Boundary Waters 101

If you're thinking about taking a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota or the adjacent Quetico Provincial Park in Canada, this video will help you get started on the process. Heading into this wilderness can be an epic adventure, and a bit of planning can help make sure you get the most out of the trip. Join Your Old Man Outdoors as he shares what he's learned from multiple trips from over 30 years. His book on the subject is available on Amazon at amzn.to/37BRyAB.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

When canoeing always look behind you as that is what it will look like on your return trip if you are not doing a loop trip.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Spent 30 years paddling the BWCA during many trips each summer. Too old now and really miss it.

[@anthonysonnek1017]

I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to make the video. I am a science teacher and take an annual trip with students to the BWCA as part of our school curriculum. I plan to show your video to my students as part of our preparation for the trip. Thanks again.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Great! I'm glad you found it useful.

[@owenswedberg2325]

I went to school in the twin cities. What school is this? That sounds awesome!

[@owenswedberg2325]

I went to school in the twin cities. What school is this? That sounds awesome!

[@southflwildadventures]

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this video. Brings back so many memories of my trip up with my school biology teacher and principal when I was a junior. Epic is exactly how I can describe our time. I think about that trip often as I'm now going to be 53 years old. I wish to go again one day. I will never say never. I just want to thank you for such a descriptive narration of this beautiful outdoors. The night we spent in Ely Minnesota getting ready seemed like it would never end. I didn't sleep much that night as I was anticipating what fun was ahead of us. I would recommend this trip of a lifetime to everyone.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed the video. The BWCA is an amazing place.

[@T.O.M.364]

I used to go up to the bwca with my father every August when I was in middle and high school. It’s been over 20 years since I’ve been back and I really miss it. I have 4 boys of my own now and Hopefully I’ll get a chance to take them one day. Thank you for the video!

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad you liked the video!

[@ohioelevation9871]

Got my wife into paddling. She lived on Lake Erie (Ohio) when I met her so I moved in with my canoe. She loves being on the water and I talked her into a BWCA trip next summer. I’ve paddled and camped but never this far from help. I appreciate this video big time! Thanks for the help!

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad it helped. Don't go too deep into the BWCA on the first trip and you may end up with a new canoe camping partner. Good luck!

[@boscokid9524]

It’s a magical place but it is wilderness so be careful, plan ahead and have fun.

[@golfish8589]

How is your wife with bugs? I have done many early June trips. Mosquitoes has never been a major issue. We bring two bug sprays. One low diet and the other high diet content. Bring a light windbreaker. It is great for bug protection. I always bring a head net. But have never needed it. No seeums and mosquito scan be an issue after sunset for about an hour. I dont go during the summer because of the biting flies and the heat. Some look like house flies but bite your ankles through your socks. They hide in the bottom of the canoe out of the wind. Horse and deer flies later in the summer can be a menace. And hurt. The loons and eagles and sunsets make up for the downsides. I hope I didn't scare you away

[@ohioelevation9871]

TIM Flugaur-Leavitt not at all. I’ve spent a lot of time in the deep woods getting eaten up by bugs. She’s gonna have to get used to it at some point lol

[@kgsz]

Why did I found this gem so late?! Thanks, it's amazing watch. I really enjoy your narration and the way you capture the Nature. Thanks!

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it. It really is an amazing place.

[@cwolly1]

Thank you for the video! I was the “loose nephew” with a bunch of old guys in 1997. We dropped into Quetico by plane and paddled 72 miles back in 7 days. Being fresh out of college was in great shape. The guys gave me a 60lb pack along with a canoe each portage… usually x2 since there were 3 canoes and 6 of us. Now 47, I’m planning my first solo trip this fall. I just need to rent a canoe and I’m good to go.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Did my first solo trip at 50. Great experience, good luck!

[@golfish8589]

Where are you located? Have you done other trips in the last 27 years. I have done 5 solo trips. The first trip i used a kayak paddle for the first two hours. Then picked up my super light carbon fiber paddle. Used it for about 30 seconds. And switched back to the kayak paddle and never looked back. The longer the canoe the faster it will be. Kevlar is lighter, more hydrodynamic, cooler and quieter than a aluminum.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

@@golfish8589 I'm in the Cincinnati area, but have taken close to a dozen trips to the BWCAW and Quetico, typically groups of 2-4. I'm with you on the benefits of kevlar. I have a couple kevlar boats and kevlar canoe paddles. A kayak paddle may be better, but as I grew up with canoes, I'm too used to a canoe paddle to change now.

[@blackcherry346]

Did my first trip in a solo canoe in Quetico in Aug, first trip there in 40 years, at age 61. The trip was amazing and the solo was fine but I don’t think I’ll repeat it. Really tough in the wind. Tandem next time for sure.

[@golfish8589]

@@YourOldManOutdoors kayak paddle is unbeatable whole going solo. You can pick up a mile per hour with kayak paddles in a tandem canoe and more in a solo. You will travel straight asap arrow and never do a energy wasting J stroke again

[@brianwofford3831]

Very good video. I give you the highest compliment. That comes from a veteran of 46 summer adventures into that great country.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad you liked it. It is a tremendous place.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Had a friend who always asked me if he could carry the canoe. I always said yes as fast as I could AND made sure he was invited on every trip I planned

[@donnalibal5453]

A great overall narrative of what it takes to make a canoe trip now. I was surprised by some of the information. My husband and I started canoeing off the Sawbill, Gunflint and Echo Trails back in the 1960's. We planned, outfitted and (at first), made our trips alone. There were few regulations and no reservations were required. We were only able to be gone for long weekends for most of our trips. We seldom saw anyone after leaving the jumping off point. After inviting friends along, we had to keep our trips a secret in order to go off on our own. There were campsites with latrines. There were improved portages with canoe rests. But we also visited wilderness areas without any of these amenities. At that time maps would show primary and secondary routes. Our first trip off the Echo Trail was to Nina Moose Lake. Our map had the routing wrong and we ended up portaging most of the way in for about 8 hours. Fortunately our canoe was a lightweight 69 pounds. Saw a timber wolf watching us before it disappeared. We scouted out the Nina Moose and found the primary route out. Returned there many times. Our favorite season was in the fall. Thank you for this video that brought back many fond memories. Our canoe is still in use, here in Alaska.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad you liked it. My first trip I had a light (approximately) 72 pound canoe. That's down to 42 pounds now, and there's lighter ones around. Take care!

[@halliestephen-castro4828]

I'm planning my first visit this summer, June. Looks like I will be battling all the insects. I'm still excited. I'll come prepared with my bug nets.

[@sunroy1]

I did two trips in summers of 1978 & 1979. We had a big group, but it was fantastic. Great memories from my past. Fun to watch this!

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@darrellward1606]

Thank you for the video, 3 of us will be making this trip 9/5/21 for a week, I have 10 years backpacking experience and grew up canoeing but never tied them together. I look forward to this trip. Fall Lake is our put in. thanks again.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad you liked the video, early September can be a great time to visit. I've been on Fall Lake, but I was dog sledding that trip so I don't have any "paddling" insights on the area. Have fun!

[@darrellward1606]

@@YourOldManOutdoors It's ok thanks for replying. I promise I will remember it forever. I love the outdoors.

[@backyardkayakingcamping8778]

Awesome video!! This is definitely a bucket list trip. Thanks for all the info!

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Thanks, it's a great place to go.

[@brianwofford3831]

What a great video. Thanks so much for the photography and trip advice. I have been going into that area for the past 51 year S and your advice on this topic was very good. Thanks!

