More than one million acres of wilderness and waterways in the heart of the Superior National Forest have been set aside as the federally managed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Located along the Canadian border adjacent to Canada's Quetico Provincial Park, the BWCAW is the largest wilderness preserve east of the Rocky Mountains.

You don't have to be an expert canoeist or outdoorsman to enjoy the BWCAW's 1,500-plus miles of water trails. Canoe outfitters can help you design your route, select campsites, supply you with all the food and equipment you will need and can even point out the best fishing spots.

In order to protect the wilderness character of the BWCAW, motors are allowed only in designated areas. Group sizes are limited, and glass and cans are prohibited. Permits, which are required to enter, help keep track of where and how many people are in each particular area. This enables a canoeist to see few if any other groups. Imagine a whole lake to yourself, give or take a few loons.

Good luck, have a great time, forget your problems but be sure to remember your camera!