Q&A
FAQ
Q: Do you provide lodging? Bunk houses? Showers?
A: No, but there are a number of resorts and lodging accommodations in the area. There is also lodging available for groups at our local charter school (reservations required). Showers are available for $7 at Lamb's Resort .
Q: Are there any campgrounds close by?
A: There are two campgrounds within a couple of miles: Temperance State Park and Lamb's Resort. Both have showers.
Q: Do you issue permits for the BWCA Wilderness?
A: Yes, we are a co-operator with the U.S. Forest Service.
Q: How can I reserve a permit for the BWCA Wilderness?
A: You can go to: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-550-6777 to make your own reservation or we can make it for you, for a fee. If you are renting equipment from us, we will be happy to make a reservation for you at no additional charge.
Q: When is the best time to visit the BWCA Wilderness?
A: It depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. Consider the following:
· Early season (ice-out to end of May) is less busy and cooler with high water conditions, minimal bugs and excellent fishing. Migratory birds come through the area and other animals begin to stir in anticipation of summer.
· Early to mid-summer (June to mid-July) offers warmer temps that bring in vegetation, good fishing, blooming plants, and the sights and sounds of new life all around. Unfortunately, this includes biting insects. Picking a breezy campsite and employing good repelling methods can make this season easily manageable.
· Mid to late summer (mid-July to September) is a time to enjoy warmer air and warmer water temps as well as usually being drier. Swimming is enjoyable in July and August, and wild berries are ripe for picking. This is also the most popular time to visit the wilderness, so reserve your permits early and expect some competition for the best campsites.
· September's cooler temps bring fall colors, minimal bugs and fewer people. Although the weather can be unpredictable late in the season, it can be a nice time to enjoy some solitude, good fishing, and your choice of prime campsites.
Q: What do you charge for a deposit on advanced reservations?
A: We require a 25% deposit of the total rental.
Q: What is your cancellation and early return policy?
A: Return and Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations and Late Returns significantly affect other customers and our business. To ensure there are no misunderstandings, please check your dates carefully. Our rental fees are based on a calendar day not a 24-hour period. You will be charged for an extra day if the equipment is brought back on the day following an established return date. If notice is given 14 days prior to arrival date, your deposit will be refunded, minus a $20 processing fee, which may be applied to a future reservation. If 14 days notice is not given, you will lose your deposit. Please let us know of any changes before you arrive to avoid being charged for items originally reserved.
Early Returns: We understand that Mother Nature can be unpredictable and at times quite nasty to wilderness travelers. We wish we could guarantee great weather, minimal bugs, etc… If requested, early returns will be given a one-day only credit towards your future trip.
Cancellations and Late Returns significantly affect other customers and our business. To ensure there are no misunderstandings, please check your dates carefully. Our rental fees are based on a calendar day not a 24-hour period. You will be charged for an extra day if the equipment is brought back on the day following an established return date. If notice is given 14 days prior to arrival date, your deposit will be refunded, minus a $20 processing fee, which may be applied to a future reservation. If 14 days notice is not given, you will lose your deposit. Please let us know of any changes before you arrive to avoid being charged for items originally reserved.
Early Returns: We understand that Mother Nature can be unpredictable and at times quite nasty to wilderness travelers. We wish we could guarantee great weather, minimal bugs, etc… If requested, early returns will be given a one-day only credit towards your future trip.
Q: Do you issue fishing licenses or cross-country ski passes?
A: No, but you can get them at the Holiday gas station just down the road.
Q: Do you have live bait or fishing tackle?
A: We have tackle but no live bait. Live bait is available at the Holiday station.
Q: Can I pick up equipment the evening before at no additional charge?
A: Yes, we can usually accommodate that request unless the equipment is not available due to a late rental return.
Q: How many canoes can you put on a vehicle?
A: We've put as many as 3 canoes on a vehicle and provide a simple system to do so. We have everything needed to make the process easy and secure.
Q: Is there a grocery or convenience store near-by to pick up any last minute food items?
A: Yes, the North Shore Market and Holiday station are just down the road.
Q: Do you provide a guide service?
A: Only 1/2 day and full day trips for kayaking/canoeing. No fishing guides. See more about our guided trips on this website. We can help you plan and map your trip. Just ask!
Q: What kind of outdoor gear do you sell in your store?
A: A wide variety of camping equipment, dehydrated food, clothing, footwear, and topo maps. See more at the Our Store section of this website.
Q: Do you sell fuel for camp stoves?
A: Yes, we have white gas and an assortment of canister fuels.
Q: Are there restaurants in the area?
A: Yes, we have two restaurants in town that serve early breakfast, lunch and dinners including steaks, burgers, pasta or pizza.
Wilderness Travel Tips
· Always use caution and common sense when traveling in the wilderness, especially in cold water conditions
· Expect the unexpected. Your trip may not go as planned, so be prepared to deal with a challenging situation.
· Don’t attempt big water crossings during strong winds and/or large waves. Wait for winds to subside.
· Place your gear as low as possible in the canoe to reduce wind drag and lower your center of gravity. (Remember to secure all of your gear to the canoe in case of a capsize).
· Always load a canoe while it is floating in the water.
· “Wet foot” loading, launching and landing works best for stability, is easier on your back and the canoe hull. Waterproof footwear is important in cold water conditions and we sell them in our store if you need them.
· When landing, don’t approach the shore at full speed. Place the paddle blade perpendicular to the hull and use as a brake to ease the canoe in.
· Make sure you secure your canoe well when on shore as the wind can pick up at any time. Swimming across a lake or hiking through thick brush for a canoe can be extremely difficult if not impossible.
· Never leave a canoe tied up in the water when wind and waves are present.
· When looking for a tent site, try to pick one that will be safe from potential blow down (dead trees and branches) during a strong wind or thunderstorm.
· Reserve a permit to enter the BWCA Wilderness at "off peak" times to avoid a difficult time finding a campsite. Sundays thru Wednesdays are the best. Weekends and holidays are not as good.
· Don't overload your canoe with everything including the kitchen sink. Traveling light and compact will make for a more enjoyable trip if you are venturing very far into the wilderness. Leave the poker table at home.
· Don't forget duct tape. Duct tape can be used for a variety of repairs on a wilderness canoe trip. Hull repair and paddle mending are two common uses. We've had customers use melted rubber worms to plug a hole in a canoe… I'll bet they wished they had duct tape!