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This route is one of the most beautiful and challenging adventures we offer. This is a perfect choice only for those willing to push themselves physically and who want to get “away” from other groups and people within the BWCAW. The route boasts: waterfalls, dramatic topography, clearwater lakes, seclusion, and Canada!
This 75-mile journey begins at Moose Lake and heads northeast into Newfound Lake, Sucker Lake, and a short portage into Birch Lake. This first portion of the trip travels through lakes where motorboats are allowed. From here, you will begin the non-motorized “Border Lakes Route” (named because it follows the border of the United States and Canada). From Birch Lake you will take in beautiful rapids along a series of shorter portages and small lakes. You will enter the clear waters of Knife Lake. We will stop by “Thunder Point”, which provides views from 150 feet above the lake. This portion of the trip is made up of miles of water travel and few portages, as you travel the North Arm of Knife Lake to Ottertrack Lake.
The next portion of the trip travels through remote lakes (Gijikiki Lake, Lake of the Clouds, Lunar Lake, Topaz Lake, and Cherry Lake) that are surrounded by high hills and beautiful cliffs. Next, you will portage into the South Arm of Knife Lake and you will head east to portage at the Eddy Falls, where we will take time to stop and view the majestic falls, before entering into the Kekakabic Ponds and Kekakabic Lake. We will travel back into Knife Lake, then south into Vera Lake and Ensign Lake. Finally, we will back track through Newfound Lake and Moose Lake.