Has anyone been on a multi-day (2-3) canoe trip in Boundary Waters? What was your experience like and did you go with an outfitter?

Did it. Loved it. The isolation and almost total lack of amenities were EXACTLY what I wanted, so this (almost) truly wilderness experience is NOT for everyone. I already had camping gear, outdoor experience, and how to paddle; so all I needed from an outfitter was to rent a canoe and a Duluth pack. Voyageurs Outfitters provided great service and advice, and I recommend them without reservation.

I went to the boundary waters on a nine day excursion in June of 1996. We had a wonderful trip. I was lucky enough to be invited to join three men on this trip. Lucky, because I had never canoed before and these guys were quite experienced. They had traveled to the boundary waters several times as well as annual trips to equally challenging destinations. Their goal for this trip was not to see anyone once we were dropped off by the outfitters. The goal was not met but spoiled by only a handful of people. It is an incredible feeling to be out in the wilderness and know that you and your party are truly alone. I must admit that several times out conversations would drift to...a major disaster could be occuring somewhere in the world and we would not have known it for a week-until our return.
Okay, back to the issue- it is a great trip if you are going with experienced people. We used Zups outfitters-but like the last post we only rented canoes from them, locked up out wallets..., and had them dump us off and retrieve us. We planned the trip as far as how far we need to get each day and what we need to take...
I would recommend a magazine that is published on the boundary waters "The Boundary Waters Journal." I purchased it at a Borders book store so probably any large book store would carry it. The magazine has ads from all the outfitters and info of what is going on in the waters...
Hope you do go and enjoy. Remember bug replent is like gold in the Boundary waters.
Ped

Thanks for the info. Boundary Waters seems ideal for me and my husband, can't wait. Unfortunately we will have to go with full outfitting since we'll be coming from Switzerland and a little impractical to bring all our gear. Has anyone else had a Boundary Waters/Outfitter experience they'd be willing to tell me about?

For info on the Boundary Waters, go to

www.canoecountry.com

For info on the outfitters I highly recommend, go to

www.canoeit.com

They will rent you ANYTHING you might need, they give great advice and service, and they are VERY knowledgable on the subject.

The loop of Saganaga Lake, Red Rock Lake, Alpine Lake, and Seagull Lake will minimize portages but will give a good introduction to the area.

Grand Marais Mn. is at the Gunflint Trail entrance to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and has lots of outfitters who are on the internet. You can find them by going to www.grandmaraismn.com and clicking on recreation and then Gunflint Trail and all the outfitters are listed. Many, many canoers and campers go out from this area and there are some wonderful outfitters as well as lodges, etc. Saganaga and Sea Gull & Gunflint Lakes are all accessed from here. Enjoy your trip. If you have any questions feel free to contact me as I used to live in this area and still know a lot of people there.