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Author	Message Text
boonie	05/29/2025 03:14PM   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.
ipure	05/29/2025 01:13PM   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.
ducks	05/30/2025 08:56AM   In the Ely area of the BWCA I have used both Voyaguer North and Piragis and both do a great job.
TrebleHook	06/05/2025 04:51AM   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.
boonie	05/29/2025 06:42AM   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.
bottomtothetap	05/30/2025 05:33PM   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.
fun4dad2	05/30/2025 01:07PM   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.
KawnipiKid	05/28/2025 08:11PM   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.
Jefflynn06	06/29/2025 07:37PM   Used VNO in Ely twice with student groups and they were above outstanding! From helping me and my wife (the guides) to make sure we had all of our needs and questions taken care of and the care for a number of adolescents on their first trip - service and care was first rate! Rented canoes in the past few years from Tuscarora and Rockwood (my royalex is becoming too heavy) and have had incredible service from both.
KDaily	06/30/2025 08:34AM   Ryan at Cliff Wold’s Outfitting does a great job, full to partial outfitting and they have a camp ground with cabins and showers just north of Ely
Achemers	06/29/2025 07:21PM   I have used Canoe Country Outfitters in Ely for years. They have an old school feel that complements the BWCAW experience very nicely. Not to mention their customer service is top notch from the moment they answer the phone when you first call, to when they're putting out the clean towels for your hot shower post trip. Decades, and generations, of knowledge on the area, a well supplied store, and a family run operation. I would never consider another outfitter.
bombinbrian	05/30/2025 07:39AM   We just got back from the BWCA and we always use Dan at Canadian Waters. Absolutely love him.
HoriconMarshPaddler	06/28/2025 01:57PM   Vno has great showers for after your trip. They are a great outfitter. But, I've learned so much from Steve Nelson's canoecopia presentations. Spirit of the wilderness is my #1 recommendation. They have an awesome storefront as well.
ipure	05/28/2025 05:19PM   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!
timatkn	05/28/2025 06:55PM   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
Michwall2	05/28/2025 06:52PM   Which part of the BW are you targeting?