I don't know the answer but my guess it's in the range of 50-65 years of age. That's my anecdotal observation from Quetico trips only.

Would I observe differently in the BWCAW?

It's funny, I'd peg the average age of canoe trippers in southern Ontario at about 28-38. If that's the same for the Boundary Waters, Quetico may just be an anomaly because the time, preparation and expense of getting there lends itself more to those of retirement vintage.

I’m fairly sure the most recent FS survey (2007) list the average age at 45, and it had been increasing per previous surveys.

Anecdotally, I’ve seen a good number of groups in the college age & slightly over. Some families as well with middle school aged kids in tow, though I’m betting there are fewer families taking trips than in the past.

I think the younger gen does more hiking and backpacking than canoeing.

Approaching 50 here and that seems to be about what I see on BW trips. Majority are around my age.

We do alot of hiking as well. On the Superior Hiking Trail - the majority of hikers we come across are easily 10-20 years younger and then a few that are older. Not many in the late 40's, early 50's group.

For the first 3+ years of the existence of the Friends of Wabakimi I maintained the membership list. Each year the average age of members increased. My recall was it was in the early to mid 50's. I don't know what things look like now but perhaps the average age has come down some since the membership number is much higher now.

Speckled: "I think the younger gen does more hiking and backpacking than canoeing.

Approaching 50 here and that seems to be about what I see on BW trips. Majority are around my age.

We do alot of hiking as well. On the Superior Hiking Trail - the majority of hikers we come across are easily 10-20 years younger and then a few that are older. Not many in the late 40's, early 50's group."

I 100% agree with this, the crowds I run into backpacking are much younger, for one backpacking seems to be harder on the body and I also suspect much cheaper/ easier to get into than canoe tripping.