Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – Regulations
Be sure to familiarize yourself with all BWCAW regulations before booking your trip and venturing into the wilderness.
A permit is always required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Self-issued, non-overnight ‘day permits’ may be obtained on the date of entry. Self-Issued permits are available from kiosks at BWCAW entry points and Forest Service offices (no reservation required and no recreation fees).
Your guide will help navigate the permitting process once you decide what kind of trip you want to do.
Motorboats are only allowed on a handful of lakes along the border of the BWCAW. Between May 1st and September 30th, motorized watercraft require a permit reserved via Recreation.gov. Some lakes have additional horsepower restrictions.
Your guide will help navigate the permitting process once you decide what kind of trip you want to do.
Possessing any metal cans or glass bottles is illegal, except containers of fuel, insect repellent, sunscreen, or medicines. Bring food and drinks only in containers designed and intended for repeat use to prevent more trash.
Drones are not allowed in the BWCAW.