Hello! Greetings from The Land of Trolls, Norway. I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos of the BWCA and, as an experienced solo canoeist, the BWCA is definitely on my bucket list, but in a few years from now (given the pandemic ends).

I see a lot of outfitters would help me get a canoe and permits and such...
But first, I would take a looong flight to Minneapolis, but then what? Any tips regarding renting a car and staying in a hotel near the BWCA before and after my canoe trip? Also, other things to keep in mind for a Norwegian?

Send meg e-postadressen din via profilen min her og du får mer enn nok om BWCAW fra denne sida. ;-)
(Farmora mi var født på Eidsvoll Verk.)

gravelroad: "Send meg e-postadressen din via profilen min her og du får mer enn nok om BWCAW fra denne sida. ;-)
(Farmora mi var født på Eidsvoll Verk.)"

Only on BWCA.com! Uff-da!

Not to worry. You'll get a lot of good advice here. All of your concerns have easy solutions.

Check out the Engle Tower in Duluth on your way up from Minneapolis. There is also a lot of Norwegian immigrant history all along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

When you get closer to your trip, just post what you need here. Are you planning to do a solo trip, or do you want to join another group? What type of trip and for how long?

Many of us here really enjoy helping other experience the BWCA. Feel free to send me an email and we can discuss your trip.

Tony

Welcome! I think you will really love a trip to the BWCA, it is an amazing place. You will find answers to many of your questions here.

In regards to transportation to Ely or Grand Marais from the airport, rental cars are available. It is a 4-5 hour drive from Minneapolis to the BWCA, and their are several places to stay and outfitters to choose from depending on if you’re departing from the west or east side of the BWCA. There’s also a chance that you could ride share with someone else who may be heading up to the BWCA from the Minneapolis area if renting a car/driving are a problem for you. People have made arrangements through this site in the past to ride together.

There are several motels in Ely and the Grand Marais area where you could overnight. Many of the outfitters have bunkhouses so it’s a possibility that you could rent your gear from the same place you spend the night before your trip.

I would suggest narrowing the choices of route you would like to do first and then contact an outfitter based on the route you choose. If you choose a route on the western side, contact an Ely outfitter. East side, choose an outfitter near the Gunflint Trail. These outfitters know everything about the BWCA and are great to work with. They will set you up for an amazing trip! Keep asking questions and you will get all of the answers you need.

Good Luck!

Tony

Hilsen fra Minneapolis, Magnus79!

I'm pleased to see such helpful responses to your post. I'll leave tripping advice for those much more experienced than me. As others have noted, you will get really good guidance from this online community.

I'll add two things.

First, if an overnight stay in Minneapolis becomes part of your travel plans -- before or after your bwca adventure -- there are plenty of good options. As a resident of Minneapolis who lives near the airport, I'm happy to provide guidance if/when desired.

Second, the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, while obviously rooted by name in Swedish heritage and not that of Norway, offers a beautiful exploration of all Scandinavian cultures. Highly recommended for its ever-changing museum exhibits and delicious restaurant/cafe. Worth a visit if you have the time and interest.

American Swedish Institute

gravelroad: "Send meg e-postadressen din via profilen min her og du får mer enn nok om BWCAW fra denne sida. ;-)
(Farmora mi var født på Eidsvoll Verk.) "

… assuming Magnus79 knows Norwegian.

I can tell from your post that you're "Urgent" in your request for information about the BWCA. You do know, of course, that the BWCA is a "Long, Long Way from Home", right?

You obviously have been sitting around your home thinking, "I Want to Know What Love Is", so you started your plan to come to the great state of Minnesota and paddle the BWCA. (You'll definitely know the definition once you're on your trip.) Any "Hot Blooded" Norwegian can appreciate that!

Like the rest of us on our inaugural canoe trip, we tell everyone who will listen that it "Feels Like the First Time". Just don't make the trip in January. That's the time in Minnesota when it's as "Cold as Ice".

(Sorry... when I saw the subject line, I couldn't resist.) :)

bobbernumber3: "

gravelroad: "Send meg e-postadressen din via profilen min her og du får mer enn nok om BWCAW fra denne sida. ;-)
(Farmora mi var født på Eidsvoll Verk.) "

… assuming Magnus79 knows Norwegian."

“ Also, other things to keep in mind for a Norwegian?”

Da var denne en rar nordmann - som ikke kan norsk. :-)

Almost everyone (including us) who flies into MSP winds up renting a car. The downside is that it winds up sitting and costing money while you are paddling. The upside is a chance to explore on the way to and from the BW and have a car for some time up there before and after your trip.

