Frequently Asked Questions

Because we provide quality equipment and excellent service. Our location makes us the best choice since we are conveniently located and the only outfitter in the Tofte District on your way to most of the SE entry points of the BWCA Wilderness.

Hiking, biking, canoeing, sea kayaking, alpine and xc-skiing, snowboarding,  snowshoeing; we are centered in the heart of adventure on the northshore of Lake Superior and can provide everything you’ll need to make exploring this area an amazing experience.

No, but there are a number of resorts and lodging accommodations in the area. Showers are available for a charge at the AmericInn in Tofte .

There are two campgrounds within a couple of miles: Temperance River State Park and Lamb’s Resort.

Yes, we are a co-operator under permit with the Superior National Forest division of the U.S. Forest Service.

The best way to make your own reservation is to visit the Recreation.gov website or call 1-877-444-6777.  Because of the ease and simplicity of making your own permit online with the current reservation technology, we no longer offer a 3rd party reservation service.

It depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. Consider the following:

  • Early season (ice-out to end of May) is less busy and cooler with high water conditions, minimal bugs and excellent fishing. Migratory birds come through the area and other animals begin to stir in anticipation of summer.
  • Early to mid-summer (June to mid-July) offers warmer temps that bring in vegetation, good fishing, blooming plants, and the sights and sounds of new life all around. Unfortunately, this includes biting insects.Choosing a breezy campsite and employing good repelling methods can make this season easily manageable.
  • Mid to late summer (mid-July to September) is a time to enjoy warmer air and warmer water temps as well as usually being drier. Swimming is enjoyable in July and August, and wild berries are ripe for picking. This is also the most popular time to visit the wilderness, so reserve your permits early and expect some competition for the best campsites.
  • September’s cooler temps bring fall colors, minimal bugs and fewer people. Although the weather can be unpredictable late in the season, it can be a nice time to enjoy some solitude, good fishing, and your choice of prime campsites.

We require a 30% deposit of the total rental.

Deposit & Cancellation

We require a 30% deposit of the total rental at the time the reservation is made.

If a cancellation notice is given 14 days prior to arrival date your deposit will be refunded minus a $20.00 processing fee.

Cancellations within 14 days of your trip will mean a loss of the deposit.

Cancellations within 1 day of your trip will mean loss of 50% of the total rental.

Early Returns

We understand that Mother Nature can be unpredictable and at times very challenging for wilderness travelers. We would be thrilled if everyone could experience great weather, minimal bugs etc… If requested, early returns will be given a (one day only) credit towards your future trip, no money back.

Not for fishing; Yes for ski day passes only. Seasonal fishing licenses and ski passes can be obtained at the Holiday gas station just down the road.

We have tackle but no live bait. Live bait is available at the Holiday station.

Yes, we can usually accommodate that request unless the equipment is not available due to a late rental return.

We’ve put as many as 3 canoes on a vehicle and provide a simple system to do so. We provide everything needed to make the process easy and secure.

Yes, the Tofte General Store and Holiday Gas station are just down the road.

We offer 1/2 day and full day trips for kayaking and canoeing. See more about our guided trips on this website. We can help you plan and map your trip. Just ask!

A wide variety of camping equipment, dehydrated food, clothing, footwear and topo maps. See more at the Our Store section of this website.

Yes, we have white gas and an assortment of canister fuels.

Yes, we have two restaurants in town that serve early breakfast, lunch, and dinners including steaks, burgers, pasta, or pizza.

Wilderness Canoe Travel Tips

  • Always use caution and common sense when traveling in the wilderness, especially in cold water conditions
  • Expect the unexpected. Your trip may not go as planned, so be prepared to deal with a challenging situation.
  • Don’t attempt big water crossings during strong winds and/or large waves. Wait for winds to subside.
  • Place your gear as low as possible in the canoe to reduce wind drag and lower your center of gravity. (Remember to secure all of your gear to the canoe in case of a capsize).
  • If you do capsize or swamp, try to get to shore, empty water out as soon as possible and bring canoe on land before it gets damaged by waves. If assistance from other paddlers is available, use a bow line to get towed to shore or perform a T-Rescue.
  • Always load a canoe while it is floating in the water.
  • “Wet foot” loading, launching and landing works best for stability, is easier on your back and the canoe hull. Knee-high waterproof footwear is important in cold water conditions. Water shoes work great in warmer water conditions. We sell both types of footwear in our store if you need them.
  • When landing a canoe, don’t approach the shore at full speed. Place the paddle blade perpendicular to the hull and use as a brake to ease the canoe in.
  • Make sure you secure your canoe well when on shore (for any period of time) as the wind can pick up at a moments notice. Swimming across a lake or hiking through thick brush along the shore for a canoe can be extremely difficult if not impossible.
  • Never leave a canoe tied up in the water when wind and waves are present.
  • When looking for a tent site, try to pick one that will be safe from potential windfall (dead trees and branches) during a strong wind or thunderstorm.
  • Reserve a permit to enter the BWCA Wilderness at “off peak” times to avoid a difficult time finding a campsite. Sundays thru Wednesdays are the best. Weekends and holidays are not as good.
  • Don’t overload your canoe with everything including the kitchen sink. Traveling light and compact will make for a more enjoyable trip if you are venturing very far into the wilderness. Leave the poker table at home.
  • Don’t forget duct tape. Duct tape can be used for a variety of repairs on a wilderness canoe trip. Hull repair and paddle mending are two common uses. We’ve had customers use melted rubber worms to try and plug a hole in a canoe… I’ll bet they wished they had duct tape!
  • When biting insects are bad, try to pick a campsite with a good breeze.
  • If you are traveling alone, let someone know your trip itinerary and when to expect you back.