 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: |
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Voyageur Canoe Trip in a Handcrafted 26 foot Voyageur Canoe Trip Dates: September 6 - 12, 2008 Trip Cost: with 2 - 4 guests $1095 (+ tax), with 5 - 7 guests: $895 (+ tax) 6 days paddling, 5 nights camping First and Last Night hotel room in Ely... Hundreds of years ago, our canoe country was traveled by some of history’s most colorful characters, the Voyageurs. Theirs is a rich and interesting story. We explore the Voyageur Highway in a handmade, 26 foot wooden canoe, paddling as a team, along the US/Canadian border and sometimes even staying at some of the Voyageur’s campsites. Of course, our packs will not be as heavy as theirs and our paddling days will not be as long.  Our food will definitely be better and we will sleep in tents, not under the canoe. These diminutive French/Canadians had to travel hard and fast in order to make money for the company, but our pace will be slower so we can enjoy the haunting beauty of this unique wilderness. We may even try to sing some of the old Voyageur songs, but don’t worry, a good singing voice is not a requirement for this trip, just a healthy dose of enthusiasm. Paddle back in time to the fur trade era of the 17th century with the Northwoods Company this summer. Canoe country was long ago charted and explored by one of history’s most colorful characters, the Voyageur. This French term meaning simply “traveler,” was originally adapted by Canadians to encompass all explorers, trappers and travelers. It later became restricted to the subordinate laborers who operated the canoes of the fur-traders. These French-Canadian canoemen brought a whole new meaning to travel by canoe and their legend remains a vibrant and integral part of history to this day. We’ll retrace the routes of paddlers from our past in a handmade 26 foot wooden canoe. Our goal is to replicate the essence of paddling as a team and discover the historical significance of the flamboyant Voyageur. Our destination along the USA/Canadian border is subject to change due to permit availablity and weather. We’ll travel swiftly on large water with less portaging than usual. Our group will be smaller than the voyageur’s usual compliment of eight in their 25 foot “North canoe” or canot du nord which they used on smaller lakes and rivers. The huge 35 to 40 foot canot du maître normally carried fourteen. Much as the fur-traders of the 18th Century, we’ll experience the flora and fauna of the wilderness that dominates the region so completely. We’ll duplicate the paddling techniques of the larger North canoe crew. We all take turns as le Bourgeois and guide the craft along the Canadian border. We won’t approach their average of 15 hours a day paddling, but we guarantee we’ll surpass the fun that they were afforded on their respites from the long working day. Our breaks will be longer than their brief 10 or 15 minutes too, as we take our time discovering the beauty of our surroundings. Make sure to bring along your fishing rod if you’re an angler as will have plenty of time to grab the catch of the day! We’ll cover greater ground than we could in separate canoes and experience the largest canoe area in the world like the Voyageurs of the past as we make our way along the wilderness border routes, returning at last to Ely and your final night in the Northcountry.. Clothing Two pair of pants (nylon or quick dry) Two shirts (nylon/ fleece/ poly) Three pair of underwear Shorts and T-shirt Multiple pair of appropriate socks Good rain gear (essential for a good time) Swimsuit Footgear Wet boots (sandals (Keens)/ swampers/ chota quetico trekker) Dry boots (tennis shoes/ camp shoes) Headwear Hat with a wide brim or visor for sun protection Bandanna Headlamp w/ batteries Headnet for bugs Accessories/ Personal Gear Sunscreen and lipbalm Toiletries (personal items, ect.) Toothbrush and toothpaste Insect repellent Sunglasses and lanyard Camera and film Reading material and playing cards Equipment: Flashlight w/ extra batteries Map and compass Pocket knife and /or multitool Lighter Fishing rods, tackle, fillet knife Additional Spring & Fall Gear: * Gloves (fleece and/ or neoprene) * Medium/ Heavy Weight Long Underwear * Warmer Jacket, Fleece & Hat * Rubber Boots/ Chota Boots Items included with complete outfitting trips:
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