Northern Minnesota is home to the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness -- the largest canoeing wilderness in the United States. There are over 1,000 clear water lakes in this million+ acre wilderness. It makes up the finest canoeing area available.

The Gunflint Trail (a 60 mile paved road) is a corridor into Boundary Waters. It travels by hundreds of deep rocky lakes scoured out by glaciers centuries ago. Some of the waters flow to the Atlantic and some to the Artic. This area has the finest lake trout fishing in mid America and is home to a significant moose population. The Gunflint Trail offers a variety of disbursed entry points, so canoeists can get into the wilderness quickly and without going down long and busy entry lakes. In addition, you have the beauty of the North Shore Drive along Lake Superior as you come north to the Gunflint.

Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters is located 43 miles up the Gunflint Trail from the village of Grand Marais. All the canoe trip landings along the Gunflint Trail are within 15 to 20 minutes of us. Here at Gunflint we have a complete outfitting company, plus overnight accommodations, adjacent Gunflint Lodge facilities that include a variety of lake side cabins, a gourmet dining room and an assortment of activities from fishing to horseback riding to hiking to canoeing, etc. The Kerfoot family came to Gunflint in 1927 and the 4th generation of the family now leads the operation.

It would be a pleasure to welcome you to Gunflint for an outstanding wilderness canoe trip.

Fishing Licenses

For current fishing license rates and regulations visit www.dnr.state.mn.us You can also find information on licensing your watercraft for use in Minnesota.

You can purchase Minnesota resident or non-resident and Canadian Fishing licenses here at Gunflint. Several options are available, including 1 day, 3 day, 14 day or annual for individuals or families. A trout stamp is also required of anglers possessing trout taken from any lake or stream in Minnesota. We are the only outfitter in northern Minnesota that sells Canadian Fishing licenses.

Deposits & Payments

To book a canoe trip, a $250.00 deposit is required; all permit/camping fees are additional to outfitting costs and are also due at this time. We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express for your deposit, or you may send your personal check. The balance of your account is due upon your arrival at Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters. We'll confirm your deposit in writing after we reserve your permit.


If you cancel 30 days prior to your arrival date your deposit will be refunded, less the permit fees and a $50 cancellation fee. If you need to cancel less the 30 days you will forfeit your entire deposit.

To avoid any misunderstandings, you will be charged for the number of days you have reserved. No refund for early departures off the water.

Taxes & Gratuities

The Minnesota state sales tax is 7 1/2%. A 3% bed tax will be added to Canoer Cabin packages and Lodge Cabin upgrades. Gratuities (for the dining staff at Gunflint Lodge or your Canoe Guide, if you have one) are not included in the package rates; they will appreciate your consideration.