Seven Days Paddling the Wild Heart of the Boundary Waters

BLOOMINGTON CANOE FIELD GUIDE

Seven Days Paddling the Wild Heart of the Boundary Waters

A seven-day, professionally guided canoe expedition into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that covers island paddling, multi-day portages, guided meals, and backcountry camping.

Seven Days Paddling the Wild Heart of the Boundary Waters.

Duration
7 Days
Location
Bloomington
Operator
Wilderness Inquiry, Inc.
Category
Canoe
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Paddle through a patchwork of clear lakes and island-studded water, carry your canoe along flora-lined portage trails and sleep beneath vast northern skies where loon calls and lapping waves mark the hours—this seven-day Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness expedition brings the remote backcountry to life.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Island-dotted lakes and deep backcountry

Explore deep into the rustic backcountry of the Boundary Waters, moving through a mosaic of islands, clear water and verdant forest on routes that reveal the wilderness’s signature sights.

THE ROUTE

Paddling, portaging and border-side day trips

Cover sustained paddling and multiple portages between lakes using lightweight canoes, with the itinerary including island campsites, multi-lake travel and a day trip to the Canadian border.

CAMP LIFE

Guided meals and starry nights

Spend evenings on island campsites with meals prepared by professional guides, and wake to the call of loons and the sound of waves along the shore.

What the day feels like

What the trip feels like

The week unfolds as a steady rhythm of paddling across glassy water, short bursts of hiking with gear on portage trails and long, relaxed evenings at island campsites; lightweight Wenonah canoes and professional guide support keep the focus on the landscape and the small, elemental pleasures of backcountry travel.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Small groupsWell suited for groups: trips run with up to seven people and include professional guide support.
2
Families with childrenAppropriate for all ages—families can join, as the offering is described as 'All Ages!' though specific age guidance should be confirmed with the operator.
3
First-time paddlersA good introduction to multi-day canoe travel thanks to lightweight Wenonah canoes and professional guides who handle logistics and meals.
4
Experienced wilderness travelersExperienced paddlers will appreciate the remote route options, multiple portages and the chance to push deeper into the BWCAW’s backcountry.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Trip length

This is a seven-day guided expedition into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Equipment notes

The operator uses lightweight Wenonah canoes to ease paddling and portaging; professional guides prepare group meals during the trip.

Group size & staffing

Trips are operated with professional guide staff; Wilderness Inquiry provides two professional guides on its Boundary Waters trips.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is this expedition?

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Expedition is a seven-day trip.

Who operates the trip?

The trip is run by Wilderness Inquiry, Inc.

What size groups are on the trip?

Groups run with up to seven people.

Are meals provided?

Yes—wonderful meals are prepared by the professional guides during the trip.

Will there be guides with us?

Yes—Wilderness Inquiry is one of the organizations that provides two professional guides on its Boundary Waters trips.

What activities are included?

Expect paddling, multiple portages, island camping, a day trip to the Canadian border, fishing, swimming and shoreline exploration.