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What Is The Best Time of Year for a Canoe Trip?

We often get asked this question, especially by trippers who are new to paddling.  Then we ask some of our own questions.  What is the focus of your trip? Are you going to fish?  Is solitude a priority?  Is seeing wildlife important?  Will bugs be an issue for you? Recommendations follow.
 
Of course the best time for fishing is the end of May and the first two or three weeks of June, followed by the fall months (if the weather permits).  Finding solitude will depend on how far you are willing to paddle and the time of year. Typically, the bugs lessen as the summer progresses.  If you do not have to worry about taking kids out of school, and fishing is not the total focus of the trip, we highly recommend the second half of September and the first part of October.  Almost every priority can be satisfied during this time-frame.  Here are some thoughts for you to consider.
 
Weather
The average high is 65 and the average low is 45 for this time of year.  Nearly perfect paddling weather. There can be periods of cool windy rain days, but they are often followed by wonderful clear warm days.  Being prepared for both kinds of weather is the key.  Your clothing pack may have a bit more stuff than it would in mid-August, but being able to layer clothing and having what you need for all kinds of conditions is important.
 
Solitude
Certainly the crowds have thinned during this time and the groups tend to be on the smaller side.  Finding a campsite is not an issue.  With the improvement of clothing and equipment it is easier for us to cope with what nature throws at us.  So, traveling in times when the weather can be unpredictable is more feasible.
 
Beauty
All of the seasons in the Boundary Waters have their own kind of beauty, but Fall, with its splash of colors is hard to beat. The red and orange of maples, the yellow of the birch, ash and aspen interspersed with the dark green of pines and firs to paint a beautiful canvas.
 
Wildlife
With the thinning crowds and the onset of fall there seems to be more activity with wildlife.  Beaver are busy stashing food for the winter, squirrels are scampering about madly hiding pine cones and mushrooms, the single loons are gathering and carrying on as single males are want to do, moose and deer are starting to move around in anticipation of mating, Canada geese are flying south, and the roughed grouse are drumming like crazy.  All of this adds up to good wildlife viewing.
 
Fishing
Late September and early October produce some good results for anglers.  As the waters cool down, the fish all rise from their deeper hiding spots and turn to the shallows again to hunt for minnows.
 
Our USED GEAR THAT HAS EXPERIENCED ONE YEAR OF SERVICE ON BOUNDARY WATERS AND QUETICO TRIPS IN NOW ON SALE!!  As always, it is first come, first serve so call us with your needs today! 

Call Drew or Adam anytime at 1 800 223 6565!

In October our Outfitting Hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
See you in Ely!  

Introduce some friends to canoe camping! 

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