About the Boundary Waters Catalog

Our History

In 1979 the vision of newlyweds Steve and Nancy Piragis led to the founding of what is now the successful Piragis Northwoods Company, home of the Boundary Waters Catalog. Based in Ely, Minnesota, the company began as a purchase of two canoes, one for them and one to sell. Steve and Nancy needed a lightweight canoe to navigate the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. As they expanded their small business, they researched each of their purchases and field-tested them before selling to customers. Their commitment to quality lightweight gear has remained consistent to this day. All products are tested before selling. The Boundary Waters Catalog (on paper and online) continue Steve and Nancy's original vision and twin committments to paddling and wilderness. In addition to the catalog, today in Ely, Minnesota, we have a large retail store that includes outdoor clothing, Northwoods gifts, camping equipment, a full-service bookstore, and an outlet store. It is possible for you to arrive for a trip with just the clothing on your back and be fully outfitted for a trip at the store!

Outfitting and guiding canoe trips into the BWCA Wilderness is now and always has been our focus and our specialty. We keep our group sizes small on purpose, so our clients get the personal attention they deserve and we all have a chance to experience wilderness in an intimate fashion.

What sets Piragis Northwoods Company apart from the competition is that our travels and experience in the outdoors give us a natural advantage over other outfitters in the industry. We know paddling because we take time to paddle and to use the equipment that we sell. We know adventure because we each have experienced it. As long as people have a desire for adventure and a passion for paddling, Piragis Northwoods will endeavor to meet their needs and provide a quality paddling experience.

Mission Statement

Piragis Northwoods Company is dedicated to instilling a passion in people for paddling canoes and kayaks in wilderness settings. Ultimately, our mission is to enhance the appreciation of wild shores and help to preserve nature along rivers, lakes and oceans around the globe.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota borders Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park. This pristine area of over 2 million acres of island-studded lakes is accessible only to canoeists. Within the boundaries of Quetico Provincial Park and the BWCA Wilderness are nearly 2,000 lakes that are linked by rivers, creeks, and portages to form hundreds of miles of wilderness routes. Created by glaciers that last scoured the region 10,000 years ago, it is a landscape unlike any other, anywhere in the world. A place of unparalleled beauty, the water routes include dozens of waterfalls, scores of rapids, and an incredible diversity of wildlife.

Perhaps nothing better represents the wilderness than the eerie wail of a loon echoing off the shores of a dead calm lake at night. This cry awaits visitors as well as the howling of the last substantial population of timber wolves in the lower 48 states. Quiet paddlers and astute observers may also see whitetailed deer, ospreys, beavers, martens, mink, otters, foxes, and over 200 species of birds.

Along with wildlife is a remarkable diversity of plant life. Travel through vast forests of pine, spruce, and fir accented by birch, aspen, maple and oak trees. The scenery comes alive in autumn with vibrant reds, yellows and golds of the hardwoods mingled with the deep green of the conifers.

For the angler Canoe Country is a dream. The largest of several species of fish ever caught in Minnesota were taken from these waters. Whether snoozing with a bobber and worm, or enjoying the sport of fly-fishing, Piragis has a selection of just the right tackle for every fishing need.

Another essential for any trip is a camera. From waterfalls to sunsets to Indian pictographs, there is an unending variety of scenery. Wildlife, a favorite campsite, or a weary portage are all part of the wilderness experience and are memories to be captured on film.

Boundary Waters Wilderness Trips

The BWCA Wilderness is one of the few places east of the Rocky Mountains where you can spend days without seeing another human being. The pristine beauty and solitude is something most people can only dream about. Age and ability are not considerations when planning a trip. The 40-lb. Kevlar ultralight canoes make travel especially easy.

After assembling a group of fellow adventurers, 6 being a good number, then the decision process begins. List the group priorities and submit them via mail or email. Based on their many years of experience, our staff here at Piragis will help with the itinerary. Unlike most outfitters, we don't start everyone on the same lake. We choose entry points to best suit your group, not necessarily the closest to the store!

To enhance the wilderness experience or if this is the visitor's first trip to the BWCA, a guide may be just the ticket. Our guides know the lakes, the history of the area, the flora, fauna, and where to catch the biggest fish. After at least one trip with a guide, future canoeing adventures will be more enjoyable because of the knowledge gained.