Boundary Waters Permits - January 25

Jan 16, 2023
Save the Boundary Waters
Sunset in a canoe in the Boundary Waters
Aerial picture of Boundary Waters

Boundary Waters permits become available on 1/25! 

Reserve your permit

Permits are available January 25, 2023 at 9:00 AM CST at recreation.gov.

It’s time to start planning your Boundary Waters trips! If you plan on visiting the Boundary Waters during quota season: May 1 - September 30, you will have to reserve an overnight permit ahead of time. 

While popular entry points and dates fill quickly, some people may cancel their permit or switch dates, so continue to keep an eye out during the quote season for available permits. Paddle Planner has a nice feature for members that can alert you when permits become available.

Learn more and reserve your permit here!

Are you interested in planning a canoe trip but are not sure where to start? Here are some questions you can start thinking about:

  • When are you going?
  • Where are you going? What entry point do you want to use?
  • Who is coming with you?
  • Do you have specific goals or interests? (Fishing, pictographs, waterfalls, solitude, etc.)

Here are some resources to help you answer these questions:

Beginner's Guide to Paddling the Boundary Waters

BWCA Routes | Save the Boundary Waters

Planning your first Boundary Waters trip? Consider these 5 tips

YOUTUBE: lanning a trip to the Boundary Waters with Ely Outfitting Company!

YOUTUBE: Planning a Boundary Waters Route with Paddle Planner

Outfitters

Many outfitters and lodges provide route and trip planning options, gear rental, guiding services, and even lodging before and after your camping trip. We recommend contacting an outfitter or guide service to help you plan the best possible trip. 

Any of these northern Minnesota Boundary Waters Business Coalition members can help with route planning and gear rentals or purchases:

Women’s Wilderness Discovery

Paddle Planner is another excellent resource for route planning, and read our blog on packing if you need to double-check your gear.

More resources: 

Check out this interactive map from Paddle Planner: