The BWCAW and Quetico Provincial Park meet along the border between Canada and the United States. Canoeists can paddle across the border, but while the wilderness is contiguous, park management and government regulations are not. Understanding the rules ahead of time will ease your remote border crossing process.

Entering the United States
Whether you drive or paddle into the U.S. you must have the proper government-issued identifcation on hand.

Beginning June 1, 2009, the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires U.S. citizens entering the U.S. at sea and land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document. Canadian citizens must present a valid passport or other approved document. For more information visit this web site.

Prior to June 1, 2009 U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 and older entering the U.S. by land must present proof of identity with a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport. Children age 18 and under can enter with proof of citizenship only.

Paddling Into the BWCAW from Canada
If your canoe trip starts in Canada and you paddle into the BWCAW from Quetico or the Crown Lands, you must apply for BWCAW permit entry #71. You are also required to report to a U.S. Customs Border Protection officer for inspection at the end of your trip. You can report to inspection locations in Grand Portage, Grand Marais, Crane Lake and Ely. To learn more, call Customs directly at 218-475-2244.

Canoe trips that originate in the BWCAW, pass into Canada and then return to the BWCAW do not require Permit #71. Re-entry into the BWCAW is covered by the permit for their original point of entry.

Paddling Into Quetico from the U.S.
Different regulations apply for paddling across the international border into Quetico Provincial Park.
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