Boundary Waters Guiding & Trip Planning
From a day on the water to a multi-night wilderness adventure, BaseCampNorth brings the details of your Boundary Waters trip together in one place. I’ll take care of securing your permit / subject to availability. Whether you need a completely outfitted experience or have your own gear and simply want an experienced guide along, I’ll help build a trip around your interests, comfort level, and sense of adventure.
My name is Kerry Lane, and I bring over seven seasons of experience as an outfitter and guide on the Gunflint Trail, along with hundreds of miles traveled through the Boundary Waters. My knowledge of the eastern BWCA’s entry points, routes, and campsites helps me match you with a trip that fits—whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore somewhere new.
I offer guided day trips and overnight canoe trips, serving all BWCA entry points in the Gunflint and Tofte districts on the eastern side of the wilderness. Through partnerships with local outfitters, I can arrange canoes, camping gear, food, and lodging the night before your trip. Already have everything you need? Bring your own equipment, and I’ll join you as your guide.
Beyond guiding, I can coordinate the details that make getting into the wilderness easier: securing your entry permit, subject to availability; planning your route; arranging outfitting and lodging; and organizing transportation from Minneapolis or Duluth to your entry point. Whether you need help with one part of the trip or want the entire experience arranged, you’ll have one person to work with from the first conversation to the start of your adventur.
Kerry Lane
Outfitter / Guide BaseCampNorth
1. Get in Touch & Secure Your Permit
Start by telling me when you’d like to travel, who’s coming, and what you’d like from your Boundary Waters experience. For the best selection of overnight entry permits, best to contact me is before Permits open in late January so we can have a plan ready. I’ll take care of securing your permit, subject to availability. Popular entry points and dates can fill quickly, so waiting until July or August may significantly limit your options. Planning later in the season? Still reach out—we can explore available permits and alternative routes.
2. Plan the Details
Together, we’ll choose a route that fits your experience, interests, and preferred pace. We’ll discuss paddling distances, portages, campsite options, and what to expect along the way.
I can coordinate your canoe, camping gear, lodging, and transportation through local outfitters and service providers. Bring your own equipment, choose complete outfitting, or arrange something in between. You’ll have one person coordinating the details, without having to do all the groundwork yourself. I Have found it better for people to bring thier own food but can be provided apon request.
3. Arrive & Settle In
I recommend staying on the Gunflint Trail or near your departure location the night before your trip. This gives you time to settle in and start the next morning rested, without a long drive from Duluth or Minneapolis.I can arrange your lodging as part of your trip planning.
4. Meet Your Guide & Check Your Gear
On departure day, we’ll meet at the designated local outfitter, complete any required permit pickup and orientation, and go through your gear and food together. We’ll review the route, discuss safety and wilderness practices, and make sure everyone feels prepared before heading out.
5. Travel to the Entry Point
Transportation from the outfitter to your entry point will be provided as arranged during planning. We’ll confirm pickup arrangements for the end of your trip in advance, too.
6. Get on the Water!
We’ll load the canoes, get everyone comfortably situated, and push off. From there, it’s time to settle into the rhythm of canoe country and enjoy the adventure.
