The Pristine Wilderness of Boundary Waters Canoe Area

• HelloBoozhoo
  [boo-zhoo]
• GoodbyeMiigwech
  [mee-gwetch]
• YesEya
  [ay-ya]
• NoAaniin
  [ah-neen]
• Please/You're welcomeBoozhoo
  [boo-zhoo]
• Thank youMiigwech
  [mee-gwetch]
• Excuse me/SorryMiigwech
  [mee-gwetch]
• How are you?Aaniin ezhi-nendam?
  [ah-neen eh-zhee-nen-dam]
• Fine. And you?Miigwech. Aanind.
  [mee-gwetch. ah-neend]
• Do you speak English?Giga-waabamin naa ezhi-nendam?
  [gee-gah-wah-bah-min nah eh-zhee-nen-dam]
• I don't understandAaniin ezhi-nomaagitoon.
  [ah-neen eh-zhee-no-mah-gee-toon]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAnishinaabemowin menu-ning gaa-gwechendam.
  [ah-nish-in-ah-bay-mow-win men-oo-ning gah-gweh-chen-dam]
• I don't eat meatGii-ji-bi-anishinaabe
  [gee-jee-bee-ah-nish-in-ah-bay]
• Cheers!Bamaapii!
  [bah-mah-pee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGaa-zhitoon.
  [gah-zhee-toon]

• Help!Aaniin!
  [ah-neen]
• Go away!Gaa wiin!
  [gah-ween]
• Call the Police!Gaa-mno!
  [gah-mno]
• Call a doctor!Gaa-dibaajimowin!
  [gah-dee-bah-je-mow-win]
• I'm lostGii-shkode
  [gee-shko-day]
• I'm illGii-ji-bimaadizi
  [gee-jee-bee-mah-dee-zee]

• I'd like to buy...Gaa-gwechitoon...
  [gah-gweh-chee-toon]
• I'm just lookingNimishoomis
  [nee-mish-oo-mis]
• How much is it?Gaawiin dibishkoziyan?
  [gah-ween dee-bish-ko-zee-yahn]
• That's too expensiveGiizis dibishkoziyan
  [gee-zees dee-bish-ko-zee-yahn]
• Can you lower the price?Waasa doodem?
  [wah-sah doo-dem]

• What time is it?Miisanaagwaad gaa-onji
  [mee-sah-nah-gwahd gah-ohn-jee]
• It's one o'clockBakadek gaa-onji
  [bah-kah-dek gah-ohn-jee]
• Half past (10)Nimkii gaa-onji
  [neem-kee gah-ohn-jee]
• MorningBiindig
  [been-dig]
• AfternoonAabitoose
  [ah-bee-toose]
• EveningAangwii
  [ahn-gwee]
• YesterdayDibaajimowin
  [dee-bah-je-mow-win]
• TodayBiwaase'aa
  [bee-wah-seh-ah]
• TomorrowBimaadiziwin
  [bee-mah-dee-zee-win]
• 1Bakade
  [bah-kah-day]
• 2Niizh
  [nee-sh]
• 3Niswi
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• 4Niiwin
  [nee-win]
• 5Naanan
  [nah-nan]
• 6Ningodwaaswi
  [neen-god-wah-swee]
• 7Zhagagwad
  [zhah-gah-gwahd]
• 8Zhingwaak
  [zhing-wahk]
• 9Zhaangaswi
  [zhaan-gah-swee]
• 10Midaaswi
  [mee-dah-swee]

• Where's a/the...?Aaniin enendamanan...?
  [ah-neen eh-nen-dah-mah-nan]
• What's the address?Aaniin endazo omaa apii?
  [ah-neen en-dah-zo oh-mah ah-pee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Aaniin gidaa onji giishpin?
  [ah-neen gee-dah ohn-jee gee-shpin]
• When's the next (bus)?Aaniin gwayak onji?
  [ah-neen gway-ahk ohn-jee]
• A ticket (to ....)Gakina gwayak (gi...)
  [gah-kee-nah gway-ahk (gee)]

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has been home to indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The Ojibwe and Dakota tribes were the primary inhabitants, relying on the region's abundant natural resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering. The area holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for these tribes, and their legacy is still evident in the ancient pictographs found on rock faces throughout the wilderness.

