An Honest Review of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, Lodge Review on Minnesota's Gunflint Trail

10/28/2022

If you're heading up to the Gunflint Trail of Minnesota, chances are you're looking for a place to stay. As some of the last ares of Minnesota with untouched wilderness and chance wildlife encounters, the Gunflint is one of our favorite places to explore. And our favorite place to stay? Voyageur Canoe Outfitters - your connection to exploring the Gunflint along with your access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. From incredible hikes, wildlife, views, and fishing - this area truly has it all.

Our Essential Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are our favorite websites and resources to help you plan an incredible trip.

For flights, we recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to your destination.

Car rentals comparisons are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to bring your international driver's permit with you if you're heading somewhere international!

We always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates.

To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, we always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and always use NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi connections.

For fun things to do, we always recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick, especially for tours in Asia.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my packing list for your international or domestic travels.

Visiting Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

Voyageur Canoe Outfitters is a lodge/resort and outfitters station located at the end of the Gunflint Trail. Open all year round, they offer amenities for summer guests - like portaging, canoeing, hiking, fishing - and winter guests as well - like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Voyageur Canoe Outfitter (VCO) is located on both sides of the Seagull River. Their main lodge/office, bathhouse, bunkhouses, and two cabins are located on mainland, while their sauna, bath house, 5 cabins and Black Bear Cabin are located across the river.

Included with a cabin rental is the use of an aluminum canoe for your entire trip! As well as use of their life jackets, paddles, and maps. Although there is no cell service or Wi-Fi in the cabins, you can use the onsite wifi when in the main cabin/lodge. While they’re staff lives onsite, so does a friendly dog named Bosley! Upon check in they provided us with a welcome basket, and guide book including all their recommend spots for hiking, fishing, and canoeing.

Our Favorite Tours on the North Shore :
- Two Harbors Kayaking Tour
- North Shore Helicopter Ride
- Paddleboard Day Rental

Our Honest Lodge Review

We want to be honest, this cabin and resort are truly a wilderness cabin and resort - we don't want to fool anyone. They aren't going to have all the amenities and "Instagram worthy" details and photo spots that other cabins in the state of Minnesota might. However, we would 100% recommend booking a stay here if you're looking to do some outdoor exploration around the Gunflint Trail! The wildlife, hiking, fishing, and canoeing areas are the best in the state, and we were so thankful to have stayed here. In our opinion this is the closest to Alaska you can get, while staying in Minnesota! Our cabin was cozy, had all the amenities we needed, and was extra spacious! Not to mention the staff was so personable and kind we truly can't wait to go back. We definitely recommend staying with Voyageur Outfitters if you're looking to explore the North Shore, Gunflint Trail, or just northern Minnesota!