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Weather in Boundary Waters
Canoe wilderness of a thousand pristine lakes
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About Boundary Waters
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness encompasses over one million acres of lakes, forests, and islands straddling the Minnesota-Canada border. Paddling between pristine lakes, camping on rocky shores, and encountering moose and loons define the experience. Boundary Waters is America's foremost canoe wilderness.
Best months to visit
July
Things to do in Boundary Waters
Canoe expedition: 7-10 day backcountry journey
Moose spotting: dawn and dusk wildlife watching
Fishing for northerns and walleye game fish
Camping on island shores: nights under stars
Portaging between lakes: traditional paddling routes
Winter: cross-country skiing and ice fishing options
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
-9C
Cold, with occasional showers.
February
-9C
Cold, with occasional showers.
March
0C
Cold, with occasional showers.
April
6C
Cold, with some rainy days.
May
16C
Cool, with some rainy days.
June
22C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
July
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
August
23C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
September
19C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
October
10C
Cool, with some rainy days.
November
2C
Cold, with some rainy days.
December
-4C
Cold, with some rainy days.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is over a million acres of interconnected lakes, rivers, and forest along the Minnesota-Canada border, accessible only by canoe and portage trails with no motors allowed in most of the area. It's one of the most popular wilderness canoeing destinations in the US, where multi-day trips mean paddling between campsites, fishing for walleye, and falling asleep to genuinely silent, light-pollution-free nights.
Best areas to stay in Boundary Waters
Ely entry points
The most popular gateway town, with numerous outfitters and entry points into the wilderness.
Gunflint Trail entry points
A network of access points along a scenic road northwest of Grand Marais.
Lake One/Two/Three chain
A popular and relatively accessible chain of lakes near Ely for shorter trips.
Quetico Provincial Park (Canada side)
The connected Canadian wilderness across the border, requiring separate permits for those continuing north.
Getting to Boundary Waters
✈
Flights
Fly into Duluth (DLH) or Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), then drive 2-4 hours to gateway towns like Ely or Grand Marais.
⏱
From London
~10-13 hours from London via Minneapolis or Duluth, plus a multi-hour drive to the entry points.
🚕
Getting around
No roads or motors within the wilderness — travel is entirely by canoe and portage trails between lakes.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the Boundary Waters?
Late spring through early autumn (May-September) for canoeing, with July-August the busiest and warmest; permits are required and limited in peak season.
Do I need a permit for the Boundary Waters?
Yes — overnight visitors need a quota permit, especially May-September, which should be reserved well in advance.
Can beginners do a Boundary Waters trip?
Yes, with preparation — many outfitters offer guided trips, equipment rental, and route advice for those new to wilderness canoeing.
What wildlife might I see?
Moose, black bears, loons, bald eagles, and wolves are all present, though sightings (especially wolves) are not guaranteed.
How do I get into the Boundary Waters?
Entry points are accessed by road from gateway towns like Ely or Grand Marais, then by canoe from designated landings.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Five days of paddling and portaging without seeing another group most days — total silence at night, just loon calls. An unforgettable wilderness experience.
Nathan B. · August 2024
★★★★★
Used an outfitter from Ely who set us up with everything, made a first trip much less daunting. Caught walleye for dinner most nights.
Carrie F. · July 2023
★★★★☆
Cold nights even in September but the autumn colours along the lakes were beautiful and the portages were manageable with a lighter pack.
Dan W. · September 2024
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