Boundary Waters permit cancellations hit a record high in 2025

On January 28, paddlers interested in visiting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area flooded the Forest Service website to register for permits. Despite the flurry of registrations, more than 40% of the permits issued for the May 1 through Sept 30 quota period were not used in 2025.

The U.S.Forest Service BWCAW visitor’s report noted that no-shows (3,674) and cancelled permits (12,096) increased in 2025 from the previous year. The Forest Service suggested the no-shows and cancellations were due to paddlers registering for multiple trips to provide flexibility during paddling season.

Using the Recreation.gov platform a single reservation costs $6. Entry permits cost $16 per adult and $8 for a child 17 and younger. The maximum group size for a BWCAW permit is nine people and four watercraft. Permit-holders who cancel at least two days before their entry are refunded the permit cost. The $6 reservation fee is nonrefundable. Those who cancel within a day of their entry are charged $32 as a penalty. No-shows forfeit all payments. Cancelled permits become available within 24 hours.