Boundary Waters Permit Opener - January 29, 2025

Everything You Need to Know About the Boundary Waters Permit Opener

Mark your calendars! The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) permit system opens for reservations on January 29, 2025. For paddlers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts, this date is your first chance to secure access to one of the most stunning wilderness areas in the world for your summer adventures. Permits are required for overnight trips in the Boundary Waters, and they’re in high demand—especially for popular entry points and peak times. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip and secure a permit.

Why permits matter

The BWCAW is a designated Wilderness, meaning it’s protected to provide a pristine and unspoiled experience for all visitors while ensuring the ecosystem remains intact. Permits help manage the number of people entering the wilderness each day, reducing overcrowding and preserving the Boundary Waters for future generations.

How to get a permit

Mark the date: The permit reservation system opens at 9:00 AM CST on January 29, 2025. Reservations can be made online through Recreation.gov or by calling 218-626-430.
Know your entry point: Permits are tied to specific entry points and dates. Research entry points ahead of time to find one that matches your group’s experience level and desired route. Popular entry points tend to fill up quickly. Use paddleplanner.com to explore route ideas!
Have a backup plan: If your first choice is unavailable, have alternative entry points or dates ready. Flexibility can make the difference between booking a trip or missing out.
Pay attention to group size: Permits are limited to nine people per group, and each group can bring no more than four watercraft.
Fees: There’s a non-refundable reservation fee, and additional usage fees will apply based on group size.
Restricted Permits: Some permits are classified as "restricted," meaning they have specific limitations on activities or areas. For example, restricted permits might require you to camp only on designated sites or prohibit travel into certain parts of the wilderness. Be sure to read the details of your permit carefully to understand any restrictions.

Planning Your BWCAW Adventure

Once you’ve secured your permit, it’s time to start planning your trip! Here are some key considerations:

Gear: Whether you’re renting or bringing your own, make sure you have essential items. See our full list here.
Routes: Plan a route that aligns with your group’s skill level. If you’re new to the Boundary Waters, consider routes with shorter portages and easy navigation. Experienced paddlers might enjoy venturing into more remote areas.
Food: Pack lightweight, high-calorie meals that are easy to prepare. Dehydrated meals, trail mix, and oatmeal are lighter Boundary Waters options, but some people prefer to bring in vegetables and other more complex options. Consider weight as you pack your meals if you plan lots of portages.
Leave No Trace: Familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and avoid cutting live trees for firewood. See full guidelines here.

Tips for First-Timers

Bug Protection: Summer in the Boundary Waters is beautiful—but it’s also prime bug season. Pack plenty of bug spray and consider bringing a bug net or bug shirt.
Safety First: Always wear a life jacket while paddling, and make sure someone in your group is familiar with basic first aid. It never hurts to take a Wilderness First Aid course ahead of your trip!
Wildlife safety: Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. To reduce the chances of attracting wildlife, attractants should be suspended at least 12 feet above the surface of the ground and 6 feet horizontally from the trunk of a tree or stored in an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee-certified bear-resistant container. Attractants are any items that have a strong odor and may attract bears and other wildlife, such as food, food containers, scented items (such as soap, lip balm, toothpaste), and refuse.

Why Visit the Boundary Waters?

From serene paddles across glassy lakes to the call of loons echoing through the trees, every moment in the Wilderness connects you to something greater. It’s a chance to unplug, explore, and create lasting memories in one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.

Don’t wait to plan your trip. With the Boundary Waters permit opener just around the corner, now is the time to start dreaming, researching, and preparing for an unforgettable summer adventure. Good luck, and happy paddling!

Northern MN Boundary Waters Business Coalition members that can help you plan & outfit your canoe trips:

Bearskin Lodge (Gunflint Trail)
Clearwater Historic Lodge & Canoe Outfitters (Gunflint Trail)
Ely Outfitting Company & Boundary Waters Guide Service (Ely)
Hungry Jack Canoe Outfitters(Gunflint Trail)
Lodge of Whispering Pines (Ely - Echo Trail)
Piragis Northwoods Company (Ely)
River Point Outfitting Co. (Ely - Kawishiwi River )
Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters (Gunflint Trail)
Sawbill Canoe Outfitters (Tofte)
Sawtooth Outfitters (Tofte)
Williams and Hall Outfitters (Ely - Moose Lake)
Women’s Wilderness Discovery (Ely)

Check out more Boundary Waters Business supporters here.