We spent 4 wonderful days and 3 nights in the BWCA with an amazing guide, Dave Freeman, whose…read moreknowledge, experience, and hospitality made this a trip an experience of a lifetime. Due to his extensive time in the BWCA he knew each river, lake, portage path, and campsite. He carefully chose our daily route based on our needs and the water and weather conditions. Dave taught us about the animals we saw and heard. He also provided tips on canoeing. And each wilderness meal he prepared was delicious. We traveled from California to visit Lake Superior and knew we wanted to experience the beauty of the Boundary Waters wilderness with experienced guides. After some research, we chose Ely Outfitting Company and were so glad we did. The Ely Outfitter team helped us select a route and guided us through the permit process. They were always available for questions or revisions via email and phone calls. We chose the fully guided option as we were flying in and didn't want to hassle with all the equipment. From the thoroughness of the gear provided to the menu that the Ely Outfitting team put together based on our selections, the experience came off without a hitch. We highly recommend booking a trip with the Ely Outfitting Company. We're already considering how and when we might return to travel this magical place with Ely Outfitters.

Ely Outfitting Company should be your only choice for any Boundary Waters Canoe Area adventure…read more I recently booked a fully outfitted, professionally guided trip through EOC, and every aspect was exceptional. The gear was top-of-the-line, well-maintained, and spotlessly clean--tents, sleeping bags, pillows, all of it! The food was plentiful, delicious, and offered a surprising variety for a backcountry trip. What truly sets EOC apart, though, is the people. Amy in the office was kind, responsive, and efficient--before, during, and after our trip. The outfitting team that got us set up and checked us in afterward was equally friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. And then there's our guide, Dave Freeman. I expected a skilled and experienced leader when I heard he was a National Geographic Explorer of the Year--but that title alone doesn't capture how perfect he was for our family. This trip was a memorial journey to honor our dad, and we had some very specific hopes for the experience. Dave truly listened and helped us make every part of it meaningful. He kept us safe, made it fun, and became part of our family along the way... even if he does cheat at Uno. Ely Outfitting Company--and especially Dave Freeman--are the absolute best in the BWCA. I wouldn't go with anyone else.

Outstanding Ice fishing trip. Snow machine ride to Hyppa's hot fishing hole. Warming tent set up…read moreand warm upon arrival, then we just got to it. Hyppa's also set up 3 tip up rigs outside our tents. Caught a 23" Walleye, many perch, etc. was a fun and active fishing day even thought about -15 outside. Tents were warm & relaxing. I'd recommend this service to anyone! "Jake can Rake in the fish".

Jake was the only guide in the Cook area of Lake Vermilion that was willing to take me out on a…read moreguided ice fishing trip. He told me he does enjoy ice fishing himself and had all the gear, but had never had anyone ask for a guided ice fishing trip before. Jake told me where to park and met me at the appointed time for a snowmobile ride out to his ice house which was heated and ready to start fishing when we got there. Sonar flashers enabled us to watch as fish swam up to meet our jigs. I had a great time! Jake turned out to be an exceptionally pleasant and very knowledgeable guide. We caught two nice northern pike, a pair of walleyes and had non-stop action with perch. The experience was everything I had imagined and more than I'd hoped for! Jake guides exclusively on Lake Vermilion and specializes in walleyes. He also enjoys fishing other species such as smallmouth bass, crappie, and northern pike.

Been renting cabin for years. Entire family goes there. Bruce takes care of us at the cabin. It…read moreis quiet and easy assess to the lake. Great fishing. They also have camping spaces and RV spaces

My Boy Scout troop had an amazing experience in the Boundary Waters (June 2025) with the fantastic…read morehelp from Canoe Country Outfitters. From taking care of our permits, to preparing our gear, food, and everything, CCO was the best from start to finish. They made planning the trip so easy for my group. The food they provided us for 1 week in the Boundary Waters was great and easy to carry and prepare. At the end of our trip when one bag was left at the final portage, Brian took a boat back and found it for us. What amazing service and care! Thank you to the whole CCO team for organizing our trip.

