moose grassing in the shallows in the BWCA

What’s the Next Step?

You have a Canoe Trip Reservation. You’re trip dates are set. You’ve blocked off your calendar, you’ve secured the time off from work and you’ve started to plan for your long awaited canoe trip into the BWCAW/Quetico Park. In all of this excitement there are things you need to know and things you must take care of before you arrive. So to ease your mind a bit, we’ve developed this page to familiarize you with the process between the time of your reservation to the date of your trip. We hope this information helps you become more acquainted with how we operate and help guide you along between now and your arrival date.

What to Expect From Your Seagull Canoe Trip

In order to make a trip run smoothly, there is a great deal of planning that is involved. Many details must be attended to, and it is our job to make you aware of the things that you’re unclear about, and to remind you of the things that have a tendency of slipping through the cracks sometimes. a loon and her babies paddle in the grey waters of a cloudy day

You see, we outfit thousands of people into the Canoe Country each season and we have been asked every question you can think of. So it is our goal to provide you with an inside look into a Seagull Outfitters canoe trip from start to finish. By doing so, we’ll prevent a great deal of stress and anxiety as your trip approaches knowing that we’ve covered all the bases ahead of time. Read along as we address every aspect of your upcoming canoe adventure. There is a wealth of information on this page; all of it won’t pertain to everyone because no two canoe trips are the same, but it will help you get a much better understanding on what you can expect on your trip with us.

Loons are the state bird of Minnesota and they are quite common in the BWCAW and Quetico. They allow you to get fairly close to them and you will often times see them diving under your canoe as they fish for their supper. This image has grown synonymous with the Boundary Waters over the years. You’ll have your chance to get a picture or two similar to this on your trip.

Are you ready to make your reservation?

Are you planning on coming, but just don’t know how to start? Use our secure online reservation form and start planning your trip with us today.

QUICK LINKS:

Navigate to the sections that suits your reservation best by utilizing these links below…

Questions to Ask Yourself if you currently DO NOT have a Canoe Trip Reservation picked yet…

If you’ve answered these questions already, then it’s time to scroll down further on this page and read about the details of your upcoming trip.

Debbie and the Seagull Staffers ~
Thanks for another great trip! I have always appreciated the professional and friendly manner that I have experienced when utilizing Seagull Canoe Outfitters for trips into the BWCA and Quetico over the years. You guys make the trip a seamless process. This year was no exception! Although, there could have been several instances that things could have not been right, we experienced a flawless trip. From the suggestions you made regarding trip planning to a timely pick up at Hook Island on the day of our departure, everything went according to plan. I believe it was so successful a trip due in large part to your help in planning and the suggestions made by Seagull Outfitters! Thanks again.
Tom King, Overland Park, KS

You’ve made your reservation….now what?

Once you’ve decided on your dates for your Canoe Trip reservation and decided whether you’re going to be visiting the BWCA or Quetico, that’s when we take over. Part of our service to you is that we reserve your entry BWCA Permits and Quetico Permits for you. During your discussions with us we will have decided on a tentative trip route for you based on your interests and we will reserve the appropriate permit for this route. If by chance you have found this page before you have made your reservation, this will still be helpful and give you an idea of the process that we’ll go through when you do decide to come and visit us. If you’re still planning your route, or looking for ideas, you’ll find our Quetico-Boundary Waters canoe route section very helpful.

Complete or not complete, that is the question…

This is the most important question at this point. If you’ve reserved a complete outfitting package with us, we’ll be providing you with more equipment and we’ll guide you through the process a bit more intensively. If you’ve just reserved a canoe or a head start tow boat launch, etc. more of the planning will be put upon your shoulders. Here is a step by step process for both types of reservation with us.

Complete Outfitting

We have a page designated for this entirely that you’ve probably already seen. If not, visit us here. This is how we handle complete outfitting parties:

We the outfitter will reserve your entry permit regardless of which park you’re traveling in. More information about the specific parks can be found further down this page.