We spend time on the Ely side. For time before or after, I suggest one of the many cabins on lakes a few miles outside of town. Some of these are even at outfitters. With your rental car you can easily go into town to see things there but have a more natural experience at the cabin.

Others like to get a motel room in town or cut this part very short and just get a lodge room at an outfitter. For such a long trip, I would want some non-camping time and in Ely would want to explore some of the history and natural history museums: Dorothy Molter, Wolf Center, Bear Center, Pioneer mine or the mine in Tower, MN.

Enjoy planning your trip.

gravelroad: "

bobbernumber3: "

gravelroad: "Send meg e-postadressen din via profilen min her og du får mer enn nok om BWCAW fra denne sida. ;-)
(Farmora mi var født på Eidsvoll Verk.) "

… assuming Magnus79 knows Norwegian."

“ Also, other things to keep in mind for a Norwegian?”

Da var denne en rar nordmann - som ikke kan norsk. :-)"

monet amerikkalaiset eivät osaa englantia

I'm a nordmann, og norsk er selvsagt mitt morsmål :-)

Hei! Er du norsk, eller er du etterkommer av farmora di?

Uff da, ha ha! Uffameg...

Holy smacaroni! Thanks for all the feedback guys as a newbie here, I'll try to reply you all. There's a time difference here, it's 10.17 pm here now so I'm not being impolite!

Takk!

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep that in mind. I surely know about The Scandinavian heritage of Minnesota, but keen to learn more!

Hei Tony!
I'm planning a solo trip, but it might be a duo trip, but regardless I will go anyhowe. I'm just starting to plan this, as it is some logistics to take care of, it won't be only the canoe trip itself, as I most likely will spend a few, or several days travelling to/from Minneapolis. Anyways, I don't know when yet, but within the next years given the pandemic will be solved and all. I will remember this forum, for sure! Thanks :-)

Hei Tony!
This was very helpful with some spesifics, thanks a lot!

Hilsen Magnus

Hei! Thanks for very interesting tips! Norwegian and Swedish language and culture are very similar in many ways, but us Norwegians don't understand why the Swedes like eating all that herring all the time, ha ha... But seriously, thanks :-)

First I thought you were kind of trolling me... But in the same turn of thinking I was calmly reminded that only the authentic Trolls speak Norwegian so I knew you weren't, ha ha...
Neida, men seriøst, I know it's on the other side of the pond and would cost me time and Norwegian Kroner. I know someone who's been paddling in Canada, but that's way too expeditional to me, even though I realise BWCA will be so too, and not in January... We don't paddle here in January at freshwater lakes, but we can paddle at the saltwater coast due to the golf current anyhowe. I'm not a romantic or very optimistic as a person, but a realist dreamin'... So that's why I'm planning WAY ahead, and not "urgent".
Takk for at du allikevel vil ha litt realisme i bildet...

Jeg er en passe normal nordmann, he he... Men har hatt noen rare øyeblikk i livet jeg også :-)

Hei! Thanks for the good tips. I'm not sure, but so far either Ely or Gunflint will be my entry points IF this turns out the way I want.
Are cabins or motels easily available for rent? Which is cheapest?

Hilsen Magnus

My e-mail is magnusaa@hotmail.com. Send me yours, and will keep in touch if needed :-)

Magnus

Hei igjen :-) My e-mail is magnusaa@hotmail.com. Leave a reply and we'll keep in touch.
Takk, Magnus

inspector13: "Check out the Engle Tower in Duluth on your way up from Minneapolis. There is also a lot of Norwegian immigrant history all along the North Shore of Lake Superior. "

"Enger" Tower

Magnus 79, I know you have talked about a solo trip and that is cool. Coming from as far as you would be to so many unfamiliar things, give a little consideration to the possibility of hooking up with one to three BWCA forum members for your trip. While there are some "risks" there are an awful lot of advantages as well and our community is some thirty thousand strong, spread out all over the USA and many other countries as well. Lots of folks have hooked up with complete strangers for trips and done quite well, usually creating life long friendships in the process.

If this is something you would consider, you have lots of time to have considerable dialogue with any potential trip partners. I know that many of us love taking what we call "newbies" up to the BWCA, myself included.

For example, I live about 10 minutes from MPLS airport so picking you up there and heading north would be simple. Obviously would also save you the "kroner' of renting a car for a week. Many, including myself would have lots of equipment to provide for the trip ranging from cooking, eating, water filtration and even tents which could change your need to bring more than just your sleeping bag, pad and personal stuff/clothing. Obviously the planning for food, route, etc could be discussed but much easier done here at this end. Many also have a canoe (I don't own one but probably have access to one) which would again uncomplicate things and save money.

