bwcaw and quetico canoe trip planning

 

secure a permit

 

The BWCA and Quetico Parks have limited entry entry quotas.  We would like to secure your permits as soon as you can specify the date and lake where you would like to enter the woods.  We can help you customize a route for your trip, depending upon the kinds of experiences you seek.

 

BWCAW permit fees are $16 per adult and $8/child.  The Forest Service also charges a $12 nonrefundable reservation fee.  We are glad to obtain the permit for you from bwca.org.  If you choose to secure your own permit, be sure to choose Tuscarora as your issuing station, so that you can pick up your permit here.  We do not charge any fees for processing your permit.

 

routes

 

We will facilitate this crucial step for the sucess of your BWCA/Quetico Wilderness adventure.  Having paddled these lakes, we are eager to customize a trip for your group.  Be ready to answer some questions for us:  How far do you want to paddle?  Have you been here before?  Do you want to fish?  Do you prefer larger lakes or smaller waters?  Are you looking for Moose?  Let us help to plan the trip that is right for you.

 

Be sure to see our BWCA(W) / Quetico Canoe Routes page for some route suggestions.  You'll find information about the lakes that are on each of our suggested canoe routes along with fishing and other information about each of the canoe routes.  Online and printable maps of the BWCA(W) and Quetico canoe routes are available on the page too.

 

"Throughout the pre – post trip process, I always felt like both of you were really listening to and understanding our group’s needs."

 

Kate Goddard

Center Pt., IA     Read more comments from previous guests

 

 

your arrival

 

Most folks arrive in the late afternoon or early evening.  This way, we can take care of your permit and your orientation and you can do your final packing and preparations before going to bed in your private bunkhouse.  Many folks take advantage of our Trading Post for fishing licenses and last minute camping items.

 

We do not serve an evening meal here at Tuscarora.  Large groups often order a picnic dinner, smaller groups can pre-order a box lunch meal.

 

late arrivals

 

If you need to arrive after hours (our office is open from 7am to 8pm) please let us know.  We will leave a sign out directing you to your private bunkhouse.  We only ask that you come in quietly, out of respect for our neighbors.

 

breakfast

 

We serve all you can eat French Toast in our dining room at 7am the morning of your trip.

 

After breakfast, when your belongings are packed and you are ready to go, please come to the outfitting office and we'll make sure you are set up.  Most folks leave their keys and valuables in our safe before they leave.  We'll go over any final questions/preparations with you then.

 

shuttle service

 

We will facilitate canoe trips that start and end from any of the landings on the Gunflint Trail enabling you to choose from a great variety of canoe routes.  All shuttles to landings adjacent to the Gunflint Trail are complementary with Complete Outfitting Packages.  Partial outfitting shuttles more than nine miles away from our base will incur a charge of $1.50/vehicle/mile each way.

 

reservations

 

We request a $50 deposit per person for complete outfitting, $25 per person for partial outfitting, plus applicable  permit fees.  Most people make their reservations by phone - (800) 544-3843.  Please feel free to call with any questions.

 

season and hours

 

The canoe season starts may 1st and runs trough mid-October.  We are open 7:00 am to 8:00 pm daily including Sundays and holidays.  Our dining room is open for breakfast May 12th through September 23rd.  Box lunches are available May 12th to September 23rd.

 

is this your first trip?

 

Many of our visitors are first time BWCA paddlers.  We will help orient you to the woods, introduce you to the gear, give you camping tips and orienteering tips, and choose a trip just for you.  You need not hesitate, we make sure that you feel comfortable and confident as you head into the woods.  There is no perfect time to take a canoe trip.

 

suggested items to bring

 

Basic principal:  Whatever you bring you carry.  Keep it simple, but make sure you can stay warm and dry in all conditions.

 

√  Rain Gear.  It is best to have rain pants and a waterproof/breathable rain jacket.  We provide good ponchos to our complete outfitting guests, but a good rain suit can be your most valuable piece of clothing.

√  T Shirts

√  2 pair of shorts

√  A long sleeved shirt for sun and bug protection

√  2 pair of lightweight long pants (jeans are not ideal because they are heavy when wet)

√  1 swimsuit

√  Light socks, heavy socks, underwear

√  1 light jacket

√  1 fleece jacket or wool sweater

√  1 sun hat

√  pair of sturdy wet shoes or boots

√  1 pair of dry shoes for the campsite

√  Bandana

√  1 set of long underwear (top and bottom)

√  Gloves

√  1 warm hat

√  Spinning or casting tackle with small tackle box

√  Toiletry articles

√  Flashlight

√  Sunglasses

√  Knife

√  Compass

√  Camera

√  Washcloth

√  Small towel

√  Lip balm (with sunscreen)

√  Insect repellent

√  Sunscreen

√  Deck of cards

√  Book and/or small journal

 

√  1 set of clean clothes for your drive home

 

 

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Tuscarora Lodge and Outfitters

193 Round Lake Road
Grand Marais, MN  55604
Reservations:  1.800.544.3843
Phone:  218.388.2221
Fax:  218.388.4445
ahrendts@tuscaroracanoe.com