Hey all,
My dad and I are planning a trip back to the BWCA this August. We've done quite a few trips together over the years in both the BWCA and Quetico, but it's been about 10 years since our last one. The outfitters we used and loved back then have since gone out of business, so we're looking for some updated recommendations.

We’ll just need partial outfitting since we already have our own gear. Mainly looking for help with things like canoe rental, permits, or a tow if needed. Any recent reviews or suggestions for outfitters you’ve had good experiences with would be much appreciated. We're prioritizing good service and reliability over luxury.

Apologies if this has been covered recently. I searched around but figured it couldn't hurt to check in directly. Thanks in advance and happy paddling!

Which part of the BW are you targeting?

Yea area would be helpful.

I honestly have used many different outfitters for variety of reasons and maybe a few weren’t as awesome as others but they were all good. Never a bad experience.

Zups and Andersons out of Crane

Voyager North Canoe outfitters (Lynn and John for many years, but in 2023 the new owner was great too)
Spirit of the wilderness
Canoe Country outfitters
Out of Ely.

On the Gunflint…only used Seagull outfitters. Always great…except Deb one time treated the family like tinhorns since we are from “the Cities” and arrived only 15 minutes before a tow…5 minutes later we were loaded and ready to go. Apparently a lot of people show up unprepared and take forever. We must of gave her heart palpitations :) with our laid back approach. JK.. Anyway…changed owners this year. I am sure they will be great too.

T

From west to east, we've had solidly good service and experiences (and no problems) using Piragis, Sawbill and Tuscarora and would recommend each of them. Have used each for partial outfitting and Tuscarora also for the bunkhouse/breakfast and showers.

I have used the following for partial outfitting:
Piragis, Voyageur North, Sawtooth, Sawbill, Rockwood.
You can click the Outfitters tab at the top to get links to their websites.

Thanks for all the replies, everyone! I'm not entirely sure which area of the park we'll be in, but I know that we would want to stay in or near Ely, MN the night before we head out. Not too sure if that helps.

I'm getting the impression that most outfitters are decent or better, so we should be okay with whichever we choose. I am aware of the links to the outfitters on this forum, but I was just curious to hear personal reviews/accounts (good or bad) to help in our search. Really appreciate the responses from everyone.

The first 2 I mentioned - Piragis and Voyageur North - both serve Ely. They are listed by the area they serve under the Outfitters tab at the top of the page. There are some variations in what each provides and you can compare those on their websites.

We just got back from the BWCA and we always use Dan at Canadian Waters. Absolutely love him.

In the Ely area of the BWCA I have used both Voyaguer North and Piragis and both do a great job.

I have used The Ely Outdoors Company (paddlethebwca.com) several times. Ryan is GREAT! Smaller outfit so you get very personalized service. He is quick to respond, knowledgeable, and has good, new gear. I recommend him! Full, partial, food only... he does it.

I hope you enjoy no matter who you choose.

I guess we all have our favorites and the Olsons at Canoe Country Outfitters in Ely are mine. I've used them multiple times and have never been disappointed.

We have been going to the BW for over 20 years and have always used VNO when going out of Ely. The few times we have used a different outfitter when tripping out of GM we end up comparing them to VNO and quickly remember the differences.