A longtime friend of mine the gal that cuts my hair asked me about doing a canoe trip?

She and her husband are outdoors people.
They both bow hunt and I know he's a big fishing guy too.

  They are NOT canoeist so I recommended that being Newbies they go through a US outfitter, get the complete outfitting package and go into the BW to see how they like it?

  I know nothing about the ELY based or close outfitters. So based on personal experience what would you guys say are the top choices?

I'm looking for maybe 2-4 good picks?

I'll take that advice and highlight them in an old BWJ and give it to her.

  Price isn't a deciding issue for them as they both own their very successful small business. Quality of service is what they are looking for IF they decide to take a trip?

 

In the Ely area, I've used Canadian Border Outfitters (CBO) a number of times when I first started.  They have a very nice arrangement.  Meals in the cook shack are good and have stayed mostly in the motel-style rooms rather than their bunkhouse.  They are located on Moose Lake and provide tow service (even as far as Lincoln Island).  They have changed hands a couple of times, but have always provided excellent service.

If headed to the west side (Crane Lake), I've used Anderson's mostly (but Zups is also great).  Anderson's also has housing by using the "motel" across the street.  There is also lodging at Crane Lake proper.  There are various places at Crane Lake to have meals, but Anderson's itself does not do that.

On the east side (Saganaga Lake), I've used Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.  I didn't get to take full advantages of their services since we were delayed in our arrival ... they only got to provide tow services.    They did what was asked, but didn't seem very attentive (probably because they had already seen all of their other customers off for the day).

That's what I know for south side outfitters.

dd

There are excellent outfitters at all of the major entry points. I would encourage them to research the various routes and options, then choose an outfitter based more on location of the entry point. I don’t think they will go wrong as every outfitter knows that service is key and the competitive nature of the business. Also, they should call prospective Outfitters and tell them what they want in a trip and that this is their first trip. They can also purchase overview maps to give some perspective on route possibilities.

Another option, tell them about a trip you have done that you think they could do.

DentonDoc’s comments pretty much reflect my experience as well.

FYI

Jimbo  8-)

They can overnight in Ely at outfitters based there and get shuttled to their entry or stay at Moose Lake, Sawbill, etc at outfitters based there. I prefer staying away from town the night before. Canadian Border Outfitters or William and Hall on Moose would be my choice over CCO and La Tourelles only because of the dining room. CBO has nice motel rooms on site also. Their only drawback for me was no seats in the shower room. 🙂

Lots of good ones already mentioned. We've be had good luck with Voyageur North and Piragis in Ely and La Tourells on Moose Lake. Sawtooth and Sawbill near Tofte if going that direction.

I think the money is no object would lead me to recommend Piragas. They seem to have the newest and best gear.

I'll still always go to Canoe Country Outfitters.

Thanks, guy's [smiley=cool.gif]

  After I posted I remembered that they like to collect Folk Art. I'm thinking they would enjoy starting from Ely so they could see the local scene?

I have enough to give them some ideas. I don't want to overwhelm them with too much info/choices.

  They go up to Canada to hunt but I don't know if their idea of roughing it is the same most of us think it is?

Like Denton Doc and TomT  ... I am partial to Canadian Border Outfitters when going out of Prairie Portage.

And DD is spot on with Anderson’s and Zup’s when going in via Crane Lake.

I really like Seagull Outfitters when going in from Saganaga into Cache Bay to Saganagons.

Anyone but Latourells.  CCO has a good reputation. 

However, if they're coming from Michigan, why not head south at Thunder Bay and utilize the eastern entry points to BW and skip Ely altogether?

PhantomJug wrote on Jan 26^th, 2020 at 5:32pm:

Anyone but Latourells.  CCO has a good reputation.  However, if they're coming from Michigan, why not head south at Thunder Bay and utilize the eastern entry points to BW and skip Ely altogether?

  I think they might like going through Ely their first trip because of its history and the shopping thing but IF they decide to go, I'll tell them about your suggestion too.

Is your comment about Latourells from personal experience or?

Yes, personal experience.  Maybe they were just having a bad day though.

PhantomJug wrote on Jan 27^th, 2020 at 7:20pm:

Yes, personal experience.  Maybe they were just having a bad day though.

  Thanks, PJ
I had to ask since other's gave them a mention.

Anderson's on the west end as DD mentioned - good folks, nice accommodations, very helpful and reliable. Never been up the Gunflint.

If staying central, as mentioned by a few, Williams & Hall.  I've stayed there and CBO and in my opinion, the facilities are better.  W&H has more comfortable/updated rooms (overlooking the lake), WAY better shower facilities and a grand view overlooking the lake, especially from their dining room (great food too).  CBO doesn't have much of a lake view and they are tucked back in that bay.  It's also a great place to spend a few extra days before or after the trip vs. the hustle/bustle of town.  Plus, they can shave portage weight and rent Savage River carbon fiber boats at W&H. My $.02, FWIW.

pd