A canoe trip starts with reserving a permit for a specific entry point on a specific date. Call 800-223-6565 to get started.

If you live in MN or another state that requires a license, you must have a current license on your canoe while paddling in MN.  If you are from a state that does not require your canoe to be licensed, it does NOT need to be licensed in MN.  You will need to show an ID that confirms you are a resident of a state that doesn't require a license.

You sure can. It’s easy. Feel free to Order Maps Online or give us a call to place your order. If you are using our outfitting services, call Adam or Drew and we’ll just add the maps to your outfitting invoice.

From mid-May until mid-September, outfitting is open from 6am until 8pm. During the early and later part of the season, we open at 7am. Keep in mind that we are available for rentals until the lakes are frozen. Piragis Northwoods Company is open all year to answer your outfitting questions!  Feel free to call us to make sure about the hours before you arrive.

Some of the bigger animals we have are moose, wolves, deer and black bear. A few other creatures we have are, but not limited to, beavers, otters, muskrats, pine martens, fishers, red squirrels, chipmunks, and turtles. 

You need a permit any time you are in the Boundary Waters. For day trips, you can fill out a self-issue permit located at each entry point. One part of the permit goes into a box and the other stays with you during the day.

Usually, the best colors are mid- September through early October.

Do not count on your cell phone working while in the wilderness. Sometimes you can get lucky, but the best way is to have a satellite communication device with you. Call ahead to reserve.

We sell our entire fleet of canoes each year and let them go in October. However, people can put down $200 to hold one of these canoes at anytime of the year. In fact, we suggest you do that so you get the model that you are looking for. As for rental equipment, October is the time when we start the sale, but will have a few things available throughout the year.

The middle of July is usually a good time for this.

Generally, this is in the latter part of May until the end of June.

Can you drink the water in the lakes?   The lakes of the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park are among the cleanest in the world. You can drink it right out of the lake. Paddle along and dip your cup. However, never drink it from the shoreline or where there is any current. Currents and wave action stir up sediments with potential parasites. Drink only when the water is deeper than 6 feet in clear open lakes. If you need water at camp from shore always filter it. Never drink from streams. We highly recommend the Katadyn Base Camp Micro Filters for clean clear water while in camp. See our selection of water filters at https://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/camping-gear-water-filters-hydration.

You would need to bring a stove that uses fuel…. canisters or white gas for instance.

Yes, no problem at all. We are able to create a rack for two canoes by using 2x2s, foam blocks and straps.

Yes, dogs are allowed. It is a good idea to bring a copy of the dog’s rabies certificate with you. Also, the dog should be well behaved. It should not run after other people, wildlife, or bark. Remember, there are other people who are looking for the quiet and solitude out there and you don’t want to ruin it for others with an ill-behaved pooch.

Boundary Waters:

• There is a per person user fee per trip (not per night).
• Permits = First come, first served for all entry points begins on January 30th, 2019.
• Must camp at designated camp sites
• Each site has a Forest Service steel fire grate
• Each site has a latrine in the woods
• Maximum of 9 people and 4 canoes
• Canoes/kayaks must be registered

Quetico

• There is a per person per night fee
• Permits can be reserved 5 months in advance
• Camp anywhere, use Leave No Trace practices
• No live bait
• You can only use barbless hooks (ok to pinch the hooks that you have now)
• There are no fire grates or latrines
• Maximum of 9 people
• RABC permit needed for entry, call for details about this
• No firearms allowed