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@golfish8589]

The Eagle you took a pic of was waiting to be fed a fish. 20 years ago we had a eagle follow us 3 miles to our fishing spot. My brother threw a fish up on shore. Before the fish left his hand. The eagle was in the air. Last year we fed a eagle 4 fish in 30 min. My brother got up on shore. Cut the fish's throat. Then stepped back 5 feet and watched the eagle swoop it up. I expect to see this video of yours by the end of the year. All of my trips have been from Crane lake and the east end of bwca. End of the Gunflint Trail. Voyaguer outfitters. You must go see Silvers Falls on the north side of Cache Bay next to Saganagana. The first part of the portage is a 7 ft rock face to climb down. The walls of Silver Falls are so vertical. I have never seen the bottom of the 30 foot falls

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

I've not been to Silver Falls. Sounds like it should be on my list of spots to look at. Thanks!

[@995basketball]

Awesome video 🧡

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it!

[@reneebeckloff7855]

really appreciate the video- and your humor! thanks for posting!😂

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@GettingToHeaven]

Greatly enjoyed your video. Thanks for making it.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad you liked it.

[@GunnarDavies]

Great video!

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad you liked it.

[@sasstewart1222]

Great video, very informative and nice pics

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheOutdoorSeeker]

very educational video. Being from Canada, we visited Quetico this year. I wish I found this video before we went there.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad you liked it. Hope you had a good trip to Quetico.

[@thook9951]

Spent a week in the BWCA way back in 91. By far was the best experience I've ever had camping and canoeing. I would highly recommend going if you have the chance. The views are absolutely breathtaking. The wildlife is incredible. One of the few places not spoiled by man. I wouldn't say I enjoyed the Portages but it's all part of the experience.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

It is an amazing place.

[@laffilmfest3759]

Great info.....thank U!

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zaneli3384]

Thanks great video

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@clifffawcett]

I just got back from my first trip to the area. I stayed in Ely and did solo canoe day trips on several of the lakes. It was great fun. Thinking about my next trip already. I see you are from Ohio. That's where we have lived for almost 15 years now. O - H

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

A lot of options as far as exploring the BWCAW. Fairly long drive from OH, but worth it to me.

[@clifffawcett]

@@YourOldManOutdoors Definitely worth the trip!

[@crisprdoor]

nice

[@jeffd8220]

I was wondering why I was seeing polar bears & Wal-marts in the distance...thanks for the tips!

[@jimrahtz1391]

Glad you found it useful.

[@PassifloraCerulea]

I've done a couple trips in Boundary Waters. Got 'sandbagged' by a book claiming a beginner's route that had multiple large lake crossings which were choppy and scary for a first canoe trip. My sister isn't the strongest paddler, so tens of miles was too far. Right after labor day has been a good time, though it's still busy. And insects weren't a problem. We rented a kevlar canoe both times and it was great, but you've gotta be extra careful with them. Please don't be one of the people boarding the canoe on shore and shoving it into the water, scraping the hull on all the rocks. Even if it's aluminum and 'can handle it'. A buddy told me Quetico can be really nice, but it sounds expensive. As a US citizen I assume I'd need to get a passport in addition to all the other fees.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Yea, early September is a great time to go. I think some states have "enhanced" driver's licenses that can get you across the border, but generally speaking, you'll need a passport to go to Quetico.

[@ohioelevation9871]

My wife and I are going next summer. We are bringing my 85 pound Old Town Guide. Portages are gonna be rough but we will only do one or two. We are paddling for whole a day to get to camp, camping for a few days in one spot then paddling back. We are taking a big wide heavy canoe because it’s what we are used to. We paddle Lake Erie and the rivers that feed into it every weekend. I’ve been on the lake in choppy waters and it handled quite well. Never go to far from shore because Lake Erie can get really nasty really quick. Wife lived her whole life in the city and is terrified of bears, wolves, moose, bad weather and no cell service so we are gonna take it easy on our first trip. If it were up to me, I’d go for as long and far as possible with a light canoe. Maybe someday.

[@boscokid9524]

@@ohioelevation9871 I would rent a lighter canoe regardless. Day trips can be relaxing so you may find yourself portaging more than you think.