If you are a Quetico traveler, you need to apply for your Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) permit, or otherwise referred to as a CANPASS, as soon as possible. This permit is required of all Quetico visitors and is taken care of outside of our hands. Instructions on this are found further down this page under the Quetico section. If you’re traveling the BWCA, you do not need to worry about this step.

You’ll receive a confirmation email letter from us at Seagull once we have successfully reserved your entry permit, reserved the specific outfitting needs for your party and charged the appropriate deposit for your outfitting needs.

Please read the BWCAW or Quetico specific information on this page. You should read this specific information about the park you’ll be visiting to understand how things work.

Make travel arrangements.

A couple weeks after we’ve reserved your permit, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail from the specific park, either the BWCAW or Quetico, confirming your entry permit and dates. Please review this confirmation letter for accuracy to eliminate any confusion further down the line.

You will want to review our Ultimate Canoe Trip Checklist to start planning what you will want to bring from your end. This list is close to exhaustive with most anything a canoe camper would want or need with them on a trip. Because you have reserved the complete outfitting package, note the bold items on this checklist are included in your package. The non-bold items are suggestions that we give to paddlers, but DO NOT provide in the complete package. So if there are things on this list that you want to have with you that we do not provide in the complete package, you should start making plans to acquire them or bring them with you.

If you are renting a kevlar canoe with us for your trip, please review these special care instructions  for these types of canoes before you arrive so you understand the procedure in how to maneuver and care for these canoes while on your trip.

No later than one month prior to your arrival date, we ask that you fill out your food menu for your party and submit that to us. This will give us the necessary time needed to prepare your food, packs and equipment before you arrive. If this is not done, we will send a friendly reminder to you as time draws closer. Menus will be chosen for your party if we have not received your menu 1 week prior to your trip.

If you’re fishing on your trip, you’ll find our fishing pages to be quite helpful as you prepare your tackle box and equipment. Please be aware that we do not rent fishing equipment. We do however stock a nice selection of “canoe country” favorites in our store for purchase. Fishing licenses are discussed below depending on which park you’re visiting.

Start reading up on some of the lingo that is used in this area. Researching the area beforehand will help give you a perspective before you come so you can appreciate the area better. We help you get started with this Boundary Waters vocabulary lesson.

Make sure everyone in your party has adequate rain gear. Weather is so unpredictable up here that a good set of rain gear is essential to keep you dry and comfortable when the weather is less than ideal.

Keep in mind that we provide you with large personal packs for your equipment and clothes when you arrive. Generally we like to suggest that you limit your personal gear to one pack per two people. We’ve found that this works well when it comes time to fitting all of the food, equipment and personal packs into the canoe. Canoes have a capacity, and that is usually 4 large packs maximum per canoe. And remember, what you bring with you, you have to carry.

Visit our recommended reading list. Look through the different titles that we offer and see if any spark an interest with you. When going on vacation, it is always nice to have an understanding of the area that you’re visiting. It will help you appreciate the area more and have a more enjoyable trip. We are happy to ship the book(s) to you. Please just send an email or give us a call and tell us what you’d like.

When it comes to navigational maps, we provide one complete set of maps for the route you’ll be taking as part of the package. If you like, we can even send them to you in the mail prior to your trip so you can begin planning. Just let us know if you would be interested in this. Upon arrival at our store, we will sit down with you and have a routing session. We cover all the bases during this time with your party. We will have your set of maps prepared with special notations on the map for your specific group that will provide you with some of the “insider information” and walk you through your proposed route and prepare you for what lies ahead of you at the portages, campsites, etc. We will also review the rules of the park you’ll be visiting, talk about fishing tips and tactics, demonstrate the equipment that we pack for you, discuss questions and concerns you have, and we’ll even give canoeing and portaging lessons for those of you that would like a refresher. We want you to be comfortable with us and the gear we’re sending you out with, and we’ve found this routing session to be invaluable to most all of our complete outfitting parties.

As you may have known already, cell phones do not work in the canoe country. There are no means of communication with the outside world other than a satellite phone. Follow the link on satellite phones to rental information.

When you come be sure to bring the following with you:

  • Entry permit confirmation letter
  • Driver’s Licenses
  • Know your social security number (for fishing licenses)
  • Your RABC permits (for Quetico travelers only)
  • Credit Card for entry permit user fees

With all of this completed and your bags are packed, you should be ready for your trip. And we will be ready for you. Read more about your arrival day here.


Partial Canoe Outfitting

What we mean by this is any type of outfitting that you’ve reserved from us that isn’t a complete package. This could be just a canoe or a motor tow launch or just a night in our bunkhouse. This is our partial outfitting process.

We the outfitter will reserve your entry permit regardless of which park you’re traveling in. More information about the specific parks is located further down this page.

If you are a Quetico traveler, you need to apply for your Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) permit, or otherwise referred to as a CANPASS, as soon as possible. This permit is required of all Quetico visitors and is taken care of outside of our hands. Instructions on this are found further down this page under the Quetico section. If you’re traveling the BWCA, you do not need to worry about this step.

You’ll receive a confirmation email letter from us at Seagull once we have successfully reserved your entry permit, reserved the specific outfitting needs for your party and charged the appropriate deposit for your outfitting needs.

Make travel arrangements.

A couple weeks after we’ve reserved your permit, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail from the specific park, either the BWCA or Quetico, confirming your entry permit and dates. Please review this confirmation letter for accuracy to eliminate any confusion further down the line.

If you are renting a kevlar canoe with us for your trip, please review these special care instructions for these types of canoes before you arrive so you understand the procedure in how to maneuver and care for these canoes while on your trip.

If you’re bringing your own canoe on your trip, it is necessary to have the canoe(s) licensed. In the state of Minnesota, it is a requirement to have your canoe licensed in either your home state or in Minnesota. You’re going to say now, “well in my state, we don’t need to have canoes licensed.” In this situation, it still doesn’t matter. In order to be legal in the state of Minnesota, it is necessary to have your canoe licensed. So it would be best for you to have it licensed in your own state (even if it isn’t required in your state) rather than trying to fight with it the day before your trip in Minnesota. It probably only costs $20 or so depending on your state and it is good for 3 years. Please plan for this if you’re bringing your own canoe in order to eliminate any setbacks when you arrive.

Our website has a wealth of information to assist in the trip planning process. As a partial outfit, more of the planning will fall on your shoulders. We provide pages like the Ultimate Canoe Trip Checklist, Canoe Trip Tips, Fishing, Take Our Advice and FAQ for your preparation. It would be wise to browse through these pages to help ready yourself for your trip.

If you’re a fisherman/woman and you’re looking for the best lakes to fish in the BWCA, the Minnesota DNR Lake Finder website will give you some valuable information about the lakes you’re planning to visit and tell you whether or not it would be a good fishing lake for the specific species you’re fishing for.

ten canoes are about to set out on their bwca tripNavigational maps are necessary for your trip, and we will be happy to send them to you in the mail if you would like to get them before you come. We offer both Fisher and McKenzie maps. Please just send an email or call us and let us know what route you’re planning on taking and how you will want to pay for them and we’ll put them in the mail for you.

Make sure everyone in your party has adequate rain gear. Weather is so unpredictable up here that a good set of rain gear is essential to keep you dry and comfortable when the weather is less than ideal.

Visit our recommended reading list. Look through the different titles that we offer and see if any spark an interest with you. When going on vacation, it is always nice to have an understanding of the area that you’re visiting. It will help you appreciate the area more and have a more enjoyable trip. We are happy to ship the book(s) to you. Please just send an email or give us a call and tell us what you’d like.

For places to eat on the Gunflint Trail, please visit our Canoe Trip Tips page for that information.

As you may have known already, cell phones do not work in the canoe country. There are no means of communication with the outside world other than a satellite phone.

You’re all set now for your trip. With all of your gear packed, you’ve read up on your route and the area in general, you know the fishing secrets, etc. the time has finally come.

Don’t Leave Home without:

  • Entry permit confirmation letter
  • Driver’s Licenses
  • Know your social security number (for fishing licenses)
  • Your RABC permits (for Quetico travelers only)
  • Credit Card for entry permit user fees
  • And of course all of your things that you’ve printed off from the Ultimate Canoe Trip Checklist

For the Quetico Park Visitor

RABC Permits

The Quetico Park has similar but yet very different rules than the Boundary Waters. First of all, the Quetico is in Ontario, Canada and because of the remote area that we are in, there are no customs checkpoints and there are no roads in which to cross over the border. Because of this, all Quetico visitors are required to APPLY and RECEIVE their Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) or also known as a CANPASS Permit prior to your trip. This is the first and most glaring difference in a Quetico trip because of the extra effort, and cost involved to get this permit.

There is only ONE way in which to get an RABC Permit:

  • Apply for it through the mail using this RABC application. All of the instructions are included in the application. To be safe, you must apply for this permit 6 weeks prior to your entry date. When accepted, you will receive your RABC permits in the mail.

The application requires you to provide 2 forms of identification. Married couples can file jointly for an RABC and only need to pay for one permit. Applications are required of everyone. If children under the age of 18 are going on the trip, they do not need their own RABC Permit as long as they have a parent on the trip that can claim them as a dependent. If no parent is on the trip with them, they will require their own individual RABC Permit. Aunts, uncles, neighbors, etc. do not count as guardians…it must be a parent. Children under 18 are required to have only one form of identification. All children over 18 must apply for their own RABC permit with 2 forms of identification.

Permits cost $30 Canadian Dollars and can be paid for by credit card. The RABC Permit is good for 1 year, so as long as the permit is valid, you can go on as many Quetico trips within that time as you would like.

Things that can potentially hinder you from acquiring an RABC include being convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, OWIs, spending time in prison, etc. We are located on an International Border and crossing it in a remote area is handled as tightly as logistically possible and background checks are done thoroughly to maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration laws.

The RABC Permits are handled entirely out of our (Seagull Outfitters’) hands. We have no influence on them whatsoever and have no say in the matter. We can’t speed up the process or get anyone a permit who has been denied one. These are the rules and we suggest you play by them. Although we cannot stop you from entering the Quetico Park without an RABC Permit, these are the rules and you will be held entirely responsible for your actions.

Quetico Entry Permits

These are the permits that we the outfitter reserve for you. This allows you entry through the Cache Bay Ranger Station on your specific entry date. There are only 9 permits allowed through Cache Bay per day. So depending on which time of year you come, availability can be scarce. This is why it is important to plan your canoe trips well in advance, especially if entering into the Quetico.

Quetico camping fees are also different than the BWCA. There is an initial “reservation fee” of $12 Canadian Dollars to reserve a permit. There is also a nightly fee per person for camping in the Quetico. For adults 18 years of age and older, the fee is $21.50 Canadian Dollars per night. For children under 18 years, the fee is $8.50 Canadian Dollars per night. You will be given the current exchange rate. The Cache Bay Ranger Station accepts your Visa and Mastercard for these fees. In addition to the $12.00 permit reservation fee, at the time of booking your Quetico permit you will also be required to pay $100.00 which will be applied to your camping fees in the Park.

Like we mentioned earlier, we will reserve these permits for you to make things easier on you as we do this every day and are familiar with the process. You should be aware of the cost involved so when you give us your credit card at the time you reserve your outfitting needs with us, you are agreeing to use that same credit card for the appropriate Quetico camping fees for your group. To repeat, when we reserve your Quetico entry permit, we use your credit card for the reservation fee and the initial $100 camping fees. These fees are separate from the outfitting costs due to Seagull Outfitters at the time of your arrival.

