Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Western Region

Plan your perfect canoe trip in the western BWCAW with 27 entry points and dozens of routes near Ely, Minnesota.

Spanning over a million acres on the US-Canada border, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northeastern Minnesota is a world-renowned destination for paddlers. With a canoe or kayak, you can paddle its remote lakes and rushing rivers, near waterfalls and through pristine forests. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong expedition, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Western Region by Louis Dzierzak helps you find the perfect route for your ability, interests, and schedule.

Since 1978, this classic guide—and its companion volume covering the eastern region—has been the trusted resource for navigating the BWCAW, which offers more than 1,000 lakes, 1,200 miles of canoe routes, and 154 miles of portage trails. This updated edition focuses on 27 entry points near Ely, Minnesota, via the Echo Trail, Fernberg Road, and State Highway 1. For each entry point, you’ll find route options for both short and extended trips, with detailed planning information to help you make the most of your time in the wilderness.

Inside you’ll find:

• Complete trip data, including total distance, time, and difficulty
• Permit and quota requirements, plus recommended Fisher maps
• Day-by-day details, including portage info, campsite suggestions, and more
• Fishing recommendations for surrounding lakes and rivers
• Expert tips on navigation and points of interest
• BONUS: Lake Index for Fishing, covering all 185 lakes featured in the guide