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Short answer: A permit is always required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. From May 1 to September 30 overnight trips need a quota permit booked through Recreation.gov, with a $16 adult and $8 youth fee per person per trip plus a $6 reservation fee. From October 1 to April 30 the permit is a self-issued one from a kiosk, with no fee.
- $16Adult fee per trip, May 1-Sep 30
- $8Child or youth, 0-17
- $6Reservation fee, not refundable
- 9People per group, USFS limit
How we checked: the U.S. Forest Service’s Superior National Forest page for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, its Recreation.gov permit page and the forest’s recreation page. All read on November 3, 2026. Hours, prices, rules and closures change, so check the named agency or business before you rely on them. Anything we could not read is marked Not confirmed where it appears. We name no outfitters or guides. The Forest Service says several operate under a special use permit; check its list. General guidance on this page is labelled as general guidance. This is not safety, medical or legal advice; where a safety or legal rule appears, the quoted words are the official source’s own.
Permits, Per The Forest Service
- Always required“A permit is always required to enter the BWCA Wilderness.”
- May 1 to September 30Overnight paddle, motor or hiking trips and motorized day trips need a quota permit through Recreation.gov. Walk-up permits may be issued on the entry date or one day before, when available; reservations are recommended.
- October 1 to April 30Self-issued permits are required for all visitors, from kiosks at entry points and Forest Service offices. No reservation and no recreation fee.
- Day use on foot or by paddleSelf-issued permits are required year-round for non-motorized day use.
- Group sizeOne permit per group; 9 people and 4 watercraft limit.
- Pick-upReserved permits are picked up at the issue station named on the permit, on the entry date or one day before, with photo ID. Entry date and entry point cannot be changed after booking.
Fees, Per Recreation.gov
- Recreation feeRequired for all overnight visitors May 1 to September 30: adult $16.00, child or youth 0 to 17 $8.00, per person per trip.
- DepositA minimum deposit of $32.00 (two adult fees) is required for an advance reservation. If fees come to less, the difference is refunded when the permit is issued.
- Reservation fee$6.00, non-refundable.
- CancellingTwo or more days before the entry date, recreation fees paid are refunded. On the entry date or one day before there is a $32.00 penalty.
- Issue-station feeCommercial permit issue stations may charge a service fee of up to $2 per permit.
The Wilderness, Per The Forest Service
- SizeOver one million acres of lakes, islands, rocky outcrops and forest, extending nearly 150 miles along the International Boundary. Established as federally designated wilderness in 1964.
- CampsitesNearly 2,000 designated campsites, each with a wilderness latrine and fire grate. All are first come, first served.
- RulesNo camping within 100 feet of trails, water sources and other camps. No fireworks. Dogs on a leash of six feet or shorter when not in a tent. Pack out all trash.
- Water“There is no potable water in the wilderness, you will need to boil or filter lake water.”
- Navigation“There are no signs in the wilderness;” bring maps and a compass and know how to use them.
- BearsBear-resistant storage for food and toiletries is advised, and the forest has a food storage order. Read its bear page before you go.
- ElyThe forest lists Ely as a town near the wilderness with “full service, hospital.” The Kawishiwi Ranger District is in Ely on Highway 1.
Alerts The Forest Posted on November 3, 2026
- Closures“Post Wildfire Closures, Effective October 1, 2026.”
- Fire work“Fall prescribed fire–pile burning.”
- Fire dangerLow in the East Zone and Low in the West Zone on that date.
Plan Around It
What We Could Not Confirm
- Entry-point availability for any datePermits sell out; check Recreation.gov. Not confirmed
- Ely Forest Service office hoursThe page we read gave the Gunflint office hours (Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027, in Grand Marais), not Ely’s. Not confirmed
- Mosquito and biting-fly timing in the wilderness: we read no Forest Service statement. For the Grand Portage area the National Park Service says they “are plentiful during the spring and summer months.” Not confirmed
- Ice, portage and trail conditions in any month: ask the Forest Service. We do not give ice advice; see the ice answer for the DNR’s words. Not confirmed
- Costs of guides, outfitters and lodging. Not confirmed
Sources Read
- USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, read November 3, 2026
- Recreation.gov, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permits, read November 3, 2026 (fees and cancellation policy)
- USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest: Recreation, read November 3, 2026 (alerts and ranger districts)
- NPS, Grand Portage National Monument: Weather, read November 3, 2026 (insect wording)
Keep Planning
Cite this page: It's Minnesota, “Boundary Waters Permits and Fees for a Trip From Ely”, itsminnesota.com/visit/tours-and-day-trips/boundary-waters-permits-from-ely/ (updated ). By the It's Minnesota editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.