The following are some of the possible canoe trip routes that are available in the Sawbill area. They are intended to be used as a planning aid, not a detailed trail guide. Please feel free to modify, shorten, lengthen or combine any of these routes to fulfill your own goals.
None of the maps or descriptions of the BWCA Wilderness are entirely accurate. A compass, two updated maps and a dose of common sense are needed for reliable navigation in the wilderness. It is rare for canoeists to become seriously lost in the BWCA, but even the most experienced travelers occasionally suffer temporary confusion.
The best way to choose a route is to sit down with an experienced person and discuss the options. At Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, we enjoy this process, and are more than happy to help you. Many people choose only the entry point of their trip in advance for the purpose of reserving a travel permit, and then decide on their actual route after arriving at Sawbill. Once you are in the wilderness, you are free to modify your route at any time.
It is your responsibility to educate yourself on wilderness camping techniques and safety before you attempt a wilderness canoe trip. You must rely on your own skills and common sense to have a safe and rewarding experience.
Enjoy your canoe trips–those taken with a map on the kitchen table and those taken with canoe and pack in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness!