Complete BWCA Outfitting Services

Complete Boundary Waters outfitting from Duane's Canoe Outfitters means you arrive with your personal gear and we take care of the rest. Canoes, tents, packs, sleeping bags, the kitchen, trail meals, your BWCAW permit and entry point transportation are all part of one per-person package. We have been outfitting canoe trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) from our canoe base on Highway 21 near Babbitt and Ely, Minnesota since 1967, and we still check, clean and pack every outfit ourselves.

Complete Canoe Trip Outfitting Packages

Our complete canoe trip outfitting packages include equipment, trail meals and entry point transportation. Think of it as an all inclusive package. You choose the dates, the party size and roughly how far you want to travel; we match the gear, the food and the route to your group. Current prices are listed on our complete outfitting rates page, and discounts are available for children, returning guests and early or late season trips.

Equipment

Alumacraft or Souris River Kevlar Canoe - Life vest, padded portage yoke and paddles. Aluminum canoes weigh between 60 and 64 lbs. Kevlar canoes weigh between 45 and 48 lbs. Available in 17 or 18 Foot Lengths. A lighter Kevlar canoe makes a real difference on long portages, so it is a popular upgrade for routes with several carries a day.

Eureka Timberline Outfitter Tents - Freestanding, A-Frame tents are easy to set up and easy to carry. Waterproof rain fly, rugged floors and mosquito netted doors and windows really stand up to the elements. Available in 2, 4, or 6 person models.

Kondo Outdoor Duluth Style Packs are made of cordura nylon or canvas. Adjustable, padded shoulder straps, for comfort. We provide waterproof plastic liners. Packs are provided for food, equipment and all personal articles.

Wenzel sleeping bags, laundered after each trip
Complete lightweight cook kit
Coleman 1 or 2 burner white gas cook stoves. Propane Stoves available. Nominal charge for fuel.
Coleman lantern with case upon request.
Custom made Kondo Outdoors Cordura Nylon kitchen fly.
Timberline Water Filter Pump upon request, you may purchase low cost replacement filters at our base.
Estwing Axes available upon request.
Folding camp saw - Utility ropes - tarps - trowel or shovel - Cooking grate for Quetico.
Bear Rope and Pulley system for hanging food packs
Thermarest self -inflating mattress or foam pad for extra comfort. (Slight additional charge.)
(We will be happy to pack "upon request" items, but they do add extra bulk and weight.)

Trail Meals

Every complete outfit includes a full food pack. Meals are individually bagged with simple cooking directions, packed without cans or glass bottles as Forest Service rules require, and portioned for hungry paddlers. The first night is fresh food, and the rest of the trip uses quality trail foods from brands such as Richmoor and Backpacker's Pantry. Vegetarian items are available on request. See the full day-by-day BWCA canoe trip menu and download the menu planner to choose your meals.

Permits and Trip Orientation

As a cooperator with the USDA Forest Service we issue Boundary Waters permits at our base, so you can pick up your permit when you arrive. Before you leave, we sit down with your group for a full orientation: your route on large, easy-to-read maps, campsite selection, portaging and paddling basics, fishing tips, and the Forest Service Leave No Trace videos every permit holder must see. We also record your route so that you can be reached if an emergency comes up at home. Read more about BWCAW permits and entry points.

Learn more about Boundary Waters entry points and permits.

Transportation

Entry Point Transportation
Our complete outfitting services include transportation of guests, canoes and equipment to entry points in the Ely/Babbit area. A small charge applies to those further away. Youth Groups drive their own cars to the landing. We deliver all equipment, and are happy to assist with shuttling vehicles for one way trips. Partially outfitted groups are charged according to entry point. See our entry point transportation charges. Free parking is included in this service.

Airport Shuttle Service
We provide airport shuttle services to and from the Ely, Duluth and Hibbing airports. Per person one way charges are $10.00 to the Ely Airport, $30.00 to the Duluth Airport ($150.00 minimum), and $20.00 to the Hibbing Airport ($80.00 minimum). Please call to confirm current shuttle rates and to line up pick-up times with your flights.

Float Plane or Tow Boat Services
We can arrange to get your trip off to a fast start with float plane or tow boat services. Contact us for more information.

Lodging Before and After Your Trip

Many guests arrive the night before their entry date. Our remodeled bunkhouse at the canoe base includes hot showers, towels, and use of our summer kitchen and Finnish sauna, which is a welcome sight after a week on the water. We can also help with arrangements at area motels or campgrounds. Learn more about our canoe base and facilities.

Partial Outfitting

We also provide partial outfitting, see our partial outfitting page for the latest rates. Partial outfitting works well if you own some of your own camping gear and only need a canoe, a food pack or a few missing pieces.

How Complete Outfitting Works

Reserve your trip. Call or use the reservation form on our rates page. We will send a confirmation letter, trip planning materials and a personal gear list.
Reserve your permit. BWCAW overnight permits are limited for each entry point from May 1 to September 30. Reserve early, and we will help you pick an entry point that fits your goals.
Arrive at our base. Pick up your permit, go through your orientation and repack personal gear into the Duluth packs we provide.
Paddle. We drive you, your canoes and your gear to the landing, and pick you up at the end of the trip.
Come back to a hot shower. Unload, clean up and tell us about the fish you caught.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring on a fully outfitted BWCA trip?
Only your personal gear: clothing, rain gear, footwear for wet portages, toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent and fishing tackle. We supply the rest. See our BWCA packing list for the full list.

Can we upgrade to a lightweight Kevlar canoe?
Yes. A 45-48 lb Souris River Kevlar canoe can be added to any complete outfitting package for a per-day charge listed on our rates page.

Is entry point transportation included?
Yes. Transportation to most Ely and Babbitt area entry points is included with complete outfitting, and free parking at our base is included too. A small charge applies to entry points further away; see the transportation table on our permits and entry points page.

Do you outfit trips into Quetico Provincial Park?
Yes, we outfit Minnesota-Canadian canoe trips and pack a cooking grate for Quetico routes. Quetico trips need an Ontario Parks entry permit and Canadian customs clearance, so call us early and we will walk you through the steps.