I have not done a solo, many here love it. Not trying to discourage you from that at all. Just pointing out that if you are the type of person who would be willing to meet and trip with folks you have talked to but never met, there are an awful lot of advantages - including knowledge of the BWCA, entry points, routes and best practices. Again, lots of people here do it, I suspect you may hear from some of them and their experiences. We even created a specific category called "Trip Partner Finder" for folks who are looking for trip mates.

Glad to hear of your interest and enthusiasm for visiting the BWCA, it is an amazing place. I am sure that anyone lucky enough to trip with you would also learn a lot of interesting and valuable stuff about Norway, the heritage and the way of life there. Could be a win-win. Just a thought, feel free to mull it over and explore it if you have an interest.

The cheapest accommodations will be bunk rooms at the outfitters but might only be available for a night before or after your trip. Others might know more. I suspect the next cheapest are motels in town. Cabins will likely be more because they are generally at least two bedrooms, living space, and include a kitchen.

bobbernumber3: "

gravelroad: "

bobbernumber3: "

gravelroad: "Send meg e-postadressen din via profilen min her og du får mer enn nok om BWCAW fra denne sida. ;-)
(Farmora mi var født på Eidsvoll Verk.) "

… assuming Magnus79 knows Norwegian."

“ Also, other things to keep in mind for a Norwegian?”


Da var denne en rar nordmann - som ikke kan norsk. :-)"

monet amerikkalaiset eivät osaa englantia"

Careful, I'll get my sister to slap you with some Finn (our maternal grandparents emigrated from near Seinäjoki.)

FYI, I'm a professional linguist and well aware of the diversity of languages in this country.

Magnus79: "Hei igjen :-) My e-mail is magnusaa@hotmail.com. Leave a reply and we'll keep in touch.
Takk, Magnus"

Gjort via e-post.

Junior year In high school we took a Finnish exchange student on a bwca trip. She was great.

Same year we took a Swedish exchange student. Big blond guy, straight out of central casting, we were puny American runts. He was bjorn, troll slayer. Laziest, most useless mass a muscle I had ever encountered.

Fortunately that winter we took a trip with a Swedish girl. The trip was hellish. Cold, slushy ice. Target brand sleeping bags. Tarps, no tents. She was sunshine. I ended up marrying into a stupidly Swedish family inspite of my Norwegian/Luxembourg heritage.

You will actually find people in the Minnesota who speak English with such a Scandinavian accent that we sound like Scottish Canadians. You’ll have a great trip. People on this site will be very helpful

lindylair: "Magnus 79, I know you have talked about a solo trip and that is cool. Coming from as far as you would be to so many unfamiliar things, give a little consideration to the possibility of hooking up with one to three BWCA forum members for your trip. While there are some "risks" there are an awful lot of advantages as well and our community is some thirty thousand strong, spread out all over the USA and many other countries as well. Lots of folks have hooked up with complete strangers for trips and done quite well, usually creating life long friendships in the process.


If this is something you would consider, you have lots of time to have considerable dialogue with any potential trip partners. I know that many of us love taking what we call "newbies" up to the BWCA, myself included.


For example, I live about 10 minutes from MPLS airport so picking you up there and heading north would be simple. Obviously would also save you the "kroner' of renting a car for a week. Many, including myself would have lots of equipment to provide for the trip ranging from cooking, eating, water filtration and even tents which could change your need to bring more than just your sleeping bag, pad and personal stuff/clothing. Obviously the planning for food, route, etc could be discussed but much easier done here at this end. Many also have a canoe (I don't own one but probably have access to one) which would again uncomplicate things and save money.


I have not done a solo, many here love it. Not trying to discourage you from that at all. Just pointing out that if you are the type of person who would be willing to meet and trip with folks you have talked to but never met, there are an awful lot of advantages - including knowledge of the BWCA, entry points, routes and best practices. Again, lots of people here do it, I suspect you may hear from some of them and their experiences. We even created a specific category called "Trip Partner Finder" for folks who are looking for trip mates.


Glad to hear of your interest and enthusiasm for visiting the BWCA, it is an amazing place. I am sure that anyone lucky enough to trip with you would also learn a lot of interesting and valuable stuff about Norway, the heritage and the way of life there. Could be a win-win. Just a thought, feel free to mull it over and explore it if you have an interest.


