Piragis Northwoods Company
Piragis Northwoods Company
5
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Piragis Northwoods Company Outfitters is a full-service canoe trip outfitter for the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park. We rent canoes and kayaks and gear for one day or as long as you need. We have the area's premier guides for fishing and naturalist guided trips and offer discounts for scouts, churches and larger groups. Our canoes are lightweight kevlar and average about 42 pounds. We've been outfitting and guiding canoe trips since 1979.
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- BradRandall, Minnesota5 contributionsAbsolutely wonderful customer service.Piragis is a top notch bwca outfitter, they went above and beyond our expectations. They thoroughly went through all the equipment, and made sure we had everything we needed prior to our departure. We will definitely use piragis in our future adventures to the bwca.Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 19, 2024
- John K1 contributionPerfect week in the QueticoTop notch gear & advice for our week long trip to the Quetico. They were able to help put us on the fish with their knowledge prior to our departure. The provided food was perfect & easy to cook at a campsite. Their gear worked perfectly for our group.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 12, 2024
- Larry Moss16 contributionsVery fine canoe outfitterThese folks are great outfitters: friendly, informative and comprehensive. They guided us to exactly the canoe equipment we needed and made sure we knew how to transport it and use it. Happy to recommend. The retail store is excellent also.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 21, 2024
- Rick LWadsworth, Ohio4 contributionsTop notch companyPiragis came through with high quality service every step of the way. Early communications are key to ensure entry permits to BWCA, and then can work on your timetable to establish outfitting level, choose your meals, and identify trip details. Company always available by phone, and replied timely to email questions. Gear quality is top of the line. Canoes, tents, sleeping bags, etc. Piragis walked us through all the required videos and guidance for a compliant trip. Shuttle service was good, they were able to come get us several hours before the original pick up time. All employees friendly. Recommendations - get the satellite phone since cell service is non-existant or spotty. Because we had the phone, we could call and get the early pickup.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 19, 2024
- Garrick BSanta Fe, New Mexico19 contributionsPiragis = Outstanding OutfitterA completely fabulous adventure. Piragis Outfitters got everything right. From trip planning, to equipment, to menus, to an outstanding adventure guide, Piragis did an over-the-top job for myself and my family on a six-day, five-night adventure in the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness. This is a top-flight organization and they provided me and my family with a never-to-be-forgotten experience. I can't recommend them highly enough,Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
232 reviews
Excellent
217
Very good
12
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
2
lynclarke
Saint Louis, MO2,086 contributions
Sep 2020
My husband and a few of his friends (ages 50s and 60s) went on a canoe trip for 5 days. They had varying levels of expertise so they opted for a beginner route. The Piragis employees chose the route for them - entry point 30 - point 32. They were able to canoe and portage. Some of the guys thought the effort was difficult while others breezed through. Most times they camped for two nights in one place before moving on. They were very happy with the equipment they rented from the Piagis Outfitters: the canoe and a sat phone. They did learn that a sat phone was not needed on this route. They were able to have cell reception most of the time. My husband hunts in an Alaskan range so he was happy to spend the extra money for safety sake. Surprisingly, in September, the campgrounds were nearly fully occupied. My husband's group's suggestion is to take the first available camp site one finds. Also, pack good cold weather gear, you may need it. One guy complained of being awake all one night because he was cold! Some of the guys felt they would love to do this trip or a like one again, others not so much.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan Fuller
7 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We brought two Scout crews up to BWCAW for our high adventure trip this year. Drew, Adam and the entire Piragis team were wonderful to deal with. This was our first time visiting the Boundary Waters and the guys helped set our minds at ease by answering our questions and helping us with many of the logistics of the trip. The canoes and equipment we rented were all current year models - the lightweight gear really made a difference on some of the long portages we tackled. The hot shower at the end of the trip was pretty great too!