The Cache Bay Ranger Station opens at 8:15 AM every day and closes at 4:15 PM. Groups must check in between these times. The ranger operates on a first come first served basis. So the first group that arrives at the ranger cabin island in Cache Bay will get permitted first. The permit issuing session generally lasts about 30 minutes….a little longer for larger groups due to the number of people. During this orientation, the ranger will discuss the Quetico Park specific rules to make sure everyone is aware of their responsibilities to prevent getting a ticket. The ranger sells souvenirs in the cabin that many paddlers like to pick up on their way back on the last day of their trip. Canadian Fishing Licenses can also be purchased at the ranger cabin.

Ontario Fishing Licenses

For those of you fishing on your Quetico trip, the easiest way to obtain your license is to get it from the Cache Bay Ranger Station the morning of your trip, the same time you get your entry permit issued to your group.

Note: As a prerequisite to obtaining a Canadian fishing license, all fishermen will need to purchase an “Outdoors Card”. This was a new requirement in 2009. Learn more about it here.

The most common license is an 8 day conservation license. Licenses can be paid for by credit card, that way the exchange rate is figured out by the banks.

For those of you looking to get a jump on your trip and get some of the paperwork out of the way, get your Ontario Fishing License in advance online.

For information on pricing for an Ontario fishing license as well as an Outdoors Card for fishing in Canada, dates and regulations, visit our Fishing in Canada page.

Live Bait

Those that are fishing and considering bringing live bait across the border, there are some rules you need to be aware of. NO LIVE BAIT IS ALLOWED IN THE QUETICO PARK. The rules are strange and strict, but rules they are and it would be in your best interest to abide by them. New in 2008, you may only fish with barbless hooks and lead free jigs as well. We stock a selection of lead free jigs at Seagull.

Party Size, etc.

Just like the BWCAW, 9 people is the maximum that you can have in your group at any time within the Park. But what is different about the Quetico is that you aren’t limited to 4 watercraft in your group. For example, 9 people could be paddling in 9 solo canoes or kayaks while inside the Quetico and you would be legal.

Camp Sites

You’ve heard correctly. There are no designated campsites in the Quetico. You can camp wherever you would like to within the park, but you are encouraged to camp in previously camped in areas. There are no latrines in which to go to the bathroom and there are no fire grates on the fire pits in the campsites. You dig your own latrine and pack a fire grate. The Quetico is known to be more “rugged” than the BWCA and these are a couple of the reasons why.


 

For the BWCAW Visitor

BWCAW Entry Permits

The Boundary Waters has very simplified, and much cheaper camping fees than does the Quetico. In the BWCAW, to reserve BWCA Permits, there is an initial $6 reservation fee as well as an additional $32 charge at the time of the reservation. When you reserve your outfitting needs with Seagull Outfitters, we will also handle the reserving of your entry permit (if you haven’t already done so yourself). At the time of reservation, the credit card that you used to reserve your outfitting needs with us will be charged $38 for the reservation of the BWCAW entry permit regardless of how many people are in your group.

Upon arrival at Seagull Outfitters, we will then issue your permit to you. And based on how many adults and children you have in your group at that time (no more than 9 per group) you will be charged $16 per adult and $8 per child for your “user fees”. For example, if your group consists of 6 people (4 adults and 2 children under 18 years of age) you will be charged $16 per adult (4 x $16 = $64) and $8 per child (2 x $8 = $16) for a total of $84 in user fees. But if you remember, at the time of your reservation, there was $38 charged to your credit card. $10 of that is the reservation fee which does not go toward your user fees, but the additional $32 that was charged at the time we reserved your permit for you does go toward your user fees. So when all is said and done, based on this example, you would only be charged $48 at the time we issue your permit. And that is it for a party of 6 to stay in the Boundary Waters for an unlimited period of time. In the Boundary Waters there are no daily camping fees, and that’s what makes the BWCAW so much less expensive than the Quetico.

Fishing Licenses

Minnesota State fishing licenses can be purchased right in our store upon your arrival. There is no need to make an extra stop on your way here. Just make sure that you know your social security number as well as the social security numbers of your children that are 16 years of age and older. In Minnesota, a child can fish under their parent’s license if the child is 15 years or younger. All 16 year olds and older need their own adult license.

