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  • Heart of the Continent mapAn International Treasure!

    Spanning the international border between northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Ontario lies an natural treasure: the largest expanse of public greenspace in the heart of North America.

    This 5.5 million acre landscape comprises a blend of working forest, rugged scenery, pristine watersheds, abundant wildlife and outstanding biodiversity. Several separately managed natural areas are encompassed by this ecosystem at the “heart of the continent,” including Quetico Provincial Park, the Superior National Forest (including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness), Voyageurs National Park and numerous Minnesota state forest lands and parks and Ontario provincial parks. (See map.)

    Heart of the Continent Partnership

    The Heart of the Continent Partnership is a Canadian/American coalition of land managers and local stakeholders working together on cross-border projects that promote the economic, cultural and natural health of the lakes, forests and communities on the Ontario/Minnesota border.

    Canoe the Heart Trip Log

    • And they’re off!

      The expedition left Atikokan, Ontario today on its way to its first stop in Fort Francis, Ontario, via the woods and waters of Quetico Provincial Park.

    • Events and Parades

      Come celebrate the 100th birthday of Superior National Forest and Quetico Provincial Park and follow the paddlers of the 24-foot Voyageur Canoe on their 350-mile journey.

    • A celebratory expedition

      The Canoe the Heart Expedition will commemorate the centennials of Quetico Provincial Park and the the Superior National Forest.