In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, European explorers and fur traders, including the French voyageurs, began to navigate the waterways of the BWCAW. The fur trade flourished as beaver pelts were highly valued in Europe. The voyageurs established trade routes and relationships with the indigenous tribes, profoundly impacting the region's cultural landscape. Many of the canoe routes used today in the BWCAW trace back to these early fur trade paths.

In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt established the Superior National Forest, which included what is now the BWCAW. This designation marked the beginning of federal efforts to preserve the area's pristine natural environment. The forest's administration focused on balancing conservation with recreational use, paving the way for future wilderness protection measures.

In 1926, the United States Forest Service officially designated a portion of the Superior National Forest as the 'Superior Roadless Area,' later renamed the 'Boundary Waters Canoe Area' in 1958. This move was aimed at preserving the wilderness character of the region, restricting motorized access and promoting canoe-based travel. The designation helped maintain the area's ecological integrity and wilderness experience.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation that provided the legal framework for the protection of wilderness areas across the United States. The BWCAW was one of the first areas to be designated under this act, solidifying its status as a protected wilderness. Subsequent legislation in 1978 further restricted motorized use and commercial logging within the BWCAW, ensuring the preservation of its natural state for future generations.

Today, the BWCAW is a cherished destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and backpacking. The area holds deep cultural significance for indigenous communities, whose historical presence and traditions continue to be honored. The BWCAW's enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect visitors with the natural world and its rich historical tapestry, making it a unique and invaluable part of Minnesota's heritage.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is located in northeastern Minnesota, near the Canadian border. The nearest major airport is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), approximately 260 miles away. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Ely or Grand Marais, the two main gateway towns. The drive takes around 4-5 hours. Alternatively, regional flights are available to Duluth International Airport (DLH), which is closer, and from Duluth, it's about a 2-hour drive to the BWCAW.

Once you reach Ely or Grand Marais, your primary mode of transportation within the BWCAW will be by canoe and on foot. Outfitters in these towns offer canoe rentals, shuttle services, and gear necessary for your trip. Motorized vehicles are not allowed within the wilderness area. Local taxi services and shuttle buses can transport you from your accommodations to entry points if needed.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in Ely and Grand Marais for accommodations, dining, and outfitting services. However, it's wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments or if you plan to make purchases at local markets or roadside stands. ATMs are available in both gateway towns.

The BWCAW is generally a safe destination, but it is essential to take standard wilderness precautions. Always inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time. Be aware of wildlife, including bears, and store food securely. Crime rates targeting tourists are low, but always keep your valuables secure and be cautious of your surroundings in more populated areas like Ely and Grand Marais.

In case of an emergency within the BWCAW, having a satellite phone or emergency beacon can be crucial, as cell service is limited. For immediate assistance, dial 911, but be prepared for limited response times due to the remote nature of the area. Medical facilities are available in Ely and Grand Marais. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Fashion: Do wear weather-appropriate and durable outdoor clothing. Avoid cotton, and layer your clothing to adapt to changing conditions. Religion: Do respect the natural environment as a place of sanctuary and reflection for many. Public Transport: Do use shuttle services or local taxis in Ely and Grand Marais if necessary. Don't expect public transport within the wilderness area. Greetings: Do greet fellow travelers and locals with a friendly nod or hello. Eating & Drinking: Do practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all your trash and avoid contaminating water sources.

To experience the BWCAW like a local, visit during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) to avoid the crowds and enjoy the serene wilderness. Engage with local outfitters and listen to their advice and stories about the area. Attend local events in Ely or Grand Marais, such as the Blueberry Festival or Fisherman's Picnic, to immerse yourself in the community. Consider fishing or foraging for wild berries, but always follow local guidelines and regulations.