Piragis Northwoods Outfitters
Boundary Waters Canoe Trips
105 North Central Avenue
Ely, Minnesota 55731
info@piragis.com
1-800-223-6565


Why we do what we do:
Art in the Boundary Waters Guided Canoe Trip with artist Brent Spink


Testimonials from Canoe Trip Clients:

Our guide, Steve Eisenmenger, was incredible. From explaining the history of the BWCA and its people; to teaching us about plant, trees, and animal life; to fishing tips and canoe technique; to teaching how to conduct low impact camping; to instilling in my twelve year old nephew that he "can do this," he made memories for each and every one of us. This trip with Steve reminded me once again the added cost of a guided trip evaporates when compared with the enhancement to the experience.

My nephew Eric...first time to the BWCA, and loved the experience. Age 25--been working out, and lifting weights...Steve nicknamed him the "mule." Steve said everyone should have at least one trip in their lifetime with a "mule." This was mine. Never before seen anyone carry two packs, one front, one back...Oh, to be twenty five again!

We had unbelievable wolf howling on Lac La Croix on Wens. morning...they were right across the bay from our camp. Across the bay. Think of that! I could see the big Alpha Male in my mind as I listned to those howls....I won't ever forget that morning.

And the night before, Steve had us lay on the rocks along the waters edge as he put out the camp fire...we watched satellites race across the sky....satellites crossing above us in the clearest sky I have ever seen.....don't see that where I live, to many city lights!

Cameron caught a fish...Steve cleaned the fish for dinner....few minutes later, a Bald Eagle swooped down in front of us with his talons extended and picked it up, off the rock.....we all stood there with our mouths open! Could not believe what we had just seen, and the camera was sitting on a rock twenty feet away. In hindsight, its more important that we each have it in our memories, rather then on a film card.

Cameron, age 12....was so excited for the entire trip we could hardly hold him back...including when he ran into the mud on a portage. If Cameron thought he could walk on mud, he learned NOT! Steve then taught us how to make a "bridge" with the canoes to get our packs, and each of us, out into open water. Without Steve, we would have surely turned around, looking for another route.

Equipment provide by Piragis was excellent, as usual....everything was new, and worked flawlessly...the staff that assisted us were equally superior....We were in and out in no time at all.

Can't thank you enough for a quality trip. I have done a fair amount of traveling, and thus have some experince in grading performance...Piragis Outfitting is the best. Please advise your entire staff that all of their hard work does not go unnoticed....or unappreciated. Piragis put together a top shelf experience.

See you next year! Mark D. O'Leary

I have used Piragis on both of my BWCAW trips in the past and was absolutely treated marvelously by Bert Heep and all of your crew there, in Ely. Piragis has always treated me better than any other outfitter that I have ever used, in the United States.  I just wish you had a store down here.  If Bert Heep still works there, please tell him that Jody Miller said hello.  He may not remember me but he has always been very helpful.
 
Thanks, Jody Miller

Your assistance with the permit and outfitting was exactly what I had hoped for – Phil Bradbury
 
We want to thank you for the fabulous service we received.  Your staff was knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful.  We will definitely recommend Piragis to our friends. – Grant Martell
 
The Autumn Colors trip was great! – Casey Scullin
 
We had a great time and enjoyed the route and experience a ton. – Matt Ewig
 
You have a great organization, anytime I’m in your area, you will be the go-to-guys. – Haynes Johnson
 
I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude to you and the rest of the Piragis family for having a large part in this very refreshing time in the wilderness. – Jim Stotser
 
Thanks for a wonderful trip! – Sandy Darlington
 
We are really pleased with how everyone enjoys helping us at Piragis. – Dave Roberts
 
Piragis did a great job outfitting us for our canoe trip.  I wouldn’t change anything. Thanks for a great job.  We like everyone and everything about Piragis. – Janet and Bob Whitmore
 
The guidance through the booking process you provided and the complete outfitting were absolutely the tops. – Betsy Harris
 
The equipment was in excellent condition.  The food was great.  The route you sent us on and the campsites you suggested were excellent.  As important as all other factors, the friendly, willing and can do attitude of you and your staff always pleases me to no end.  This factor puts all the other necessities together and over the top.  It is this positive attitude, I believe, that results in a very thorough attention to the small details which results in the camper having a nice time. – Jack Greene
 
We rented one of your Bell Rob Roy’s.  What a wonderful boat!  The service we received on the phone and in person was pleasant and welcoming. – Mike Elling
 
Everything went super well.  The food was great, the guide the best, and the equipment was much better than I had expected. – Jean Folsom
 
I would like to thank everyone at Piragis and let you know that your service was OUTSTANDING!  Your attention to detail, your customer service, and your overall helpfulness made the trip a complete success. – Greg Phillips
 
We had a terrific time and the equipment from Piragis was in great shape. – Adair Weeks
 
The equipment was awesome!  We appreciated all your advice and guidance about routes.  Everyone really had a great time. – Jennifer Stewart
 
The Beaver float plane into Beaverhouse Lake was really an unforgettable ride!  Thank you for your help. – Debbie Mullins
 
Thanks for helping us experience a wonderful adventure in the Northwoods.  You and your company were exceptional for advice, organization, and moral support.  The quality of your equipment was priceless making the trip easier. – Eric Nelson
 
You were both informative and courteous at every turn.  Your assistance ensured that my trip was a joy with no unpleasant surprises.  Piragis has met or exceeded all my expectations. – Rusty White
 
I just wanted to say thank you for help and guidance in planning our first visit to the Boundary Waters.  I find it very pleasing to talk to someone that “really” knows what they’re talking about and shared their knowledge with a stranger without hesitating. – Don Garrett.

Anyway, the new boat is everything that we had expected. Lots of room,
extremely stable, tracks very well and really quite maneuverable to be
such a large craft. Pat and I were treated like royalty by all of you
there at Piragis. Your kindness, assistance, and courtesy will not be
forgotten. I appreciated the time that you spent talking with us.
Thanks again. I recommend Piragis and you fellows in particular to all
that ask me where to go to start a perfect trip.

God Bless you........see you next season.

Paul and Pat