Entry Points
One of the most important aspects of planning a canoe trip is obtaining an entry permit. Daily limits are set for each entry point by the U.S. Forest Service.For best selection, you should apply as early as possible. Permits are available through the season, but you will need to be a bit more flexible concerning both date and entry point as time passes. Weekend departures and dates from the middle of July until the middle of August fill up first.
Please remember that you must depart on the date of your permit at the chosen entry point. Delays due to travel or weather are not honored.
The cost of permits is $10.00, which is paid to the Forest Service and non-refundable. If you cancel and make a new reservation, a new fee applies. As with all aspects of your trip, Duane's will help with the permit process. A permit allows a group of 9 campers and four canoes. Larger groups will require separate permits, and must stay separated throughout the trip.
To reserve your permit today please visit the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness Center.
User Fees
The U.S Forest Service has established a user fee in addition to the permit required for overnight travel in the BWCAW. The user fee will be $16.00 per person per trip. The user fee will be $8.00 for anyone age 17 and under, or for anyone that has a Golden Age or Golden Access card. (Seniors and Disabled) This user fee will apply to any overnight trip in the BWCAW between May 1st and September 30, the same period as permits are required.It will still cost $6.00 to reserve a permit, a non-refundable handling fee to the U.S. Forest Service. Overnight campers will also need to pay the proper user fee. A party of five adults, for example, would pay $86.00. All parties pay $38.00 at time of reservation, $6.00 for the permit and two user fees. Balance paid at time of trip. Except for the $6.00 permit fee, all money would be refunded by the Forest Service if the trip permit is cancelled more than 48 hours in advance. If the permit isn't cancelled, and the party doesn't show up, $32.00 of the users fee will be forfeited. This fee has been established to allow the U.S. Forest Service to provide services and enforcement to better protect the BWCAW.
Entry Point Transportation Charges
Our delivery and pick-up service provides you with more flexibility in your trip planning. You can begin at one entry point and return to another. Free parking at our base gives you extra peace of peace of mind.We are authorized to provide canoe outfitting services into the BWCAW under permit by the U.S. Forest Service, This permit signifies complete insurance coverage and professional outfitting service.
| Entry # | Entry Point Name | Full | Partial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Crab & Cummings | Free | $30.00 |
| 14 | Indian Sioux South | $50.00 | $75.00 |
| 16 | Moose/Portage North | Free | $70.00 |
| 23 | Mudro | Free | $50.00 |
| 24 | Fall Lake | Free | $35.00 |
| 25 | Moose Lake | Free | $50.00 |
| 30 | Lake One | Free | $50.00 |
| 32 | South Kawishiwi River | Free | $35.00 |
| 33 | Gabbro Lake | Free | $35.00 |
| 35 | Isabella Lake | Free | $75.00 |
| 36 | Hog Creek | $50.00 | $85.00 |
| Any Point | Gunflint Trail | $200.00 | $250.00 |
- All prices are one way and per van 9 people maximum per van.
Ely Area Entry Points
