Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: 1st time to BWCA
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YetiJedi |
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ockycamper |
Ten years ago our groups went to base camping and like it a lot better. We take the time saved on portaging gear and setting up and taking down camps to really explore the lake we are on and the adjoining lakes. And once the camp is set up we check out all the adjoining lakes. When we do those portaqes we have only the canoes and daypacks. Everyone is different but I would argue that base camping, and not doing multiple portages while trying to get in a lot of miles does not mean you are missing the BWCA experience. It can actually means you are REALLY seeing and checking out the lakes you are on with no time tables! |
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schweady |
Think about in-and-out base camping outings and a long distance travel routes as the extremes and perhaps consider hitting somewhere in the middle. If you have a week, look for a loop with 4 travel days and spend 2 nights at each of 3 camps. Or any other combination of shorter or longer times spent here or there as the weather allows or the heart desires. |
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PeaceFrog |
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boonie |
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Faul30 |
How soon can I reserve my permit? what point should I begin my trip from? If I plan my trip with a outfitter will they have my permit ready when I get there? What are some good outfitters to use in Ely Mn? |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
1. Usually around the end of January is when reservable permits first become available for a given calendar year. 2. Look here for information about various entry points. However, If you can list a few priorities for your trip, people will certainly chime in with specific recommendations. 3. Yes, outfitters will help you reserve and have the permit ready to go upon your watching the video. 4.There are several others but, I've generally gone with Spirit of the wilderness outfitters when going out of Ely. |
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boonie |
In Ely, I have used Voyageur North Outfitters and Piragis - happy with both. Plenty of other good ones - services vary, so it's a good idea to look at websites and see which one would work best for you. There is a list of them at the link he posted on EP's. |
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Faul30 |
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Michwall2 |
The outfitters listed on this website are all good ones. We have used VNO before. The ownership has changed in the last couple of years. Nice bunkhouse facilities, and good gear. You can visit outfitter's websites to see suggested routes from many entry points. Hope you have a great trip. |
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cyclones30 |
Hit the outfitters link here at the top of the page and see who supports the site. Those are all good options and many in Ely. But yes, no permits for any year until January of that year so you've got a while to wait. You can spend some of that time figuring out where you want to go. Use the search function here and you will find TONS of info. Then come back and post a new topic on where to go and include the ones that have your interest and also what you'd like to do or see. Do you fish? If so, what are you hoping to find? Waterfalls? Old growth forest? Sandy beach? Rivers and streams or lakes. Those things help narrow the options down for recommendations. |
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Bushman |
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