What To Bring On Your Boundary Waters Canoe Area Trip: A Boundary Waters Canoe Trip Packing List

You’ll want to take along your favorite rod and reel, toilet articles, personal effects, flashlight, sunglasses, first aid kit, camera, compass, hunting knife, towel and wash cloth. Firearms are better left at home! (You will have no need for them; no hunting seasons are open during the canoeing season, and you are prohibited by law from taking any type of firearm into Quetico Provincial Park.) Your boots should be sturdy with composition or rubber soles, and you’ll enjoy changing into sneakers or moccasins while in camp. We recommend sturdy pants or trousers, several pair of cotton or wool socks, one flannel or wool shirt, or sweatshirt, one or two lightweight cotton shirts, light rainwear and a brimmed hat. Note: If you want to carry or store water you should bring your own plastic water bottles. We do not furnish plastic water bottles as they are almost impossible to clean and sanitize.

Our advice on trail wear, camping equipment and appropriate tackle for the waters you plan to fish is cheerfully given. Should you forget something important at home, we probably carry it in our store. Because fishing conditions change from week to week we strongly recommend that you wait until you arrive in Ely to purchase your fishing supplies.

Personal Checklist

The following checklist may be helpful in reminding you of the items you should have with you on your trip. The quantities have been worked out for a trip of about seven days. If your trip will be longer or shorter, you will want to adjust this list accordingly.

Clothing

• 2 long sleeved shirts *
• 2 short sleeved shirts/T-shirts *
• 2 pair of long pants (sturdy, tight weave)
• 3 sets of underwear
• 1 sweatshirt or wool shirt *
• 1 light nylon wind breaker *
• 1 pair of good quality leather boots (optional) *
• 1 pair of tennis shoes or moccasins for in-camp use * 3 pair of cotton or wool socks *
• 2 handkerchiefs
• 1 hat or cap with broad brim, or a visor *
• 1 bathing suit
• 1 pair of sunglasses (plastic is best) *
• 1 flashlight with extra batteries & bulb *

Personal Items

• Toothbrush *
• Toothpaste
• Chap-stik *
• Band-aids
• Compass *
• Waterproof match case *
• Insect repellent *
• Towel & bar of soap *
• Shampoo
• Suntan lotion &/or sunscreen *

Optional Items

• Fishing rod & reel *
• Lures *
• Camera *
• Film *