Retired last year and always wanted to traverse the park, so summer 2026 is blocked off for that. I have half baked plan in mind, going east to west, and I'm just starting some real planning (thus I'm here). We (2) have done enough week long trips (about a dozen) over the years to be competent, but it would be pretty dumb not to tap the knowledge base here for something this big.

Anderson's seems willing to one way us from their place to the east end, so we are set there.

We'll probably start at EP70 North Fowl Lake just to say we started furthest east possible. We'll do week, then hit a lodge for 4 or 5 days. I'll need another permit to re enter, so that is first ask for input. Anyone got a recommendation there. Paddle in/out Lodge they like in that first break. Hungry Jack, White Pine and Rockwood all look well located for what I'd like to do.

Going back in EP 47/48/49 and spending about 10 days to paddle into Seagull. Maybe it will take longer, haven't mapped it yet. Bigger question will be where to relax and refit. This will be the jumping off point for the last section of the trip that will be about 5 weeks coming out at Crane, so we will want the nicest accommodations available. We'll also need an outfitter here, so opinions solicited.

Finally, we have really no experience in Quetico beyond the one trip we did in the North Bay of Basswood. So at this point the plan looks kinda like this: paddle into the center of Quetico, enjoy solitude and fish, paddle out when we run out of food on Crane Lake side. I'm going to start making a plan next couple of weeks, so if anyone wants to steer us to cool stuff and favorite lakes we are all ears.

While we probably have years of BWCA and Quetico trips ahead of us, probably won't do anything of this magnitude again. Thanks in advance for any time to take to tell me what you think or advice you give.

The US/Canada border is the route, the "Voyageurs Highway". It was and is still the most efficient route From Lake Superior to Lake of the Woods. Your desired section, Fowl Lakes to Crane, should be a relatively easy two weeks.

If you desire to break that up with a lodge or cabin stay the end of the Gunflint Trail(Saganaga) or Moose Lake(the one near ELY) would be good choices for the stop-over and resupply. Both have lodging and outfitters.

A trip into Quetico may be prevented if the RABC program is not re-started and Canada does not re-open custom station at Prairie Portage. We will hopefully know more about the RABC by the end of the year. If you do go into Quetico on the second part of your trip you will need a third entry permit to re-enter the BWCAW(# 71, From Canada)

The Voyageurs Highway being the most efficient route is by making use of BIG lakes thus minimizing the number of portages. Of course, that means wind and big waves can really mess with your ability to travel. I think I can safely say that in any two week period you will have at least one windbound day, probably more.

From my experience, the best way to get the mileage done is to start early in the day as soon as it is light enough to travel. The wind usually doesn't start until late morning. I must emphasize "usually" as it is not a firm rule. This means simple, fast breakfast. No bacon and pancakes. Get organized for quick camp breakdowns. It is amazing how many miles you can knock out before noon if you start real early. Also, if the weather is favorable keep traveling. Save layovers for poor paddling conditions.

It is a wonderful scenic route with only one bad portage- the famous Long Portage between Rove and Rose Lakes. Just prepare well for the big lakes

sedges: "The US/Canada border is the route, the "Voyageurs Highway". It was and is still the most efficient route From Lake Superior to Lake of the Woods. Your desired section, Fowl Lakes to Crane, should be a relatively easy two weeks.
"

Probably should have clarified that I don't want it to take 2 weeks, I want it to take 8.

sedges: "If you desire to break that up with a lodge or cabin stay the end of the Gunflint Trail(Saganaga) or Moose Lake(the one near ELY) would be good choices for the stop-over and resupply. Both have lodging and outfitters.
"

I was thinking Saganaga as second stop.

sedges: "A trip into Quetico may be prevented if the RABC program is not re-started and Canada does not re-open custom station at Prairie Portage. We will hopefully know more about the RABC by the end of the year. If you do go into Quetico on the second part of your trip you will need a third entry permit to re-enter the BWCAW(# 71, From Canada)
"

This is sad, I didn't know it was in danger. Highway could be backup plan. I was tracking 3rd permit and lots of cash to be in Canada.

We have some experience with the big wind. We are first of the lake when it gets sketchy and not in any kind of hurry. But thanks for the advice, concern for safety is always appreciated. Not looking to race across the park, but to take the summer to do it, find the best camp and fishing spots, and knock out at least a few books.

I'll be reworking the plan if Canada is out, probably by doing as you suggest.