To view the current fishing license and regulations, do so at our Minnesota Fishing Page.

Rules of the BWCAWwalleye caught in the bwca

  • Party Size – No more than 9 people are allowed in any group within the Boundary Waters, this goes for campsites as well as traveling together on the lakes. There is also a maximum of 4 watercraft allowed per group.
  • Campsites – All parties must camp in a site designated by a fire grate and a latrine. These campsites can be located on all Fisher and McKenzie navigational maps by the red dots.
  • Leave No Trace – There is a Boundary Waters ethic that we all abide by in the canoe country. There are no garbage cans at portages or campsites. All trash that you bring in with you, you must pack out with you. Living by this ethic helps keep the BWCA such a clean experience for us all for years to come. Read the full details of Leave No Trace Principles and Leave No Trace Video by Friends Of The BWCA.
  • BWCAW Wilderness Ethic Video – When we issue your entry permit to you, we are required by the Forest Service to make you watch a rules video which lasts about 8 minutes. In this video they will cover these rules and a few more so you know how to conduct yourself while on your trip. Below are additional videos to help you and your party members feel comfortable.

For more information about the Boundary Waters rules, here is a PDF file of the “What To Know Before You Go” Brochure that the USFS uses to promote the appropriate conduct while on a BWCAW canoe trip.

You can also visit the official BWCAW website at www.bwca.com for more information regarding rules or Download the Rules & Regulations.

Trip Planning Resources

We’ve tried over the years to provide as much trip planning information to you as we can right here on our website. Here are some convenient links within our site that will help you in your preparation.a mirror like lake reflects the deep oranges and golds of sunrise

 

The Boundary Waters and Quetico offer some of the most breathtaking images that one can capture with a camera. It hardly pays to sleep in when you know you’re missing out on opportunities like this. Come and join us drink in the natural beauty of this area.


You’ve Arrived!

No more rest stops or airplane terminals. Your long awaited arrival has come, and you want to know what to expect right? Hopefully this explanation will help you envision what it will be like once you’ve landed at our base.

facility_map

This map above will help you get your bearings before you arrive and will help in our explanation of the checking in process.

You can pretty much set your tripometer once you turn north onto the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, and 54 miles later you’ll arrive at our base on Seagull Lake. The diagram above shows you the layout of our campus. We are open from 7am to 7pm everyday between Memorial Day and Labor Day (8am to 5pm before and after these holidays). So if you arrive at our base during business hours, please pull right in to our driveway in front of our store and come in and see us. We’ll be glad to see you and we’ll get things started.

Bunkhouse

If you’re staying in our bunkhouse the night before your trip, you can see that that building is located just on the east side of the Gunflint. That’s right, we are right on the Trail. If you arrive during business hours, we’ll be here when you arrive and will help assist you and give directions. But if you arrive after business hours and are staying in our bunkhouse that evening, have no fear, we won’t leave you high and dry. Pull into our driveway right in front of our store and we will have the bunkhouse room assignments written on a white marker board right next to our door. We have 8 rooms in the bunkhouse so behind your name on the marker board there will be a room number(s). This is where you’ll be staying for the night so proceed across the Gunflint Trail and park in our parking lot and make your way to your room. Rooms 1-4 can be best accessed by the steps closest to the Gunflint, while rooms 5-8 are easiest accessed by the steps that are closer to the showerhouse.

The showerhouse is for your personal use and is open 24 hours a day. There is a men’s and women’s side with separate shower stalls for your privacy. Our showerhouse is cleaned twice daily for your convenience.

Also for your convenience, we offer a Quick Start Breakfast for our bunkhouse guests. This breakfast consists of blueberry muffin, apple/orange, cold cereal, milk, orange juice and coffee delivered right to your room for a “quick start” the next morning as you get ready to set out on your wilderness vacation. The breakfast costs $9 per person. Call or email and add it to your reservation and have one less thing to worry about.

tents and a fire pit with campers in the distance at rock campsite bwcaPlease remember that you will probably not be the only people staying in the bunkhouse that evening and if you’re arriving after 10pm, please show our other guests some courtesy and keep the noise level to a minimum as they most likely have early departure plans in the morning.