Our guides, Dave Hicks and Joe Larson, were incredible. Both men took the time to bond with our scouts and teach them skills. Both crews absolutely loved their guides and the experiences they helped facilitate. From a leader’s perspective, it was good knowing we had the safety net of an experienced guide given that this was our first time in these waters, but it ended up being so much more rewarding than that. Dave’s passion for teaching was pretty awesome - he put us on fish, took us through amazing routes, showed us little hidden jewels of the Boundary Waters, taught the guys about the local fauna and wildlife, helped hone their outdoor skills like compass reading, bear bag hanging, efficient portaging, and enabled the guys to tackle a really challenging 10 mile loop by the end of our trip without any adult assistance. Joe’s crew was raving about what a great guy he was and that crew learned a ton. Joe and his crew clicked right from the beginning and they were pumped to learn all they could from a guy who essentially lives in these waters.
Piragis is fortunate to have these two awesome guides on staff and we highly recommend them for all the added value, knowledge and skills they brought to both our crew’s trips! We can’t wait for our next trip to experience the majesty of the BWCAW and can’t thank Piragis enough for helping make this experience possible.
Our guides, Dave Hicks and Joe Larson, were incredible. Both men took the time to bond with our scouts and teach them skills. Both crews absolutely loved their guides and the experiences they helped facilitate. From a leader’s perspective, it was good knowing we had the safety net of an experienced guide given that this was our first time in these waters, but it ended up being so much more rewarding than that. Dave’s passion for teaching was pretty awesome - he put us on fish, took us through amazing routes, showed us little hidden jewels of the Boundary Waters, taught the guys about the local fauna and wildlife, helped hone their outdoor skills like compass reading, bear bag hanging, efficient portaging, and enabled the guys to tackle a really challenging 10 mile loop by the end of our trip without any adult assistance. Joe’s crew was raving about what a great guy he was and that crew learned a ton. Joe and his crew clicked right from the beginning and they were pumped to learn all they could from a guy who essentially lives in these waters.
Piragis is fortunate to have these two awesome guides on staff and we highly recommend them for all the added value, knowledge and skills they brought to both our crew’s trips! We can’t wait for our next trip to experience the majesty of the BWCAW and can’t thank Piragis enough for helping make this experience possible.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Resort494730
Petoskey, MI20 contributions
Dec 2020
I have always been curious about winter camping but afraid of the serious risks associated with having no experience. Outside magazine did a spread about covid safe winter options including a guided winter camping experience with Piragis. I called right away and booked a guided New Years 2 night trip. Our 20, 18, and 12 yr olds were terrified at the idea of camping in Northern Minnesota for New Year's and to be honest we pretty intimidated as well. Tim at Piragis was so helpful, he outfitted us with everything we needed and reached out to us both before and after the trip to ensure we were prepared and had a fantastic time. He connected us with our guide David Hicks, a rock star to say the least. He is a great leader, educator and was really good at engaging our entire family. In addition to winter camping he introduced us to dog sledding and skijorring. These activities and our ability to interact with his dogs elevated our trip from purely educational to awesome fun! I highly recommend this to anyone who is curious about this type of adventure and wants a covid safe experience.
Written January 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan L
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We highly recommend Piragis for outfitting in the BWCA! Drew and Adam were very helpful and patient in answering our questions and helping us plan our trip in the boundary waters. This was our first time to canoe and camp in the wilderness and we chose a fully outfitted 4 day/3 night trip with a guide. Sam S our guide was excellent! He has significant experience guiding groups for backpacking, camping and canoeing. He was organized, friendly and made us feel comfortable from the beginning. He helped us improve our paddling skills, and accompanied us canoeing and portaging to lakes we wouldn’t have ventured on our own. Most importantly we felt safe that he had the skills needed in an emergency. And a perk we learned about Minnesota history! The equipment, canoes and food were great too and again all very organized.
Our adventure in the BWCA with Piragis was an incredible experience!
Our adventure in the BWCA with Piragis was an incredible experience!
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarahgallo97
Chicago, IL2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Highly recommend! We did five days/four nights of full outfitting at the end of July having never been to the Boundary Waters before. Staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, they got us newbies fully ready. The gear is high quality. The food is pretty tasty too. Piragis was very mindful of covid, wearing masks, keeping doors open, and cleaning everything.
