The Boundary Waters area contains several thousand portage-linked lakes and streams, interspersed with islands, forests, and crags. It has no piped water, prepared shelters, or signs pointing the way. Within these borders, you can canoe, portage, and camp in the spirit of the French-Canadian Voyageurs of 200 years ago. The Boundary Waters' 1,200 miles of paddling routes offer outstanding opportunities for solitude, remoteness, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and lake trout are abundant throughout both the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park. With "canoe only" access, fishing in these wilderness lakes is superior to areas more exposed to public use.

Thousands of visitors come to canoe the BWCAW area each year, and numerous others are drawn to this timeless, northwoods destination to fish, ski, and dogsled. Making about four to five portages—or one half-mile portage—into either wilderness area will allow you to travel beyond many of the popular base camp areas, and leave your cares behind in one of the most spectacular wilderness regions in North America.

Thanks to Canadian Border Outfitters for adding their love and knowledge to our information on Boundary Waters.