Way To Go Canoe Outfitters
Way To Go Canoe Outfitters
5
Multi-day ToursBoat ToursEco ToursNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Way To Go Canoe Outfitters
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
170 reviews
Excellent
170
Very good
0
Average
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Poor
0
Terrible
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Jim Q
Buffalo, NY1 contribution
Jun 2023
Jeff and Donna went above and beyond for us. A group of 7 guys, ages 49-68, we were targeting a tow across Moose Lake and a paddle to Knife. The problem was half of Knife was closed days before our trip because of the Spice Lake Fire. At 5:00 AM , I was texting with Jeff, who had found a newly available entry permit for the South Kawishiwi River (#32).
Jeff and Donna tagged team a quality presentation to prep us for our trip (pointing out fishing hotspots and more). They took their time and we never felt rushed.
The accommodations for our night before were extremely clean, nicely decorated and very comfortable. We had access to packs throughout the evening, so we could swap packs to get exactly what we needed.
With the no open fire declaration, Jeff & Donna altered the plan and sent us in with a two burner stove which helped us with cooking 4 meals of Walleye. The fishing was very good. The other gear met all of our needs, was clean and in good condition.
We arrived at our exit point an hour ahead of time and texted Jeff. Donna showed up in 15 minutes to pick us up.
This outfitter is literally the Way to Go. We will definitely continue to utilize Way To Go Outfitters.
Jeff and Donna tagged team a quality presentation to prep us for our trip (pointing out fishing hotspots and more). They took their time and we never felt rushed.
The accommodations for our night before were extremely clean, nicely decorated and very comfortable. We had access to packs throughout the evening, so we could swap packs to get exactly what we needed.
With the no open fire declaration, Jeff & Donna altered the plan and sent us in with a two burner stove which helped us with cooking 4 meals of Walleye. The fishing was very good. The other gear met all of our needs, was clean and in good condition.
We arrived at our exit point an hour ahead of time and texted Jeff. Donna showed up in 15 minutes to pick us up.
This outfitter is literally the Way to Go. We will definitely continue to utilize Way To Go Outfitters.
Written June 28, 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.
Ken R
Redwood City, CA2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We were a group of 8 men in our 40s and 50s, all very healthy and fit, all wilderness backpackers, but we don't own canoes and don't have any experience with wilderness canoe trips. We booked a Canoe Trip with Way To Go Canoe Outfitters of Ely, Minnesota and we were not disappointed! The Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness is spectacular. Beautiful sunsets, great fishing, abundant waterfowl visiting the quiet lakes, nestled among green forests. Thanks to our friendly, helpful Way To Go Outfitters team, we were well-prepared with the right gear, convenient and delicious food (as suited for wilderness packs), good maps, good route advice, good advice on how to find the best campsites, how to handle the portages between lakes, and even good fishing advice! It was a great first experience of the Boundary Waters, and we all want to go back. This adventure will rank among our best lifetime memories.
Written September 15, 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.
Steve
7 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Wonderful experience with this outfitter! It was our group of 8 people (mid 50 - mid 60’s) first experience at canoeing on the Boundary Waters. They were thorough in their instructions and safety tips for us newbies and we found the detailed info to be very helpful during our trip. Instruction included hands-on practice at learning how to lift and portage a canoe single-handed. We also had a talk about setting up and breaking down camping equipment, how to portage our belongings including etiquette to observe to not block other canoers and possible routes to follow. Jake was clearly passionate about preserving the integrity of the Boundary Waters experience for generations to come. Donna was funny and complete in her explanations around the food and campsite. Way To Go provided EVERYTHING besides our personal belongings and they had it all packed beautifully for us! They provided us with the perfect amount of food (a little more than we needed so that we didn’t starve!) and threw in nice little surprises here and there. We were a little chilly with the sleeping bags provided and we were regretting having declined their offer of warmer bags! The kevlar canoes and all of the equipment were in fantastic shape, often being brand new. Accommodations the night before were simple and adequate. It was a bonus that Jake has another business on the premises “Chilly Dogs” that involves the rescue and care of 90 sled dogs so we got to learn about that as well. We would HIGHLY recommend using them. They are a smaller outfitter and provided a very personal touch that we appreciated.
Written August 16, 2022
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.
Pat U
Huntington Beach, California14 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Way to Go Outfitters is really the only way to go! Before choosing an outfitter, I carefully read every review in Trip Advisor. Way to Go had by far the best reviews. We did a 4 hr canoe trip with Jake as our guide and those 4 hours were hands down the best 4 hours of our one month, 16 state vacation! We are a city dwelling senior citizen couple without prior canoeing experience and that short time with Jake convinced me that we could return for a multi-day trip. I can’t say enough good things about Jake—he is everything you would want in a guide (and more) and he absolutely loves what he does! I also want to return in the winter for dog sledding!
