Hello,

I've been to the boundary waters once with someone experience who planned the whole trip, but now i'm trying to go again and i'm planning the trip alone for the first time, with someone who's never been there.
I'm trying to plan a short trip (3-4 days) for late august.

Do you guys have any recommendations for outfitters for canoes and entry permits? Also do you guys recommend any routes? We are planning on 3, maybe 4 days.
I was wondering if you also had any tips or comments for a newbie here.

Thanks~

Outfitter loyalty runs deep. Just about a fight instead of switch. I first went to Canoe Country Outfitters and would not consider ever going to another outfitter.

I think relying on an outfitter is a good plan for "early career" trippers.

Entry permit choices for your dates are limited. They're all good!

If you plan to go through Ely, give Piragis Northwoods Co. a call. If going out of Moose Lake, call Williams and Hall outfitting. Both are very helpful and will answer all of your questions.

There is a list of outfitters on this site who advertise here. Basically West side is Ely or nearby. East side is Grand Maria's area. Shop around there as they can check permit availability, plan your your route , and outfit you completely or partially. Pricing is all close. I have used Canadian Waters, Voyager North IN Ely, Canadian Border Outfitters nearby on Moose Lake for West side. Hungry Jack Outfitters for East.
All good at what they do for a living.

quote QueticoMike: "If you plan to go through Ely, give Piragis Northwoods Co. a call. If going out of Moose Lake, call Williams and Hall outfitting. Both are very helpful and will answer all of your questions."

+1

Don't forget the south central region. There are a couple of great 3-4 day routes out of the Sawbill Lake area.

1. Lady Lakes chain. Have Sawbill Outfitters (Great group!) shuttle you to Kawishiwi Lake Entry. Head north to Polly Lake. (You will pass through the eastern tip of the Pagami Creek burn area.) Then work your way back east to Sawbill Lake along Polly, Hazel, Phoebe, Beth, and Alton Lakes. Your vehicle will be waiting in the parking lot ands a hot shower at Sawbill Outfitters.

2. Cherokee Loop. Head east out of Sawbill through the Fire Lakes to Kelly Lake. Then turn north up the Temperance River (Jack and Weird Lakes) to South and North Temperance Lakes. (Don't forget to find the abandoned gold mine between Kelly and Jack Lakes.)Turn west through Sitka Lake to Cherokee Lake. Then head back south through Ada and Skoop Lakes to Sawbill Lake. (Do this route in reverse. Or start at Baker Lake Entry (just south of Kelly Lake and take the extra time to visit the golden sand beaches of Frost Lake north of Cherokee as a day trip.)

Both routes mix river paddling with beautiful lakes and are great for those less experienced.

I like to bring new people on the east side (Grand Marais). The drive up the north shore is outstanding and to me a great part of the trip.

What was your first trip entry/route and experience like?

quote TomP: "I like to bring new people on the east side (Grand Marais). The drive up the north shore is outstanding and to me a great part of the trip. "

I agree. The North Shore has more to offer in and out than you have time to enjoy. Grand Marais is a great place to stop in and out for a great meal in or out. The GunFlint Trails is a cool drive. You can get to either the BWCA or Quetico fast with a boat tow from several outfitters on Seagull Lake. Or forget the boat tow and enter Eastern BWCA from right there.

Be sure to share your trip

K