Parking

We have a good sized parking area for our guests only. During peak times of our season, it can get crowded so we ask that you try and make efficient use of the space. Many paddlers will decide to leave their vehicle keys with us while out in the woods for fear of losing them at the bottom of a lake. We provide this service for your convenience and in the event that we might have to move your vehicle to accommodate others or any other special circumstance.


Travel Arrangements

We are the outfitter and we will take care of your travel arrangements to and from your Quetico-BWCA entry points, but it will be your task to arrange your travel plans to and from our store. We suggest that you secure your travel plans very shortly after you book your trip to ensure your plans will work.

Many of our guests drive from home right to our door. Others will fly in to Minneapolis or Duluth and rent a car and drive the rest of the way to our door. This will be up to you and your party to determine, but here are a few resources to help you make these plans.

Car Rental

Shuttle Service

Those not interested in renting a car may consider looking in to a shuttle service offered by a local business in Grand Marais. Depending on your party size, this may be the cheapest option. This service is a round trip shuttle from either the Duluth or Minneapolis airport. The only downside to this is that you won’t have the freedom of your own vehicle to do any sight seeing on your way up Hwy 61 and the Gunflint Trail.

North Shore Transportation – 1-866-387-1801 or locally at 218-387-1801. Call to book your dates with them.

Lodging

If you’ve reserved a night(s) in our bunkhouse lodge before or/and after your trip, then you should be all set. If you’re planning on staying in Grand Marais or in Duluth prior to or post trip, our Canoe Trip Tips page will help you locate the place for you.

Food

Eating establishments on the Gunflint Trail, although limited in numbers, certainly make up for it in the quality of food that they offer. If you don’t pick up a bite in Grand Marais and opt to dine on the Gunflint, here are your options:

  • Trail Center – Located half way up the Gunflint, this bar and grill offers a wide variety of menu selections. Open daily 8am to 9pm and until 10pm on Friday and Saturdays. For more details, call 218-388-2214. Locals Favorite!
  • Trail’s End Cafe – Just like the name implies, the cafe is located on the very end of the Gunflint Trail at Way of the Wilderness Outfitters. Offers burgers, pizza, chicken sandwiches and appetizers. Open daily 8am to 8pm. Contact them at 218-388-2212 for details.
  • Gunflint Lodge Bistro– Located on Gunflint Lake 10 miles from the end of the Trail. Open daily 11am-10pm. Call for details at 218-388-2294.

Although these are the most popular options on the Trail, there are other dining opportunities that you can view here.

Seagull Outfitters Transportation

As mentioned earlier, we do not offer transportation to get to our outfitting facility because the demand is not enough for us to make it financially feasible. But once you’re here, we’ll shuttle you to and from your entry point regardless of where your entry is on the Gunflint Trail.

baby blue suburban tows four canoes and packs on a trailerIf your entry point is somewhere other than Seagull Lake and you’re renting canoes from us, we will shuttle your party and all gear and canoes in our suburbans and trailers to your appropriate entry point. We will also pick you up and bring you back to our base if you end your trip at one of the entry points along the Gunflint Trail. There are pay phones at all of the public entry points and we are just a call away to bring you back and get all showered and cleaned up after your long wilderness journey.

If you are receiving a motor boat tow launch from us on Saganaga Lake, we will also shuttle you to and from our base to meet our tow boats. Our coordination is calculated and your wait time is held to a minimum because of our marine radios that we outfit in our tow boats. This communication line has been invaluable to our business and these radios are designed to make your experience while in our care as enjoyable as we possibly can make it for you.

Check out our BWCA Fishing Trip packages:

Father-Son BWCA Fishing Trip
Father-Daughter BWCA Canoe Trip