Written September 21, 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.
GBIII
California8 contributions
Jun 2023
There is a reason Donna and Jeff at Way to Go Outfitters get 5 star reviews on TA. They know what they are talking about. Whether it’s gear, routes, campsites, food, fishing, paddling technique, permits or anything BWCA related listen to them if you want to have a fantastic time. I contacted Jeff and Donna over a year ago to start planning for a five day, self guided, trip for eight. Two of the group had been to the BWCA with the Scouts and the rest of us were first timers. Jeff and Donna were professional, responsive, and their attention to detail was impressive. As part of our all-inclusive package they hosted us for about three hours the day prior to brief us and familiarize us with all gear and our route. They were very patient with us new guys and all of our questions. Everything was expertly packed, clean and maintained in great condition. I suggest the lighter Kevlar canoes, btw, unless you want a real workout. We stayed in their bunkhouse the night before we launched and on our return. The facilities, including their shop, were also well maintained, organized and spotless. It’s obvious this family cares about, and enjoys, what they do. Thank you again to Jeff, Donna, Phil, and Zack for making this an unforgettable expedition to the backcountry. Keep up the good work.
Written June 26, 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.
Kris Ann S
20 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Jeff, Donna and Jake were amazingly helpful and provided everything our family of 6 (2 adults, 4 kids, ages 17, 14, 11 and 6, the littlest one with a broken leg) needed at each step of the way! From initial trip planning to orientation, clean, modern gear and Kevlar canoes, each detail was perfectly organized. They were even able to accommodate a gluten-free, msg-free menu. Would not hesitate to take this trip again with Way to Go and if our crew can do it, you can too!
Written August 12, 2022
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.
wg93
15 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
This family business took great care of us on our 4 day/3 night, fully outfitted BWCA canoeing trip! We also stayed at their place the night before our trip started.
They were great during initial planning, always answers questions, provided a great brief explaining how to use all the gear.
The review of our route and recommended campsites was spot on! All the gear they provided was in great condition.
It was a top notch experience working with the Hway family and I’d use them again for any future BWCA trip!
They also do sked dog trips in the winter!
If you are going to the BWCA, give Way to Go a call! You won’t regret it.
They were great during initial planning, always answers questions, provided a great brief explaining how to use all the gear.
The review of our route and recommended campsites was spot on! All the gear they provided was in great condition.
It was a top notch experience working with the Hway family and I’d use them again for any future BWCA trip!
They also do sked dog trips in the winter!
If you are going to the BWCA, give Way to Go a call! You won’t regret it.
Written August 14, 2022
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.
Anna Therese
11 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
My family and I did a guided canoe trip with them and it was amazing! We have actually been to them twice for these canoe trips since they were so good. The guide was excellent at noticing things and pointing things out as well. At one point, there was a little black spot in the woods to the side that was barely visible, and he pointed out that it was a bear. We would have missed it without him having such a good eye! I strongly recommend others go here.
Written December 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.
Patrick
1 contribution
May 2020 • Friends
Short story: You will not find a better, friendlier outfitter, period!
Long story: A group of 8 of us used Way To Go Outfitters for a 3 day 3 night canoe fishing trip in the BWCA. We normally do self supported camping trips when kayaking and hiking using our own equipment. Since we were driving 10 hours from Kansas City we decided to go with an all inclusive outfitter that would supply us with the right gear and provide knowledge of the area for camping and fishing. Our experience with Way To Go was top notch. Everything from customer service to outfitting was 100% the best I’ve experienced from any type of business. Jeff and Donna are insanely friendly and hospitable, their son Jake paddled a Canoe over 12 miles to bring us a part for a water filter that wasn’t provided in the kit. Amazing!!
Long story: A group of 8 of us used Way To Go Outfitters for a 3 day 3 night canoe fishing trip in the BWCA. We normally do self supported camping trips when kayaking and hiking using our own equipment. Since we were driving 10 hours from Kansas City we decided to go with an all inclusive outfitter that would supply us with the right gear and provide knowledge of the area for camping and fishing. Our experience with Way To Go was top notch. Everything from customer service to outfitting was 100% the best I’ve experienced from any type of business. Jeff and Donna are insanely friendly and hospitable, their son Jake paddled a Canoe over 12 miles to bring us a part for a water filter that wasn’t provided in the kit. Amazing!!
Written May 26, 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.
lee k.
Lorton, Virginia14 contributions
May 2021
We have used WaytoGo outfitters three times with results of three amazing BWCA adventures. WaytoGo remains a 5-star experience from start to finish. The Hway family team is awesome, personable, and provide excellent gear for the trip along with terrific advice of the BWCA. If you forgot some tackle or bug protection, they have a good supply on hand at very reasonable prices. WaytoGo is our choice again and again. I hope it will be yours as well.
Written June 10, 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.
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