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Friends
I was introduced to the BWCA and Piragis about 20 years ago. Since then, they've helped me plan and outfit many trips. The people and the knowledge they offer are second to none. I've done many paddling trips in Spring, Summer, and fall. Winter camping was something I have wanted to try for years. Finally, a few weeks ago I called Tim at Piragis. We spoke a about doing a kind of beginners trip to test out winter camping. We talked skills and gear and what we wanted to get out of the trip. We had most of the gear we needed and what I didn't have, we rented. As with paddling gear, the winter stuff Piragis offers was too notch. On day one of our winter adventure we stopped at Piragis to pick up a couple sleds, and a pair snow shoes. Tim gave us a few more pointers and we were off! Our goal was Agassa Lake. As we approached the lake through the trees I was amazed by the beauty and the quiet of the winter wilderness. Tim picked the perfect spot! Winter camping is equal parts hard work and good fun. I can't wait until next winter. Thanks again to Piragis and to Tim for another trip of a lifetime. See you again in May!!
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KMBM
Minneapolis, MN1 contribution
Sep 2021
Piragis arranged two work trips into the BWCA for me and my colleagues. We couldn't have been happier with the guides, food, equipment and know how. They are the very best at what they do! Highly recommend if you are going into the BWCA, hire Piragis Outfitters to guide and outfit your experience.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily
3 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Loved it! Joe L guided us on a camping trip through the boundary waters this summer, and made the trip memorable. He read our family perfectly and planned great meals and canoe trips for our 4 day/3 night trip. Piragis provided top-notch equipment and planning for our trip. Highlights included canoeing day trips, picnic lunches by a waterfall and in Canada, fishing, and cooking together. The camp toilets were very adequate, a concern of ours going in. Definitely request Joe to be your guide! We loved being off the grid for a few days!
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DougActually
Duluth, MN18 contributions
Jan 2020
We went for a multi-day winter camping trip into the Boundary Waters north of Ely in January 2020, and Piragis Outfitters did a great job providing us with the right gear. Their store is well stocked with the latest gear for rent as well as for purchase. We rented snow shoes, pulk sleds, hot tents, wood stoves, and miscellaneous gear, including -30F sleeping bags and their deluxe insulated sleeping pad (both of which I highly recommend for winter camping). Tim in the Rentals department was great to work with before, during, and after our trip. And their store was a joy to shop in for last minute sundries, as well as gifts and keepsakes. I would highly recommend Piragis Outfitters for all your outfitting needs in the Boundary Waters.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise B
3 contributions
Aug 2020
I highly recommend using Piragis to outfit and/or guide your canoe trip. I spoke with Tim on the phone, and he listened carefully to what my travel partner and I were looking for (it was our first ever canoe portaging trip). He matched us with the perfect guide for us, far exceeding our expectations. Lynnanne, our guide, was instructive, knowledgeable, patient, and engaged. She honored all that we had hoped to do and helped us learn a lot about the area, how to canoe, etc. She was very encouraging of both of us learning to do this on our own. She also showed a true dedication to preserving and understanding nature. I would recommend her, without any reservations, to anyone interested in hiring a guide.
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No, I am sorry, we do not do bike repairs.
Written May 26, 2018
Tamara M
Mesa, Arizona
Are there any reviews of your Howling with the Wolves trip?
Written July 27, 2017
Hi Tamara M,
Thanks for the question. My name is Adam, one of the outfitters at Piragis Northwoods Company. I don't believe any of the reviews here on Trip Advisor are specific to The Howling with the Wolves Trip. That said, the experience on the wolf trip will be similar to the other canoe camping experiences reviewed here and on our website -- it is just specifically focused on wolves and their habitat. You will spend a day at the International Wolf Center where you have the chance to learn about, and see, live wolves. While in the wilderness, the trip will take you into the wolf's natural habitat, where you will likely see wolf sign, maybe hear the howl of the wolf in the evening, and if you are very very lucky, you might even see one in the wild. In addition to learning about wolves, you will have the opportunity to explore the incredible Boundary Waters. I hope you can join us for the trip sometime!
Thanks,
Adam
Piragis Outfitting
Written July 29, 2017
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