My wife and I are going to be taking our 4.5 year granddaughter into Quetico this summer. We've been to the Boundary Waters a few times and once to Quetico.

Would like four nights, distance isn't important as I'm sure we won't get very far or hard. The main criteria is to stay off of large lakes that are prone to wind and large waves.

Suggestions?

Thanks.

I can only comment on Prairie Portage and Beaverhouse, and if wanting to avoid rough water, I think only Carp Lake through PP would work. Head up Man Chain. Nice sites, smaller waters.

You may want to consider a tow to Bottle River (EP 43) or McAree Lake (EP 44) out of Crane Lake, MN.

Good campsites on Iron and McAree, with some sites close to Rebecca Falls and Curtain Falls.

Can even set it up for drop at one of the above EPs and pick up at the other (approx 8 miles paddling and few short portages - nothing more than 100 rods - between the two EPs).

Anderson's Canoe Outfitters or Zup's for the tow. Anderson's has a motel you can stay at in Crane Lake the night before you get the tow.

Man, that kid has an awesome Grandpa! What they learn now will be forever tattooed on their soul, Good and bad.

I’ve been taking my nephew to the BWCA since he was a tyke. He’s now 20 and says “Uncle Tom, when can we go to the Boundary Waters?”

Any northern entry will will afford almost no portages but Also can be prone to impossible swells. Southern routes offer more smaller lakes but takes a little more navigational logistics to reach.
Certainly do a few portages but take it easy. Just having her is going to be like having a 400 pound elephant along. Slow and tedious. But cute!

I don’t think we can really tell you what trip to take, so many options and tastes. Look at some maps, study up on any famous or infamous portages and go. Or use and pay an outfitter for planning advice. I could map out a trip of any type for you but you might find my suggestions don’t match your dreams.

Your Granddaughter is still too young to remember it all. Only thing is when she is older she will be extremely curious about where Gramps took her on her first trip. I still tell my nephew all sorts of stories about his early trips!
Tom

I did Pickerel with my wife and we needed to get off the lake due to the high winds and large, large waves - both entering and exiting. I can't do that with the 4 year old.

thanks for the suggestions so far, I'll look into them and appreciate any others as well.

I agree with the recommendation of Carp Lake. Fun, but fairly short and cheap tow up the Moose chain. A few portages, but all easy, big enough water to seem impressive to a kiddo, but small enough to only ever be a few minutes from shore. Variety of day trip options.

A buddy has base camped on Carp a couple times with his four kids, youngest in the 2-3 year age range. Said it’s been a good fit.

Thanks everyone! So if my understanding is correct - To get to Carp lake I would need to enter from the BWCA (maybe a tow from Moose given the 4.5 year old) to the Prairie Portage Ranger Station, check in there and then proceed into Quetico. That would require a RABC as well. Does it also require a BWCA permit?

I'll start calling a couple of outfitters. I see CCO serves that area and am open to other suggestions as well.

homers: "Thanks everyone! So if my understanding is correct - To get to Carp lake I would need to enter from the BWCA (maybe a tow from Moose given the 4.5 year old) to the Prairie Portage Ranger Station, check in there and then proceed into Quetico. That would require a RABC as well. Does it also require a BWCA permit?


I'll start calling a couple of outfitters. I see CCO serves that area and am open to other suggestions as well."

Assuming no overnight in the BWCA, a day use permit for BWCA for day of entry is required and you also need a day use permit for when you come out - the outfitter that will tow you to PP (and pick you up?) can help you with this. There isn't a quota on day use permits.

LaTourells and Williams & Hall, both on Moose Lake are other options to consider. Both are well regarded.

Maybe you're aware, but a parent or legal guardian needs to apply for the RABC for the child (if you don't already have). RABC application

You don't need a BWCA permit if you use tows on Moose Lake, though I like paddling Moose. I'm also a big fan of CCO for 20+ years.