I am interested in booking a trip to the Boundary Waters this year. I was planning on obtaining a permit the day they opened, but life got in the way. I still do not have a permit and was wondering what my best options were. We were planning a group of 6-8 people.

First off, does every individual person need a permit, or would we obtain one permit for the group? We would be planning to use an outfitter (perhaps with a guide), would the outfitter handle the permit?

Also looking for any general advice about obtaining permits in order to plan a trip. Given that we are almost one week out from initial permit offerings, what's the best way to secure a permit?

Thanks ahead of time from a BWCA newby!

Only one permit is required for the group. I would just reach out to some outfitters or guides and have them help you plan a trip based on what is available.

Outfitter Guide List

This USFS publication will get you started right:

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Trip Planning Guide

Thanks for your replies folks!

boundary waters permits

If you have a date picked out you can go to recreation.gov to see what permits are left.

?The other option is to pick the area you want to visit, gunflint, tofte, or ely and contact an outfitter in that area.

tony

Pick your entry date and go online to see what is available. One permit for the group is all that is needed. The exit date doesn't matter so just list you best guess. The entry point (EP), entry date, and trip leader canNOT be changed so be sure the leader can make it. Once you determine the EP contact an outfitter that services that EP and they can take care of your permit. It's a good idea to pick the permit up from the outfitter because they have extended hours during the season. When you get your permit you need a trip leader and an alternate trip leader. You can easily add other paddlers later.

Welcome, Jonny! You've come to the right place for tips, suggestions, ideas, etc. I echo the suggestion to contact an outfitter as they will certainly help you through the planning process. Hope your first trip leads to many more!

One permit for the group as long as there's 9 or less people in the group.