Best way to describe our experience is this way. Awesome comfortable place to stay...we love the…read morescenery and the resorts rustic flavor....very accommodating and friendly staff . Can't say enough good about them. We loved seeing Willie, their dog. Always looked for Willie when we came to the office and even talked about him on the way home. This is truly a superb Minnesota Resort. A place to enjoy the evenings and mornings sitting in the screened in porch, listening to the waves and the boats going by. A wonderful Minnesota Resort Tradition you won't want to miss. Take our word for it you won't be disappointed. Gary and Deb Korsgaden

This place is great. I've known of this resort since I've been coming up here 30 years. This place…read moreis family owned and now owned by the original owners daughter and son. Not luxury but great for a family used to holiday inn accommodations. They have a fantastic beach, cabins, volleyball court, boats and a store. I think it's well worth the money

We stayed in the Sheridan House for two nights and did a morning canoe trip with Jake. As novices,…read morethis was a great and easy trip where you feel a little rugged for a measly city slicker. The location is about 9 minutes from town. He is very knowledgeable and adventurous. He had a lot of good stories, was a good teacher with paddling and was very chill. I would definitely organize another trip with them. Because we are novices and were in a three-person canoe, Jake did all of our brief portages. Safety was the highest priority. He was very mindful for us to not rush the experience.

My sister and I went on 2 half day canoe trips with them. Jake and Tommy were great guides! From…read moreour first contact with them the service was personalized and professional. Not only were our trips beautiful, safe, and fun, but they were educational as well. Jake was very informative about the flora, fauna, and history of the area. We learned a lot more than we expected to! I had high expectations for our trips and I am happy to say that my expectations were exceeded. I would highly recommend this outfitter to anyone looking to spend time in the Boundry waters!

Nothing but positive energy from Ray! Great guy with stellar customer service. Will be back!read more

went in with motor trouble and craig fixed me right up , fast, back on the lake nice great peopleread more

We found Voyageur North via yellow pages years ago. We've been coming back every few years…read morewithout even checking other outfitters. The new owner maintains the torch-of-excellence. It has to be 25+ years and 2023 was my 7th trip. Every single trip has been spectacular in one way or another, from newsworthy storms to unprecedented heat and cold and wind and even the good weather. here are a few pointers: * Voyageur North are authentic. They're not wearing $80.00 tshirts that say outdoors. The whole crew is out in the BWCA every free minute. Look at their hands. * Decide and work with them on the trip YOU want and they'll make it great. Go full Monty with food or just take ride service. Rent some extra stuff if needed. They'll do it. Summer trips can vary from expedition treks to relaxing base camping to fishing to all else. Example. If you're a cooler, hammock and inflatable toy camper, pick base camp and day trip. We are remote types so they helped us streamline the pack and find a lake for ourselves. * They won't upsell anything. If you need something you might need to ask. * Let them help pick the right permit. Call in winter to make summer plans to get better choice. Popular permits might not be what you need for your trip. * If you're a good fisher, then bonus. You're in good hands. They will do that expert fishermen-talking-codeword stuff. We are amateurs. I followed their expert advanced PhD instructions to capture a giant toothy flapping trophy fish on a pointy, very pointy lure - out of my league. now I know. my bad, not theirs. fish lived thank goodness. My fingers will heal. *these folks are not nags. Follow the rules to keep BWCA weird, rare and beautiful. HOPE THIS HELPS R.

Absolute BEST outfitter in Ely, they take care of you completely, any issues, they will fix them…read more!!!! H I G H L Y recommend for any and ALL your outfitting needs in the BWCAW!!!

What an absolutely beautiful Minnesota state park. The dense woods and lakes are really amazing to…read morebe a part of. We did the norberg lake trail and I've done the blueberry lakes trail in the past as well. Definitely bring good shoes or boots for these trails. There is a fair amount of up and down throughout and lots of rocks and roots. I am excited to come back here in the future.

In our quest to visit all MN state parks, Bear Head Lake was next on our list. We stuck with the…read moreHiking Club trail or Norberg Trail. It was a three mile loop that took you past a couple of lakes. It involved walking on some uneven ground (roots and stones) but it was relatively flat and very woodsy. We visited in mid July and it was quite buggy so make sure you are covered or sprayed to minimize the bites. Minnesota parks are so beautiful. I get so worries about where I'm stepping, I sometimes forget to look up and all around to enjoy the beauty.