BWCA Outfitting:

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BWCA Complete Outfitting
 

The goal of a completely outfitted trip is to provide  you with  the best of what  you'll need  to  enjoy your  vacation. We  don't have set  tours or packages, each trip is custom designed for you.

Questions First:
How comfortable are you in a canoe and with wilderness camping?  We  are  used to  working  with  people of  all  abilities. Our experience and advice  helps give you the confidence needed for this adventure. How many days do you plan to be out? Four to six days is about average. Do you want to base camp or  travel each day?  How important  is fishing, photography or relaxation?

Based on this information we will work with you to select an entry point and plan a trip route. As we focus in on your trip goals, we can recommend the proper type of gear.

What We Provide...

• The proper canoe for your trip based on your needs and  trip plan.
• Paddles fitted to you and the type of canoe you select.
• Vest style "paddling" life jackets that are comfortable to wear.
• Eureka Tents; 2, 4 or 6 man. All have floors, cross ventilation, are bug-proof and have storm shield exteriors.
• Therm-a-rest self-inflating air mattresses to sleep on. They provide the ultimate in sleeping comfort.
• Slumberjack sleeping bags that are freshly laundered with Hollofil II insulation
• A wilderness kitchen that will include everything you need per your selected menu. For example: stainless steel pots and pans, silverware, cups, coffee pot, plastic plates, large spoon, spatula, and cleaning items. Peak I Coleman stove is provided, along with a folding saw, matches, and fire starters. A tarp will be sized to your group. It will provide shelter to eat and cook under.
•  A first-aid kit of the industrial type. All items you would expect to handle small or large problems.
• Granite Gear packs with padded shoulder straps and hip belts for your food and personal gear. The food pack has a cardboard box with poly liner or a bear resistant barrel is provided depending on time of year and entry point.
• Other items: toilet paper, 2 ropes-50 feet each, waterproof maps (one set per canoe), compass, water filter or tablets and map case.
• Instructions on your pre-selected menu prior to packing. All frozen items will be packed in a soft cooler. We have field tested and tasted all of the dehydrated foods on the menu to know what works.
• All of the above will be packed in the number of packs as required.
   

 What You Should Bring...

• 1-T-Shirt
• 1- Long Sleeve Shirt (light weight and quick drying)
• 1- Pair of shorts and pants or 1 pair of zip off pants
• 1- Long underwear top and bottom
• 1- Fleece or wool top and bottom
• 1- Swimsuit
• Socks and underwear
• Rain jacket and pants, can be used as windbreaker
• 1- pair of shoes to get wet. Portages can be rocky, rugged, and muddy. Shoes should have good  support.  Flip flops are not a good idea.
• 1- pair of dry shoes for camp
• Hat for sun and rain protection
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Mosquito Repellent
• Toilet Articles
• Pack Towel
• Headnets
• Headlight or Flashlight
• Pocket Knife
• Camera
• Fishing Gear
• Book, deck of cards, and/or travel games
• Journal

Temperatures could be anywhere from freezing to 90 degrees, even in August. Coming in May, June, Sept, or Oct? You could see snow. Your clothing should be able to keep you warm in all temps. The best way is to dress in layers and stay away from cotton. Synthetic or wool clothing offers good insulation and dries quickly. Lightweight long pants and long sleeve tops can also keep those pesky mosquitoes and flies off of you. Need help or suggestions let us know.

Complete Outfitting Rates
Are based on calendar days, and are per person per trip.
(3 day minimum.)

Standard Package
Rates include a 17' Grumman canoe
3 day -- $210
4 day -- $270
5 day -- $335
6 day -- $400

Deluxe Package
Rates include a ultra light Kevlar canoe
3 day -- $270
4 day -- $350
5 day -- $425
6 day -- $500





BWCA Partial Outfitting <back to top>

We are the most conveniently located outfitter to Entry Points:
41- Brule
40-Homer
39-Baker
37-Kawishiwi
36-Hog Creek



Also right on your way to the Sawbill, Caribou and Gunflint Trails.
 
Located right on Hwy 61, one mile from the Tofte Ranger Station.

Canoes:

Rentals Include: Life jackets and paddles, yoke, and car top carrier. Paddles and life jackets provided with the rental will be based on the type of canoe you rent.  Tandem canoes we provide  2 paddles and 2 life jackets, 3 person's we provide 3 paddle and 3 jacket. If you need extra's they are available for rent.

Tandem Ultra Light Kevlar Canoes 

Tandem Royalex Canoes
* Royalex is a sandwich of many different layers of materials chosen and fused
together to create the desired performance characteristics. Kind of like a plastic
boat with out all the weight.