If you want to include Quetico, you could start from Crane Lake instead, and then stop at Sand Point Lake for Canadian customs to avoid needing an RABC permit. You could then register at Lac La Croix ranger station to enter Quetico. It also would have you traveling west, which would put you in a more favorable wind.

For clarification. The BWCAW is not a national, state, county, or municipal park.
Voyeugers is a national park.
Quetico is a park but a provincial park.

Have fun!
Tom

ArrowheadPaddler: "If you want to include Quetico, you could start from Crane Lake instead, and then stop at Sand Point Lake for Canadian customs to avoid needing an RABC permit. You could then register at Lac La Croix ranger station to enter Quetico. It also would have you traveling west, which would put you in a more favorable wind. "

This is the kind of awesome advice I knew that I'd get on a forum like this. If RABC is not available I could do this!

ArrowheadPaddler: "If you want to include Quetico, you could start from Crane Lake instead, and then stop at Sand Point Lake for Canadian customs to avoid needing an RABC permit. You could then register at Lac La Croix ranger station to enter Quetico. It also would have you traveling west, which would put you in a more favorable wind. "

You mean traveling east from the west?

mgraber: "

ArrowheadPaddler: "If you want to include Quetico, you could start from Crane Lake instead, and then stop at Sand Point Lake for Canadian customs to avoid needing an RABC permit. You could then register at Lac La Croix ranger station to enter Quetico. It also would have you traveling west, which would put you in a more favorable wind. "

You mean traveling east from the west?"

Correct. I missed the word “from.”

I did not know that prevailing winds were easterly. We did a loop around Snowbank one year and I'm pretty sure the wind was directly into our faces all week! The one time I did a east to west section of Lac le Croix was the first time I had to call it a day (one day) with high winds. This is also good info.

Since RABC is up in the air, maybe I'll start in Ely and do the east part first, get a pickup back to Ely, hang out, get transport to Crane and do a loop (Sturgeon, Kawnipi, Agnes) back to Ely.

Arrowhead, where exactly is the Lac le Criox ranger station on the west end?

A couple of observations:

With 8 weeks you may have enough time to do a circumnavigation instead of simply an end to end. The permit logistics and resupply may be a bit more involved, but I think you could find a route that would be intriguing. It may look more like a figure 8, but I think you could find two different routes east and west through most of the BW.

Travel west through the smaller lakes, travel east through the larger lakes (mostly along the border) to help with the prevailing wind issues. Also, later in the trip you may have more comfort paddling in higher wind conditions.

The back of Voyageur Maps has an overview of the BW that would be handy to sketch out a preliminary route. Then you can refine later.

With a trip that long, become very familiar with DIY maintenance on critical trip gear - stove, water filter, sleeping pads, etc.

An inReach with satellite communication privileges may be a good idea. After a couple of scary events, I carry a weather radio with me. It doesn't get reception in all of the BW, but most.

Hope you get to make your 8 week trip happen. It would be an amazing accomplishment.

I would second those who suggest going west to east. Years ago we went from International Falls to Superior. If you want to be ambitious you could do the Pigeon and Grand Portage.

West to east is the way to travel if you have a choice.

papalambeau: " West to east is the way to travel if you have a choice."

Noted. I want to do the planning anyway, so maybe I will start in Ely, go west, transit all the way to Crane, enter Canada, and go back to Ely. With the wind and no RABC worries.

This is why I came to the forum, many thanks all.

LittleHawk: "Arrowhead, where exactly is the Lac le Criox ranger station on the west end?"

The Lac La Croix Ranger station is on the north central shore, a little east of the Namakan River. Also, just to be clear, prevailing winds are from the west, so traveling west to east would generally be easiest.

How about start at Crane Lake travel all the way east thru the Fowl lakes and take out at the John Lake ep. You don’t have to venture into Canada at all. Why bother with the extra expense and permit hassles etc.

Good luck, I hope you actually do it, sounds like a fun way to spend a summer.

Cheers, scat

I am curious about traveling from Sand Point Customs Station to Lac la Croix Quetico Ranger Station staying on the Canadian side. You have gone through customs, so you really need to camp on the Canadian side. It is a might long paddle, especially if you have to wait from customs to open in the morning. I am thinking at least one camp before you get to LLC Ranger Station. Is the land along the Loon River and the west shore of LLC Ontario Crown land? Do you need a permit to camp? I know most folks are using a tow, but that is an expensive proposition. Paddling and camping on the Canadian side should be an option until the RABC issue gets worked out.