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       Tow to McAree
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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 12:59PM
Tow to McAree

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
cburton103 10/05/2018 01:11PM
For time considerations, remember that if there are other groups going along in the same tow that can add a considerable amount of time. We took a 7 am tow with Anderson's with two other groups this past June. The two other groups were getting dropped off different spots in the BWCAW, and we were getting dropped off at the set of falls that lead to McAree (well, the two sets of falls that lead to McAree). It probably added 45 minutes compared to not having another group in the boat.


I understand why they do it that way, and that's how I would do it as well if I were running Anderson's. It did make our push into Brent that first day a bit tighter on time, but we still made it with some fishing in most lakes along the way.


This was our second year to get dropped off through Crane -> LLC and paddle back east towards Ely. Lots of great water in that part of Quetico, and not too many people after you get past the first few lakes. We'll definitely be back to this area.
AmarilloJim 10/04/2018 10:00AM
timatkn: "I looked up Anderson’s and they charge $265/per person looks like that was round trip but wasn’t clear to me. Add $100 per canoe. Usually they want a minimum of 4 people to do a tow. My wife and I have used them many times, with the last being in 2011 they were always able to group us with another group or if they hauled just us two they did it with a supply drop so I never had the pay the price for 4 people for just 2 of us...but I think they reserve the right to do that if they cannot group you.



Always great service with Anderson. We just stopped doing it as adding an extra $630 for the tow starts to bring my trip up to similar costs as a nice Canadian Resort and I just can’t justify the cost for a canoe trip for me personally.



The tows are fun and add to the adventure. Also with the extra cost/time that side of the park seems to be less traveled. I am sure I will do it again sometime.



T"

Thanks for the info.
May put some feelers out at a later date for a group solo putting in on 5/27/19 and exiting 6/8/19
timatkn 10/04/2018 07:31AM
I looked up Anderson’s and they charge $265/per person looks like that was round trip but wasn’t clear to me. Add $100 per canoe. Usually they want a minimum of 4 people to do a tow. My wife and I have used them many times, with the last being in 2011 they were always able to group us with another group or if they hauled just us two they did it with a supply drop so I never had the pay the price for 4 people for just 2 of us...but I think they reserve the right to do that if they cannot group you.


Always great service with Anderson. We just stopped doing it as adding an extra $630 for the tow starts to bring my trip up to similar costs as a nice Canadian Resort and I just can’t justify the cost for a canoe trip for me personally.


The tows are fun and add to the adventure. Also with the extra cost/time that side of the park seems to be less traveled. I am sure I will do it again sometime.


T
walllee 10/03/2018 08:33AM
I use Zups when getting towed to that area. Anderson outfitters is also an option, and I’m sure there are a couple more. I believe the cost is $250.00 round trip, plus another $100 if you take your own canoe. From your pick up at Crane Lake, you can be at the McAree portage in as little as 2 to 2-1/2 hours. The wait time at the Quetico office on Lac La Croix is usually a quick five minute stop, as is the stop at Canadian customs.

As far as times of the tows, there is really no set schedule. Zups will work with you to fit your schedule. I did it twice this year. One time I got picked up at 7:30 am and the next trip I was picked up at 1:30 pm at Crane. They try to group you with other parties which I fully understand. The boat ride is pretty neat, as are the mechanical portages.
AmarilloJim 10/03/2018 07:48AM
1) Who offers this service?
2) How long does the tow, customs, permit pick up take?
3) Cost roundtrip?
4) When are the first and last tows of the day?

Looking to do a two week trip in the SW part of the Q next year and I really don't want to go through PP.