 

Tandem Aluminum Canoes 

 
Solo Canoes 

3 Person Canoes 

4 Person Canoe <back to top>

 Shuttle Service

Cost is $1.25/mile that we have to drive.
One-way Trips:
Hog Creek -- $75
Kawishiwi -- $80
Sawbill -- $62.50
Baker -- $56.25
Homer -- $75
Brule -- $80
Canoe Trailer Rental Available
$20/day (holds 6 canoes)

 Other Equipment

Deposit and Cancellation:  <back to top>
We will need a 25% deposit at the time the reservation is made. If notice is given 14 days prior to arrival date your deposit will be refunded minus $20.00 processing fee. Please let us know about any changes before you arrive otherwise you may be charged for items originally reserved.

Early Returns:
We understand that Mother Nature can be unpredictable and at times quite nasty to wilderness travelers. We wish we could guarantee great weather, minimal bugs etc... If requested, early returns will be given a (one day only) credit towards your future trip.





Primary Entry Points to BWCA 

 

Click to Enlarge Map

#35 Isabella Lake:  Good starting point for paddlers who desire a river trip. Great area for wildlife and very remote and scenic. Good three to six day area.

#36 Hog Creek: Provides a unique combination of a narrow winding stream with a beautiful large destination lake of islands and peaceful bays. A good consistent fishing lake that has a very high loyalty among fans. Great for first time trippers or groups with little kids.

#37 Kawishiwi Lake: Provides direct access to the heart of the east central BWCA.  Good entry point for first timers as well as the adventurous visitors looking for a challenge.  This is a popular entry point for the anglers looking for walleye.

#38 Sawbill: The third most popular entry in the BWCA, which makes this entry point a busy one. However this is a great entry to access some pristine parts of the wilderness. A Kevlar canoe is recommended as many routes have long or frequent portages.

#39 Baker Lake: Offers easy access to one of the more scenic parts of the BWCA Wilderness; the Temperance River flowage, where shallow lakes are surrounded by towering hills.  Offers visitors a quiet alternative to nearby Sawbill Lake.

#40 Homer Lake: Gateway to an area of narrow lakes, good fishing and wildlife. For new canoe trippers, a perfect 3-day loop to the Brule Lake entry; and for those with longer itineraries that extend north through Brule Lake.

#41 Brule Lake: The largest (totally non-motorized lake) in the  BWCA. Access to many scenic loops with good fishing.  One must always keep an eye on the weather since westerly winds can whip up big waves.





 
 BWCA Trip Planning  <back to top>

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness is over a million pristine acres of lakes, rivers and forests in northeastern Minnesota. A paradise for the wilderness canoeist, the BWCA offers over 1200 miles of canoe routes through some of the most beautiful country in the world.    
Within the canoe country you will find resident animals such as timber wolves, black bear, bald eagles, osprey, great blue heron, loons, moose, otters, and beaver, just to name a few. You will also find the best tasting fish anywhere. Grab your paddle and leave the stress of the city behind. You will come back a new person.

Entry Permit
A permit is required for entry into the BWCA. It is your ticket to enter a specific entry point on a specific day. In addition, it permits your group (maximum of 9 people and a maximum of 4 canoes) to occupy one designated campsite per permit. If you plan ahead, you should have no problem getting the date desired. However, some entry points fill up during busy parts of the season. To increase your chances for a permit, start your trip mid-week and avoid holidays. Need help picking an entry point? Let us know, we can help. You can request the permit to be sent to us for ease of pick-up.  BWCA Permit reservations can be made online  or by calling 1-877-550-6777 to check availability and to reserve your permit.

BWCA Campsites
In the BWCA you have to camp only at established sites that are marked on BWCA maps.These sites will have a fire grate and a latrine (seat on a box without walls) at them. We sell BWCA Fisher, McKenzie, and Voyager maps.

The Portage
The walk between lakes, measured in rods (1 rod is 16.5ft), is called the portage. The goal is to "one trip portage." In order to accomplish this, weight and volume should be kept to a minimum. One canoe pack per party member is a general rule. Portages can be very rugged and rocky so hiking boots are the best footwear for travel.

Fishing
Northern, walleyes, small mouth bass, panfish, and lake trout are the varieties caught in the BWCA. Fishing is best early or later in the season. Fishing licenses and bait are available at Holiday Gas Station just down the road from us.

Transportation
We have put from one to three canoes on all types of vehicles, except motorcycles. Foam blocks or roof racks are provided. If you have your own rack, we can extend it to haul two canoes. We can shuttle people to and from your entry point and give you the option of doing a point to point trip.

Shuttle Service 
Cost is $1.25/mile that we have to drive.

Canoe Trailer Rental Available
$20/day (holds 6-7 canoes)

An Alternative to the BWCA
The Timber-Frear Area is outside the BWCA, but is as nice and is one of our best moose areas. It is about 20 miles from Tofte. Motors are permitted and no permit is required. Campsites have picnic tables, fire grates, and latrines. The loop is about seven hours in travel time through five or six lakes. A good destination area for three or four days.

We like this area because no permit is needed. It's safe and you are never more than four hours from your car. Groups of over 10 do not have to split up. Fishing is very good on most of the lakes.

Local Accommodations  <back to top>
Our area is a destination resort area. Lodges may require 2 nights stay for weekends in summer and fall .