How many have tripped early October? What was your experience?

Generally great! Since you tend towards base camping it would likely be magnificent. If the weather dishes it out you can stay in camp and feed the fire and watch the world. My times of difficulty in October have come from having to travel on days that were not conducive to travel- if I had time to sit I could find contentment on the most miserable of days.

For my money, late September early October is prime time.

Tip of the Arrowhead


This wasn't the first week, but you should get the idea.

Seems to me that October is when the winds start to really kick in and make paddling a crap shoot depending on the day. I was out the first weekend in 2024 and thought I'd be windbound an extra day before making an escape across Perent Lake that had me doubting my wisdom while en-route. Others weren't as lucky -- I remember reading about two other canoes that capsized that same day (one on Sawbill, I believe), and it was also the day a ranger in Voyageurs was killed after rescuing some fishermen when his own boat flipped.

This last October, I was hoping to get out for another paddling trip, but decided against it due to the forecast winds, and backpacked instead. Found the gear from a canoe that had capsized -- and was worried I'd also find the owner washed up on shore. Fortunately met the owner when he came out looking for his gear the day after his swim.

On both trips, there were days which were just fine -- and it *is* a great time of year to paddle, but also a good time to be sure you keep some flexibility in your schedule.

One of my preferred times for BWCA trips, the other being when the lakes are frozen. As stated already, it can be a crapshoot for weather. I’ve seen it summer-like and I have paddled out in snow flurries. Cut two trips short to snatch a weather window and get the hell out of Dodge while the getting was good, and I have never regretted either decision. Flexibility and keeping a weather eye on the weather are essential, IMO.

Went first week of October this year, it felt like summer. It was HOT! I think the second week might be the new sweet spot.

I was in from October 9-13 this fall up the gunflint, and we definitely hit the cooler weather after the heat wave. Experienced the more typical October windy days and nights around 30. As far as fishing goes, it was tough sledding. Still found enough smallmouth/small pike for meals but the walleye were not biting for us. That being said, we were on a loop of smaller lakes not known for great walleye fishing. Got a couple small ones trolling but none on bobbers and jigging was tough in the higher winds.

We like September-October. Have gone mid/late -October. You just have to accept it will be chilly/cold and precipitation. It's pretty choice for base camping with a tarp so you can hunker down as needed.

We don't like hot temps either. 30's/40's at night and 50's/60's in day is perfect for us. Love the fall colors.

Went third week this last fall and found the mosquitoes thick on the portages, and the guys in my camp all thought it was too hot. Our other group paddled to a basecamp on Seagull and found most of the sites taken.

They still talk about one of our favorite trips was when we were on Seagull, five years ago I think, third week, and it snowed most days, with sleet as well. One of the guys stacked rocks around the fire grate making it into an oven. Then built walls out of solar blankets and kept the fire going low. The guys hung out in it a lot. . .in their T-shirts and shorts! It was like a sauna!

I have made 6 trips to the BWCA and southern Ontario that ended in early October.

Positives - less bugs, woods are changing colors with the seasons, chance at some great birdwatching as the waterfowl start to migrate, less crowds.

Neutral - I have been in t-shirts and shorts all the way to snow and sleet. Typically the weather is mild and pleasant but can shift to extremes quickly.

Negatives - Fishing can be a challenge, wind will likely be a factor in your plans.

It is a great time of year to trip, just be prepared for the wind and weather.

I did the second week of October a few years ago. I had great weather. Slightly below freezing at night and high 50s during the day, no rain. Had I gone the week before It would have been a cold ,miserable, wet time. So results will vary. Also it get dark early so I brought some wood processing tools along, which I normally don't do.

You should be able to do a Lake Nipigon Loop from Thunder Bay and Back. Check Google Earth and mark waypoints at key points names and print for hard copy zoom in and out to specific locations or online general directions. I have T Bay to Armstrong 255km Armstrong to Auden 135km Auden to Jellicoe 98 Km and the return to Thunder Bay 231km for a total of 719 km 10ths 13 minutes. Check against your map to make sure and with the MNR and OPP for Road And Bridge Information .