Winter in the BWCA

Photo by Blueshadow

Although snow can fall in any month in the BWCA, most people think of the Boundary Waters as a canoeing and camping destination, but when soft water travel wraps up in mid-fall, it is time to plan a return to the BWCA area for some winter adventure. Winter travel in and around the BWCA provides travelers with a unique opportunity to experience solitude and a new way to be challenged in the outdoors. If you aren't interested in an all out wilderness experience, you can get your toes wet by staying at one of the many lodges or taking a guided trip in and around the wilderness area.

Winter Activities

Dog Sledding - try a guided cabin to cabin trip.
Cross Country Skiing - Stay and ski the trails around the boundary waters or adventure into the BWCA on skis.
Ski Pulk - Hook youself to a sled with all your gear and head into the wilderness for some camping
Ice Fishing - Try you hand at catching lake trout, walleye, northern, and crappie.
Winter camping - Test you skills at some winter camping.
Snowshoeing - walk over deep snow in the quiet forests.
Ice Skating - Resorts often clear a nice sheet of ice to skate on.

Photo by Doughboy12

Photo by JAYWALKER

Winter Travel and Camping

Winter travel and camping in the BWCA is an adventure that demands serious preparation and respect for the elements. Unlike summer trips, winter excursions require meticulous planning to ensure safety and comfort. The northwoods can experience extreme cold, and heavy snowfall can arrive with little warning. For those new to winter travel, staying at a lodge or yurt on the edge of the Boundary Waters offers a convenient and cozy base for exploring the area and enjoying seasonal activities.

Winter Lodging

Winter lodging around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) offers a cozy escape for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking solitude in a pristine wilderness. Cabins, lodges, and yurts dot the edges of the BWCA, often equipped with wood-burning stoves, heated interiors, and easy access to snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails.

View Lodging Options

Winter Camping Rules and Recommendations from the US Forest Service

General BWCA rules apply from the Forest Service except on the recommendation of camping and fire. Permits - Permits are required year round in the BWCA. During summer months, visitors are used to having to reserve overnight camping permits months in advance. However, from Oct 1st through April 30th, visitors just need to fill out a self-issuing permit which is free of charge. Areas surrounding the BWCA are generally permit free.

Campites selection -
On the ice, in a protected bay, or in a natural forest opening such as a swamp.
At least 150 feet from trails, summer campsites or other groups.
Make just one trail connecting the shoreline to camp.
Campfires
It is preferable to make a campfire on the ice to minimize fire scars. Use base logs or portable fire pans if your campfire is on the ice. Use a camp stove or fire pan if your campfire is on land.
Collect only dead and down wood far from shorelines, trails or campsites.
Make sure your fire is out cold to the touch when you leave.
Scatter ashes in the woods away from the shoreline and cover the campfire scar with snow.
Live Vegetation
Do not cut green vegetation for tent poles, bedding for humans or dogs, or to create new dogsled trails.