BWCA and Quetico Park
Permit and Camping Regulations
Travel permits are required for all groups entering both the BWCA (U.S. side) and Quetico Park (Canadian side) wilderness areas. These permits, required for each group of up to 9 people, are limited by a daily quota system for each entry point. Early reservations are important as these permits go quickly and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis starting in January for BWCA (US) trips and 5 months in advance for Quetico Park (Canadian) trips. To reserve a permit we must have your reservation finalized including a valid credit card number. This information is necessary for both the US and Canadian reservation centers to process your permit.
BWCA:
For U.S. trips there is a $6 nonrefundable reservation fee plus a camping fee of $16/person/trip ($8 for 17 years old & under or presenting an Interagency Pass). At the time of your reservation, $38 will be charged to your credit card. Any remaining fees will be charged to your credit card at the time of your trip departure.
PLEASE NOTE:
1) NO metal cans or glass bottles are allowed on the lakes (plastic is OK.)
2) The BWCA has numerous designated campsites with steel fire grates and box latrines which are on a first come first served basis (you are not permitted to camp on undesignated sites.)
3) Permits are valid only for the date and entry point specified and can only be picked up by the party leader or alternate listed on the permit reservation.
We are able to issue these permits onsite. This business operates on behalf of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness program located within the Superior National Forest. As a BWCAW Program Permit Issue Station, this business is an equal opportunity service provider.
BWCA RULES AND REGULATIONS LINK
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/specialplaces/?cid=fseprd852569.
RESORT GUESTS
Permits are also required in certain areas that our resort guests fish by motor boat on a daily basis. These permits are $6/day for a group of up to 9 people.
Quetico Park:
Quetico Park trips also have quota system that requires advanced reservations. We are able to reserve these permits for you. You should also be sure to have all of the required border crossing documents ready in advance (see below for more info on both US and Canada requirements). The border crossing and fishing license requirements for these Canadian trips needs to be done on your own, and again see the information below for these links and our Fishing License page for more information on Ontario Fishing Licenses.
To reserve a Quetico Permit, a deposit of approximately $100 will be charged when making the reservation. The camping fees, paid at the border, are $21.47 /person/day in Canadian funds ($8.48 for 17 & under) plus Ontario Park reservation fee of $11.00 less your permit deposit.
PLEASE NOTE:
1) NO metal cans or glass bottles are allowed (plastic is OK.)
2) Quetico has no designated campsites, although you may not clear vegetation to create a new one (they are also on a first come first served basis.)
3) Permits are valid only for the date and entry point specified and can only be picked up by the party leader or alternate listed on the permit reservation.
4) Firearms are prohibitted in Quetico Park. Pepper spray must state it is for use on animals only.
5) Canada requires any pet to have a current shots and health certifcate.
6) Live & dead bait (organic) is prohibited in Quetico and hooks USED must have pinched barbs.
1. For Canadian Quetico trips a Customs clearance (called a Remote Area Border Crossing permit) is also required. The link to this form can be found at BSF386 - Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Permit.
2. US Customs requires the use of the CBP ROAM app with a link at CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (ROAM) to return to the U.S. from Canadian trips (not to enter CANADA).
What types of documents are accepted for entry into the United States via land and sea?
• U.S. citizens can present a valid: U.S. Passport; Passport Card; Enhanced Driver’s License; Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST); U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or Form I-872 American Indian Card, or (when available) Enhanced Tribal Card.
• U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy.
For our customers booking Quetico trips, please feel free to contact us with your questions on these requirements.