The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness encompasses over 1,000,000 acres of wilderness and over 1,000 crystal clear lakes. It is the only waterways wilderness in our national wilderness system and is considered by many to have the ultimate canoe trips. Most canoeing is on lakes with reasonable portages between them--there are very few white water opportunities.
Most of the wilderness is restricted to paddle canoeing only, and remains much as it has been for centuries. Designated camp sites are scattered through the area, all with a wilderness latrine and fire grate, and are generally located out of site of other campers. The fishing is great for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and some lake trout. Wildlife abounds-such as moose, deer, beaver, mink, fox, otters, and black bear. The wilderness is part of the northern Boreal forest and has unique birds native to the area.