort number one. No matter what there is a risk... Just be very careful! Teaching good wilderness ethics young is a great thing. Probably wouldn't do the border challenge with them... But there are some real good places for them to go...

nctry: "

3Ball: "Its great to read about all of the successful trips taken when kids were very young. I took my kids when they were young but it was on short trips and still it was a lot for them. They join me now on some trips, but I think it was close to being too much for them when they were young.

I think that you need to be careful. When you go on that trip, it has to be about them, not you or other adults. Choose a trip that you think they will like and adjust it if they don't like it.

It seems that you are very much looking forward to that trip, and perhaps a lifetime of tripping together, so keep that long-term focus in the forefront of your mind. "

I like that response... When you take kids it's got to be geared to them... I have a picture somewhere with my oldest sitting on Dorothy's lap up there on Knife at three years old. Their safety is number one... TuscaroraBorealis and Vicky are very qualified and able paddlers... They worked together and made Aurora's safety and comfort number one. No matter what there is a risk... Just be very careful! Teaching good wilderness ethics young is a great thing. Probably wouldn't do the border challenge with them... But there are some real good places for them to go..."

Yes sir, good advice above. Your ability level is a very important consideration. Your kids safety is top priority especially if things turn to crap. Be sure you can handle the worst circumstances.

That being said, I took my son on his first trip when he was 6. We covered 27 miles, 13 lakes and 14 portages, over two travel days and one layover day. We took a "high traffic" route, and he loved it but, it was probably a little over ambitious. He was pretty worn out when we landed at the take out on that trip and now much prefers to base camp.

My first trip was 3 years ago with my wife and three boys, then 11, 8, and 5 years old.

Piece of advice: Don't set over ambitious distances for daily travel or daytrips.

I think my daughters first overnight will be next summer when she'll be 6. She's done day trips, has been in a canoe plenty, and loves camping so I don't see much of an issue. I'll keep the trip relatively easy with a short in and out to maximize the time to have fun. The biggest thing for me when taking her out into any sort of trip is to make sure there are plenty of snacks. The food pack we'd need for a 3-4 day trip will probably rival the pack size for a group of 9 doing a full week.

My parents took me when I was 6 and I wish it would have been sooner!

DJJRW7: "I am looking for advice as to what age to start bringing my daughter to the BWCAW and any advice on bringing young kids to the BWCAW.

Thanks!"

I was 3 when I went for the first time. My dad is an avid BW person though. This year, we're taking my nephew for the first time, and he's 5.

My philosophy is the same as the tobacco companies: get 'em while they're young.