What We Do

What We Do

Although the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park are "friendly" wilderness areas, they sometimes pose insurmountable obstacles to the uninformed and novice visitor. We are here to serve you with the highest degree of professionalism, and good old fashion honesty and integrity. We will provide invaluable assistance in securing the required governmental permits (US or Canadian), transportation to & from outlying landings, route suggestions, and general background information on the area which you intend to travel (no one is more familiar with the canoe country than we are -- we live here and have traveled the many lakes and streams).

We are equipped to professionally provide your group with canoes and equipment designed expressly for this area. Much of today's "high tech" backpacking equipment is not suited to canoe country travel. Conversely, canoe camping equipment tends to be single purpose gear: ideal for canoeing, but not well suited for other types of camping.

We were one of the first, and remain one of the very few outfitters in the Superior National Forest to be granted full outfitting operations under federal permit by the US Forest Service. We are one of only two outfitters in Ely that have also been granted an outfitting/guiding license in Canada. These permits assure you of quality outfitting and full insurance coverage, under an annual review process. As the industry leader, dealing with the newest equipment we are the only outfitter to offer all of the following advantages:

Offer ONLY ultra-Lightweight Outfitting.

Our main base is located on a strategic lake (versus "in town on the main street"). We have water access to 3 entry points from our docks.

Offer land transportation to all BWCA Entry Points in the greater Ely area.

Offer private dorm style bunk rooms for lakeside accommodations before and after your trip.

Offer fly-in canoe trips directly from our docks.

And finally when you return from your canoe trip you can leave behind a pile of dirty gear that needs cleaning and requires storage space. All you would need to bring to Ely is your personal clothing and your fishing tackle, along with your spirit of adventure. Even the most well equipped Scout troops usually leave their own gear home and avail themselves of the quality and convenience of North Country Canoe Outfitters.

THE ONE SINGLE REASON, however, that most of our customers cite as to why they chose us to outfit their trip, is individual service. We make every effort to match your trip expectations to the areas and lakes that will produce the best vacation for you. We pick your entry point and design your trip route around you; we don't fit you into an "off the shelf" trip that is convenient for us.