"

I think you will find this sentiment common. It is exciting finding people who share your passion. I too have made many friends arranging trips with strangers. Plus just meeting for a beer now and then. Pre-pandemic of course. Add me to the list please.

I hope you can get the details worked out and make the trip. Visiting the BW is a great reason to travel!

Several years ago we went on the "Norway in a nutshell" trip. I know, kind of touristy, but we had limited time (my brother was getting married in Stockholm). Wish we would have time for a paddle!

Boppasteveg: "

inspector13: "Check out the Engle Tower in Duluth on your way up from Minneapolis. There is also a lot of Norwegian immigrant history all along the North Shore of Lake Superior. "

"Enger" Tower"

Auto-correct.

@lindylair: Thanks for a bunch for all the advices :-) I am quite overwhelmed with all the friendly responds, tips and much helpful information!
I have ventured for years to many canoe solo trips here in Norway as well as in Sweden, even in snow, wind and in icy conditions! I never attempt to raft down rivers or risk anything, and I've surely had my moments stranded due to too much wind. I plan my trips well (that's why I reach out to you in advance) and make sure to be safe, travelling with a Spot Gen device too.
I prefer solo, but have also done a lot of social trips which is very fun. But thank you, I will definitely consider the safer side of it, joining a group. I really appreciate all the support and reflections, and I guess I am kind of exotic in this forum as well :-)
Magnus

Thanks. I guessed it, cabins are quite expencive here too. But very interesting and helpful respond!

Enger: Is a common surname here :-) Cool, thanks!

My great-great-grand parents both came from Finland. Their children married Norwegians. I know no Finnish, except swear words!

He he... Some of us Scandinavians now origin from the Asphalt Jungle and won't cope well with the Great Outdoors. But some of us spend a lot of time in our backcountries which are 90-95 % free to roam and camp. The Finns aren't very different besides saunas and their language being something totally else. The Swedes? I have worked with them as colleagues for years, and they just differ in a way of liking herring and hockey more than us :-)
I watched Fargo, YouTube, and yes, it's funny to hear the accent, uffda's, and Viking stuff here and there. We had some relatives from Minnesota who moved years ago to Colorado and California, so personally I don't know anyone in Minnesota.
My future trip will certainly be more prepared beacause of the responds and very very friendly and helpful canoe spirit community fellows in this forum! There's few of us in my country, most like to ski or stay safe and (a little bit) drunk in their mountain cabins (a little bit sarcasm there... but that's part of who I am)

Vennlig hilsen Magnus

Although almost 3/4ths of my heritage is Yankee, my great grandfather came from the Enontekio/Kittila region. He left during the Great Hunger; first immigrating even further north into Finnmark, then to Canada, and finally Minnesota. He knew 4 languages and taught my father Russian swear words.

There is a small village in the Enontekio region bearing my surname. It must be close to where Joulupukki resides since all the houses are painted either red or white. :)

Awesome! Parts of my ancestors were kvener from Finland, and fled from famine and war duty in the 1800's. Much of my family still live in Skjervøy, but a few generations later all of kven traditions have vanished, my ancestors married southern Norwegians and so on. Those days many Finns or KVENER (name for a Northern Finland type of people) settled amongst Norwegians and the indigenous Sami people. The Russians were there too as traders. After the 1850's The Norwegian Parlament decided that the coastline from Oslo to Finnmark was to be 100 % Norwegian, and settled Finns/kvener had to become assimilated as Norwegians, meaning changing their first names and surnames to Norwegian sounding likes, if not, they were forced to leave. But many southern Norwegians also searched for pockets of farming land in Northern Norway and Finnmark, forcing Finns and Samis off of their grounds. Finnish people assimiliated were left in peace and kept their properties.
Part of me is kven, and I think you might be too!
I have a History degree, so I couldn't resist responding to this... Btw, check out Leonhard Seppala, a Norwegian kven from Skibotn, who moved to Alaska. Also check out Lars Monsen, a present adventurer with kven heritage as well.

Magnus

Absolutelly overwhelmed! Really in awe. A huge welcome. I definitelly share a øl or two, or three... Maybe someday...
Magnus

Yes. The name switch is recorded in genealogical records. When he got to the Americas the surname was changed back to what it is now. Having the first name of Oskar probably didn’t require a change. Thanks. I’ll check those people out.

Hei, let me know when going, manannanmaclir@yahoo.com , and I will swap you gear for it (if need) for some information on paddling the Kautokenio. I'm in MSP so would be on way. Best Regards,