2024 Guided Half-Day and Full-Day BWCA Canoe Trips
Looking for a BWCA canoeing experience, but only have a day, or part of a day, available? Come with us, and enjoy a guided canoe adventure for just a morning, or just an afternoon, or both! No previous experience is necessary.
Our friendly, seasoned guides have years of experience traveling the canoe routes of the 2.1-million-acre wilderness area that spans the U.S.-Canadian border in northeastern Minnesota and southern Ontario. They have skills to teach, stories to tell, and knowledge to share—all with a backdrop of crystal clear lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, surrounded by forests of pine, birch, aspen, and spruce; granite cliffs, some of which display ancient Native American pictographs; animals, like black bear, moose, and otters; plus eagles, osprey, loons, heron, and countless other birds.
"What a great way to spend an afternoon! We went on a guided ‘mini-canoe trip’ in the Boundary Waters with Way to Go Outfitters... SO MUCH FUN! We learned a lot about canoeing, saw ancient cliff paintings, even had a loon surface right next to our canoe! Guide Jake’s knowledge of the area and stories of adventure were remarkable. We thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend doing this!"
- Tom and Jackie B., Minneapolis, MN
Guides Jake and Riley
Your Guided BWCA Half-Day or Full-Day Canoe Adventure includes:
» The competent services of our friendly, professional guide
» Kevlar canoe(s): 2-, 3-, and 4-person models available
» Life jackets and paddles
» Day packs for your personal items
» BWCA travel permit
» Transportation for you, the canoe(s), and gear to/from an Ely-area BWCA entry point
Half-Day Trip: 4 hours* - $320** for 2 people; $50 for each additional person
Full-Day Trip: 8 hours* - $450** for 2 people; $65 for each additional person
*Trip lengths may vary, depending on destinations.
**Prices do not include:
» $3.00 (Half-Day) / $6.00 (Full-Day) USFS tax, per party
» Guide gratuity
- A trip deposit of 50% is required at the time of reservation.
Let Way To Go provide the food and beverage for your trip!
We offer a convenient snacks-and-beverage package, or a lunch-snacks-and-beverage package, all in BWCAW-approved packaging, for your Half- or Full-Day Boundary Waters canoe trip.
- Just Snacks Package with Bottled Water (Ideal for a Half-Day trip!): $9 per person
- Lunch & Snacks Package with Bottled Water (Great for a Half- or Full-Day trip!): $12 per person
Advance reservation for either food package is appreciated, so we can have everything ready for you when you arrive at our outfitting base.
What to Bring on Your Guided Half-Day or Full-Day Canoe Adventure:
» Sunglasses
» Sunscreen
» Rain gear (Jacket and pants, preferred. Some available for rental at our base.)
» Clothing appropriate for warmth and/or sun protection
» Camera
» Insect repellent
» Beverage (in plastic bottles only); snacks; or light lunch. –OR– Save time and take advantage of our Beverage, Snacks, and Lunch Packages described above. Advance reservation is appreciated, so we can prepare the food for you
Un-Guided Half-Day and Full-Day BWCA Canoe Trips
Half-Day and Full-Day Canoe Trips are also available unguided. Well, actually, you would be your own guide! Whether you are interested in fishing, sightseeing, or photography, or just plain adventure, we have trip ideas for your self-guided excursion
WAY TO GO OUTFITTERS'
Self-Guided Half- and Full-Day Canoe Trip Bundle Includes:
- Routing & Orientation Service - We will mark your route on a waterproof navigational map, indicating points of scenic and historic interest, natural features, and suggested direction of travel. We'll also help you with canoe selection, review paddling and portaging techniques, and custom-fit paddles and life vests to each member of your party. Cost: $25, plus map(s) ($9 each).
- Canoe Rental – We will help you choose the right canoe(s) for your trip. See our available models, plus any gear you may need, by clicking on this link for canoe and gear rental. Prices vary.
- BWCAW Day-Use Travel Permit – No charge, but mandatory for entry into the Boundary Waters. We'll ensure that you have the required permit, properly filled out, signed, and ready to go!
Optional:
- Car-top Carrier System – We will get your vehicle outfitted to transport our canoe(s) on top using foam blocks or racks and tie-downs. Cost: $10 per vehicle.
- Van Shuttle to/from Entry Points – We can take you to the put-in and pick you up at the take-out, while your vehicle remains safely parked in our private lot. Click on this link for transportation costs to BWCA entry points. Prices vary.
- Food & Beverage Packages available for your trip.
- Just Snacks Package with Bottled Water (Ideal for a Half-Day trip!): $9 per person
- Lunch & Snacks Package with Bottled Water (Great for a Half- or Full-Day trip!): $12 per person
Advance reservation for either food package is appreciated, so we can have everything ready for you when you arrive at our outfitting base.
All rates subject to MN Sales Tax.