[@ohioelevation9871]

Bosco Kid I’m young, stubborn and cheap, I’m bringing my boat lol

[@golfish8589]

@@ohioelevation9871 i am also cheap. The best investment i have ever made was to buy a used kevlar canoe from an outfitter 15 years ago. I could probably sell it today for what I payed for it. . They start selling them around August 15. You will be able to carry the canoe and a light pack at the same time. With kevlar they can build a compound curve into the ends of the canoe that aluminum can't. This makes them very efficient.

[@kopingkiller]

Planning a trip through Ely Outfitters in June. Am excited to get away from it all

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Have fun! It's definitely a place where you can get away from it all.

[@theburnetts]

Do people bring cell phones with them to use as cameras during their trip? If you are going with an outfitter are campsites sort of reserved ahead of time? Or is it first come first serve and up to you to find a place to camp?

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Yes, I bring a cell phone to use as a camera. I've even got a signal at times, but don't count on it. The sites are all first come first serve. A good outfitter can point out the better sites on a map, but no reservations.

[@phongphong4640]

I honeymooned with my ex-husband in Boundary Waters ( American side) for 7 days. It was such hard work and totally unromantic. My favorite part was the Fun opportunity to dig my own toilet everyday (I live in New York City.) Looking back that honeymoon trip, I feel so grateful to my ex. It was such a unique and rare experience.

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Trips to the BWCA can really vary. I always thought it best to make your first trip fairly short in both distance and time. Putting in big miles can become drudgery if you're not familiar with what it entails. Not to throw your ex under the bus, but there are toilets near the campsites on the American side. If you were digging everyday, he either had you in Canada or neglected to mention there would be a toilet nearby. Regardless, I'm glad you can look back on the experience positively.

[@funtimeswithcarbonater2728]

How big are the lakes generally? I’m terrified bye being surrounded in water everywhere And there is a school trip this year so might ought to go😅

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

The size varies quite a bit. They run from small ponds to lakes that are several miles long. A main feature of the area is the abundance of water, so I'd keep that in mind when deciding whether to go. Take care.

[@justinorth8454]

I read that kayaking is super hard because of portages. Is there anyway I could purchase a rugged kayak trolley or is it just not happening

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

It is my understanding that, aside from a few portages on the edge, regulations prohibit the use of portage wheels in the wilderness area. Regardless of the rules, a lot of the portages are rugged enough that a kayak trolley would be more trouble than it's worth. There are portage yokes made specifically for kayaks; that may be worth looking into.

[@golfish8589]

Use a canoe but use a kayak paddle.

[@DSToNe19and83]

“Does a bear shit in the woods” Yeah, now get to digging!

[@NORTH02]

Where did that pictograph come from that you displayed?

[@jimrahtz1391]

Unfortunately, that's one of my older pictures and I don't remember the specific location. However, there's info available on pictographs by wading through the internet, or checking with an outfitter. I noticed there's now even a book available called Magic on the Rocks that's all about them.

[@ibettergthan_life6371]

Winter is making beautiful spectacle of nature. ps: please to appraise my short movie about Frozen lake in Primeval Nature. Thanks Your's for watching

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Nothing prettier than a cedar strip canoe

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Thanks. It was fun to build and has held up over 30 years now.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

@@YourOldManOutdoors how much does it weigh ?

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

@@arthurbrumagem3844 50 pounds.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

@@YourOldManOutdoors awesome

[@TinCanTwosome]

Was in the BWCAW for the first time a couple of weeks ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3vYqYF9rNqCg9k

[@YourOldManOutdoors]

Looks like you had a good trip!

[@panchovilla7395]

Hello gringos how you doing gringos . Can I visit that place without legal papers ??

[@Jarrod_D]

Oh heck ya don't ask for permission ask for forgiveness only if your caught . Paddle faster I hear Mariachis's 👂 🤣🤣🤣