Sep 23rd, 2026 at 10:37am (UTC)

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10 US Based Outfitter Recommendations (Read 5201 times)
solotripper
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US Based Outfitter Recommendations
Jan 25th, 2020 at 9:33pm
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  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?
  
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DentonDoc
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Re: US Based Outfitter Recommendations
Reply #1 - Jan 25th, 2020 at 10:22pm
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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
  
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Old Salt
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Re: US Based Outfitter Recommendations
Reply #2 - Jan 25th, 2020 at 11:22pm
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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.
  
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Jimbo
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Re: US Based Outfitter Recommendations
Reply #3 - Jan 26th, 2020 at 1:05am
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DentonDoc’s comments pretty much reflect my experience as well.

FYI

Jimbo  Cool
  
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TomT
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Re: US Based Outfitter Recommendations
Reply #4 - Jan 26th, 2020 at 3:39am
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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. 🙂
« Last Edit: Jan 26th, 2020 at 1:35pm by TomT »  
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cyclones30
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Re: US Based Outfitter Recommendations
Reply #5 - Jan 26th, 2020 at 4:11am
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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.
  
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BillConner
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Re: US Based Outfitter Recommendations
Reply #6 - Jan 26th, 2020 at 12:28pm
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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.
  
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solotripper
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Re: US Based Outfitter Recommendations
Reply #7 - Jan 26th, 2020 at 2:43pm
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Thanks, guy's Smiley

  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?
  
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Wally13
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Re: US Based Outfitter Recommendations
Reply #8 - Jan 26th, 2020 at 4:35pm
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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.
  
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PhantomJug
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Re: US Based Outfitter Recommendations
Reply #9 - Jan 26th, 2020 at 5:32pm
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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?
  
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