How To Get The Most Out Of My Boundary Waters Canoeing Trip

Going solo on trips is undoubtedly fulfilling and enjoyable in its own right. But it comes with a caveat. You do things on your own; from planning, navigating, cooking, among other tasks. This eats up most of your time which could have been spent focusing on your own experience and enjoying nature.

Boundary Waters guided trips take the guess-work out of navigating the vastness of its majestic lakes and portaging routes. Knowledgeable guides also make the trip safer as they can easily identify which paths to take and spot dangers along the way, something anyone who is unfamiliar with the locale would appreciate.

Schedule your Visit at Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Work with a guide

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, or BWCA, is an expansive nature preserve comprising countless lakes, streams and rivers all nestled within the Superior National Forest in Northern Minnesota. The area has been inhabited since at least 8000 BC, and the stone walls within BWCA feature pictographs from Ojibwe and Oglala Lakota cultures. It’s not hard to see why humans have stayed in the BWCA for so long, the impressive network of natural water sources means that it is abundant with wildlife and forestry.

For recreational travelers, the options for canoeing and hiking in the Boundary waters are virtually limitless. Several outfitters offer guided adventure trips to help you navigate the vast amount of waterways and trail systems within the wilderness area. The BWCA has been nominated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary as well as a Quiet Park, meaning that it’s the perfect place to go for an escape from the constant sensory overload of the civilized world.

Immerse in the quietness of the BWCA

Brown dome tent camping at night in the forest

If peace and quiet are what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. Here you can find Moiyaka Lake and Medas Lake, two tent campsites that are the quietest in the U.S. The campsites are far from the more highly-trafficked boundary waters canoe trip routes. They are also 20 miles away from the nearest roads. The BWCA is also an upcoming certified ‘quiet wilderness park’ according to Quiet Parks International.

Here you get to enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature without the cacophony of man. Just sitting by the shore and listening to the unfiltered sounds of the wilderness. This is a good time to practice your breathwork and be present in the moment.

Spend time stargazing

Being isolated from civilization also makes BCWA one of the darkest skies in the country. Light pollution is perhaps one of the least known impacts of human civilization. The light from major cities and settlements can disrupt nearby ecology.

Boundary Water’s pristine night sky is a perfect way to experience the beauty of nature at night. Spend the night watching the stars and marvel at the beauty and vastness of the universe. Here you also escape from the glare of modern life and reset your body clock as nature intended.

Practice your Mindfulness

One of the best ways to make the most of your Boundary Water trip is practicing your mindfulness. Breathwork, meditation, and even journaling are great things to do in such a tranquil and serene locale like BCWA.

The calming sounds of nature greatly enhance your experience and get you in the mood for some mindful recalibration. No man-made distractions, no rush, and certainly no hindrances to a wonderful experience. Pro tip: this works great on guided trips; it’s easier to meditate when you don’t have to worry about the finer details of navigating your own portaging and canoeing trip in the BWCA.

Go fishing

For seasoned fishing enthusiasts, or for people looking to dip their toe into fishing, BCWA is a great location. With over 1.5k square miles of freshwater, BCWA is a prime location for anglers of all skill levels. Here you get to spend a relaxing afternoon casting your lines as the sound of the wilderness rings in the background.

If you are a beginner, it is best to look into online forums for prime spots and locations. This can be tricky since the area is untamed but otherwise not impossible. You can also lean on your guide for their expertise.

BCWA guided trip with Recal

If you’re in the process of researching a mindful boundary waters canoe trip, why not check out Recal Travel’s own guided trip in the BWCA? This is a trip designed with mindfulness at its core. Experience nature while you recalibrate and destress from the hectic city life.