Regulations and Permits

In order to preserve wilderness values the following rules have been established.

No more than nine people may camp together in the BWCA-Quetico Wilderness. Larger groups must split up into sub-groups of nine or less and camp at two or more campsites.

Food supplies may not contain any cans or glass bottles. Fresh and freeze dried foods packaged in plastic or foil pouches are allowed.

 

The BWCA has designated campsites that include a fire grate and box latrine. For Quetico trips you need to carry your own fire grate and a small shovel.

For campfires, use only dead and down wood that's gathered away from the campsite. It is illegal to cut live vegetation for any reason.

Drown your campfire with water whenever leaving camp.

Have respect for fellow campers by keeping noise levels at a minimum.

The lake water is pollution-free, however, there's always that chance of coming in contact with Giardia parasite. Thus it's recommended that you boil or filter your water before drinking.

Clean fish away from camp and leave remains either on an exposed rock or bury in the top six inches of soil.

Dump soapy dishwater at least 150 feet from the shoreline.

Every person must have a life vest (PFD). Although wearing one is not required by law, it must at least be accessible when traveling in the canoe or boat.

The entire Quetico Park is non-motorized, as is virtually all of the BWCA as well. The only BWCA lakes in the Ely area that allow motors are Fall Lake, Newton, Snowbank, South Farm, the Moose Lake Chain, and parts of Basswood Lake.

Rapids in our area are generally not safe to "run." Portages have been made for a reason and we suggest using them at all times.

In the Quetico:   Dogs are allowed as long as rabies shot papers are along.  Barbless hooks are required for fishing (you may pinch-down the barbs on the hooks that you presently have).  No live bait is allowed in Quetico but it is OK in the BWCA.   Firearms and fresh potatoes are also banned in the Quetico

 

 

BWCA ENTRY PERMITS & CAMPING FEES - Entry permits are required for overnight camping in the BWCA. Each permit and campsite allows up to nine people. Larger party sizes would need additional permits and must camp at more than one campsite. Permits are very limited so early reservations are advised. We'll gladly reserve permits in your behalf but you also have the option of going on-line and reserving direct with the Permit Center (www.bwcaw.org). In either case you'll pay a $12 application fee and a $32 camping fee deposit for each permit. If we make the application an $8 service fee is added.

Adults pay $16 per trip to camp in the BWCA and those under age 18 pay $8. These camping fees are payable upon arrival, minus the $32 deposit that was paid in advance with the permit application.

DISTANCE TO ELY IN MILES   Chicago - 630 Cincinnati - 900 Cleveland - 972 Des Moines - 510 Dubuque - 509 Fargo - 295 Indianapolis - 790 Kansas City - 740 Louisville - 890 Milwaukee - 547 Minn./St. Paul - 225 Omaha - 640 St. Louis - 794		QUETICO ENTRY PERMITS & CAMPING FEES - Each Quetico Park entry permit and campsite allows up to 9 people. In order to arrange your permit we need to receive your trip dates at least five months in advance. A Quetico permit application costs $120 in advance. Of this, $100 is a camping fee deposit and the other $20 covers application and service fees. The balance of the camping fees are payable to the Ranger when crossing into the park. At Prairie Portage the camping fee is $17 per adult per night and $7 for those age 6-17 (approximate cost in US funds). Camping fees for the Lac La Croix and Beaverhouse Lake fly-in trips are approximately 25% lower than at Prairie Portage.
		CANADIAN CUSTOMS REQUIREMENTS - Those entering the Quetico Park through the Prairie Portage or Cache Bay Ranger Stations must clear Canadian Customs by mail at least 4 weeks in advance of the trip. We'll provide the necessary RABC form for this clearance once your Quetico entry permit has been secured. The RABC form covers the applicant, spouse, and all dependent children under the age of 18.  The RABC cost is $30. Anyone who has been convicted of a DWI-DUI offense in the past 10 years may be denied access into Canada.  In those cases, plan a BWCA trip route. No advance RABC application is needed for Lac La Croix, Beaverhouse, or Three-Mile Lake fly-ins as customs will be on hand at these locations (free of charge). PASSPORTS  - Passports are only required when flying back from Canada.  They are not required if you fly into Quetico and then paddle back into the U.S. (or take a towboat ride back).  Those parties that have Prairie Portage Ranger Station camping permits don't need passports.  Each person must however carry a picture ID plus a photocopy of their birth certificate.  Don't hesitate to contact us if questions remain.