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July 2023 by Tyler Conley
Would strongly recommend as John is full of great stories from his many decades in the area. We worked with Brennan who was fantastic on educating us about everything that is boundary waters canoeing/camping. Prices are a great value for the quality equipment you receive. Would definitely go back soon!
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June 2023 by Jon Ward
Kathy, John and the entire crew at NCCO are simply incredible. With their guidance I just completed my third trip, with the first being 25 years ago. Kathy helped arrange for a last minute, same-day change to our pickup time and was so accommodating and demonstrated real care for our safety and well being. John’s knowledge of every nook and cranny of the BWCAW is astounding. He helped guide us to what turned out to be the best fishing ever for all members of our party. The staff were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. It is truly a great team.
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June 2023 by Kristopher D Lavallee
At peak mosquito season, without deet nor the prospect of a fire (extreme fire threat level), not to mention a complete absence of breeze on day three, I found myself in the middle of the lake the majority of each day -- rather than the tent -- paddling, fishing or trolling. I could not be more grateful for said turn of events. It does not get more serene and peaceful.John and his crew went to great lengths to occasion a fruitful experience, for such a wide array of ability/experience levels among our party. With top-of-the-line gear and bright, enthusiastic personnel, the sense of adventure felt, while low key, exerts itself beyond the whir of the mosquitoes, certainly for a return trip some day.
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May 2023 by Cathy Palmer
Thank you to John and North Country Canoe Outfitters for making a dream trip come true. We had great route planning and alternatives, which we ended up needing, so was thankful for his insight. We had great food and plenty of it, top notch equipment and overall excellent service. Two thumbs up!!
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September 2022 by Greg Loew
John and his wife are fantastic hosts and do an amazing job getting you ready for a trip in the Boundary Waters. John’s knowledge of the wilderness is vast and he kindly sits and shares that wisdom. He caps the experience off by having a cold Hamms ready when you return to the beach.
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September 2022 by Joseph Stillwell
I had been interested in the Boundary Waters for several years, and John at North Country Canoe Outfitters made our trip truly great. As a first timer in the BWCA I had a lot of questions and he was excellent at getting us set up correctly. It is obvious that he puts full effort into every group that goes out. We spent Sunday evening going over the route and I was floored at how extremely knowledgeable he was. He seemed to know every bend and spot there was. We had two great campsites thanks to his recommendations and caught some Northern Pike! The Boundary Waters is a challenging experience, but John gives you the tips needed to make it an unforgettable experience.
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September 2022 by Meg Boyer
My family and I just returned form a 5-day trip in BWCA and we could not have been happier working with North Country Canoe Outfitters. John and his team were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, flexible, professional, and helpful. They made sure we were equipped with exactly what we needed, that we picked a good route, and that we knew how to stay safe and have a great time. Our family is comfortable camping and canoeing, but this was our first trip putting both things together. NCCO provided an ideal balance of expert advice and hands-off independence so we could make it the perfect trip for us. We highly recommend a Boundary Waters trip and working with North Country Canoe Outfitters.
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September 2022 by Steven Kritenbrink
John and his staff did a fantastic job putting our trip together. I visited BW twice as a teenager and wanted to share this with my wife and 10 and 12 yo girls. Holly went through all of the equipment and demonstrated how each item was to be used and more important how not to use them. John helped us plan a 6 night 7 day route that was challenging but attainable. My girls loved every minute of the adventure. Food was good, remember it is back country camping not the RV world most are accustomed to today. We caught a dozen smallies and one 32" Northern Pike. The breading that John makes is the bomb. The only draw back was no marshmallows, chocolate and gram crackers. I forgot to ask and then also forgot to pick some up in the local store. Thanks again John and Holly for making this a successful and memorable trip! We will be back.
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August 2022 by Andreea Gane
We had a wonderful time! They planned a really nice route, provided good gear and lots of advice, and they even found and shipped my Apple watch to my address after I forgot it there. Really great experience throughout.
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December 2021 by Doug MacArthur
Can't speak highly enough of my experience. Canoe rental, bunkhouse, and drop off shuttle to Mudro Lake way back in 2004. The trip planning and attention given to where we should camp, fish, and simply observe the natural beauty along our long loop back to their docks was invaluable. If I ever make it back to the Ely side of BWCA, we will be going via North Country again!
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August 2021 by Steven R.
Just finished four nights fully outfitted by North country. Amazing company. John knows the BWCA like the back of his hand. The equipment was top notch and the foot provided was tasty. I will definitely repeat!
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July 2021 by Brice Ambler
John and Kathy were amazing. We arrived a day earlier due to an error on my part. They didn't hesitate to accommodate us and suggest local places to visit while waiting for our entry date. They provided a cabin for an extra night. Name a time where you messed and a company tried to fix it. They did. They tried to get us into the area early. The gear was perfect and they provided instructions on the use. The staff was friendly and full of information. John sat down with us and helped plan our trip. Gave us information about fishing, which camp sights would be buggy and which ones would be perfect for July. Camping in BWCA is real camping and an amazing time. But know what your getting into. Don't leave a poor review because you didn't realize the portages would be hard or that camp sights would have no luxury. The extra food that was packed was very much needed. You burn alot of calories during a hard portage. I'm no expert but John is. Listen to his brief. Ask questions. I'll be back.
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July 2021 by John Nevenhoven
We completed our fourth trip with North Country. There is a very reason why we keep using NCCO. John and his crew are incredibly knowledgeable about the BWCA, very professional, and personable. John will help to create an itinerary with your inputs. The in-camp overnight accommodations are rustic but feel great after 4 or 5 days in the BWCA. All of the gear worked exactly as expected, plenty of food, sufficient fuel for the burners, easy to use weather radio, and clean sleeping bags!My boys and I will be back again soon for our fifth trip!
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July 2021 by Graham Grossman
John knows his stuff and is thorough. Looks out for his guests and has great advice and a smooth process in/out and on the water. This was a second trip, will be back for another.
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July 2021 by Hemant Bhatt
Had great food packed for our 7 nights BWCA trip. John gave lots of tips on campsite and fishing spots. It was very nice experience overall.
