Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Backcountry Alliance organizes guided trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a pristine expanse of over a million acres in northern Minnesota known for its interconnected waterways, rugged landscapes, and tranquil beauty. These trips offer veterans and first responders the chance to disconnect from everyday stressors, build resilience, and rediscover camaraderie while paddling through scenic lakes and exploring remote campsites.
Participants navigate challenging portages, share campfire stories, and engage in activities such as fishing, wildlife spotting, and self-reflection in an untouched wilderness setting. Each journey is designed not just for recreation, but to foster connection and mental rejuvenation through nature’s therapeutic power.
These experiences embody the core mission of Backcountry Alliance—leveraging the wilderness to create a sense of purpose, adventure, and healing for those who have served their communities and country.
Canoe Camping
Canoeing and portaging in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is an iconic backcountry experience, blending serene paddling through interconnected lakes with the rugged challenge of carrying canoes and gear overland between waterways. Participants navigate pristine lakes, narrow channels, and winding rivers, while portaging through dense forests to access remote campsites. Each portage offers a test of strength and endurance, rewarding paddlers with breathtaking solitude, wildlife encounters, and the satisfaction of reaching untouched wilderness areas deep within the BWCA.
Camaraderie
Camaraderie in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is built through shared challenges and collective accomplishments in a rugged, remote setting. From navigating difficult portages to setting up camp and cooking meals together, every task becomes a team effort. Paddling side-by-side through serene lakes, enduring tough weather, and gathering around a campfire after a long day fosters a unique bond between participants. These shared experiences cultivate a deep sense of trust, mutual respect, and lasting friendships that often extend far beyond the wilderness.
Fishing
Fishing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is a remote angler’s paradise, offering world-class opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and lake trout in the crystal-clear waters. The tranquil lakes and scenic shorelines provide an ideal setting for casting a line, whether from a canoe or along the rugged shorelines. The BWCA’s isolation means less pressure on fish populations, resulting in plentiful catches and the thrill of fishing in pristine wilderness. Each outing offers a chance to connect with nature, unwind, and experience the serenity of one of America’s premier fishing destinations.
BWCA Gear and Support
A trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) requires specialized gear to ensure safety and comfort in the remote wilderness.
Backcountry Alliance provides participants with all the necessary gear for a successful BWCA trip, eliminating the burden of expensive purchases or rentals. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their experience level or resources, can fully immerse themselves in the backcountry experience. Our focus is on creating a worry-free, well-supported adventure, allowing participants to concentrate on building camaraderie and enjoying the healing power of nature.