River Point Outfitting Company

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2008

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BWCA - Boundary Waters Canoe Area Camping & Oufitting

Why River Point Outfitting Co.?

Boundary Waters Outfitters--River Point Outfitting Co.

Boundary Waters Canoe Outfitters

Ely, Minnesota

A Tradition of Outfitting Excellence Since 1944

Choosing River Point Outfitting Co., in Ely, Minnesota MN is your best choice of the top Boundary Waters canoe outfitters. The reasons are many:


Location, Location, Location---Unique, Lake-Based Location just minutes from Ely, Minnesota

"River Point is located on Birch Lake at the bend where the South Kawishiwi River enters the lake...Much of 5000 acre Birch Lake is within the Superior National Forest, and the Kawishiwi River flows into the BWCA...With a water highway into the BWCA wilderness, River Point seems a practical location..." says Boundary Waters Journal Magazine.

Where is River Point?
Click here to see our location!

River Point:  Your choice of Boundary Waters Outfitters has a premier location.

River Point is a Boundary Waters canoe outfitter located on a private, secluded wilderness peninsula with a mile of shoreline bordered by Birch Lake and the South Kawishiwi River, providing "doorstep" water access to and from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area BWCA. Spending time the day before the start of your Boundary Waters canoe trip in the beauty of this premier wilderness site, in the heart of the Superior National Forest, adds to the overall enjoyment of your adventure.

River Point has the strategic distinction of being the only Boundary Waters outfitters in Ely, Minnesota located on the South Kawishiwi River, entry point #32 -- a premier and pristine waterway into the Boundary Waters, yet the River Point location is also just a 25 minute drive from the Moose Lake entry point for quick access into Canada's Quetico Provincial Park. The choice is yours: paddle the BWCA or Canada's Quetico. We service both!

River Point Outfitting Co. (elyoutfitters)--only Boundary Waters outfitters with direct paddle access to and from eleven entry points in the Ely/Isabella area.

River Point Outfitting Co. is a lake-based Boundary Waters canoe outfitter on the southeastern edge of the Boundary Waters, and only 8.5 miles southeast of Ely, Minnesota on Hwy. #1--just a ten minutes drive from downtown Ely.

At River Point, we specialize in trips on the:

  • North Kawishiwi River/Ojibway Lake
  • South Kawishiwi River
  • Farm Lake
  • Snake River
  • Island River
  • Gabbro Lake
  • Bald Eagle Lake
  • Isabella Lake
  • Little Isabella River
  • Hog Creek
  • Kawishiwi Lake
  • Snowbank Lake
  • Lake One Chain of Lakes

You may enter the Boundary Waters canoe area wilderness BWCA from any of these entry points and paddle downstream to our lake base, making our River Point location the best choice for your "Paddle the Quiet Side"® Boundary Waters canoe trip.

Our unique water-based location also allows us the flexibility in servicing all other Ely area entrance points:

  • Indian Sioux
  • Moose River
  • Mudro Lake
  • Snowbank Lake
  • Moose Lake
  • Hegman Lake
  • Fall Lake
  • Wood Lake
  • Crab Lake

Comfortable River Point van transport to and from almost all entry points is complimentary for completely outfitted groups.


"Superb equipment, food, and service.
Now we know what it means
to 'Paddle the Quiet Side®'
Thanks for everything!"

 
- Rob and Betty S., Kansas City, MO


You can depend on our years of wilderness experience
and our
"Paddle the Quiet Side®" location...


National Press Recognition

River Point Outfitting Co.'s tradition of excellence as one of the finest Boundary Waters outfitters, in business since 1944, has won the approval and recommendation of major recent national press publications such as:

  • Travel + Leisure magazine
  • Good Housekeeping magazine
  • Midwest Living magazine
  • Germany's Lufthansa magazine
  • The Boundary Waters Journal
  • Outside Traveler Magazine:  2005 Boundary Waters Wolf Watch article
  • CBS Early Show: Only BWCA canoe trip outfitter to be featured on national TV for its outstanding canoe trips, including guided canoe trips
  • A recent issue of Midwest Living Magazine showcased the "Taste of the North Woods"  package, featuring canoeing services with River Point-great ideas for gifting a Boundary Waters canoe trip anytime throughout the year

Refer to From the Press for more details.

Canoeing guests outfitted by River Point Outfitting Co. can be assured of a superior lake-based facility offering first-class equipment, and professional service from River Point's experienced staff.

National Press recognition has to be earned! River Point Outfitting Co. is proud to be recognized by so many national and international magazines and writers. Another reason to select River Point as your top choice of Boundary Waters canoe trip outfitters!

When you outfit with River Point, you will be...
"Paddling the Quiet Side"
®


Our canoeists enjoy Native American pictographs


Service, Service, Service and Route Planning

River Point Outfitting Company is family-owned and operated and excellent service is second nature. Personal owner attention geared to the enjoyment and satisfaction of your wilderness vacation is always upper most in our minds. Dedicated to covering every detail of your trip, your Boundary Waters outfitters will be in tune with your needs.

Every person who desires to embark on a wilderness BWCA Boundary Waters canoe trips has a different set of reasons for taking that trip. So as much time as needed is given, whether in a phone conversation or via e-mail, to discuss just what you and your group want out of your trip, your party make-up, your previous experience (if any), and much, much more.

From the initial interaction you will discover we give honest, forthright answers to your questions. We take the time with the details of your trip with courteous and attentive professional dialogue throughout the planning of your canoe trip adventure. Another great reasons for selecting River Point as the top choice of Boundary Waters outfitters.

We ask that you fill out an in-depth reservation questionnaire. Enough information is gathered so that the  necessary Boundary Waters BWCA travel permit can be reserved in your name for a certain entry point and a general canoeing area.

When you arrive at River Point your party can decide on exactly what route you wish to use from the permit entry point reserved for you. Since the final route decision choice is yours, pre-routed maps are usually not sent out prior to your arrival. It may take a hour or so for us to orientate you to the specifics of your route and to go over everything in detail on large scale maps.

It is important to spend whatever time it takes. A review of the portages, campsites, cooking techniques, how to pitch a tent, how to find dry firewood, the rules of the Forest Service, good fishing holes, wildlife you are likely to see, and much more is discussed with you.

Whether you are a photographer, fisherperson, birdwatcher, backpacker, wildlife adventurer, historian, or just want the peace and quiet of the Boundary Waters, the planning session continues until most everything has been covered for you.

Boundary Waters Outfitters: a tradition of excellence at River Point Outfitting Co. in Ely, Minnesota MN.

Prior to arriving at River Point you may choose to prepare yourself further by reading about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Canada's Quetico Provincial Park, and wilderness camping. Check out your local library for books and videos, and check out the web.


"I wanted to take a moment to tell you Thanks. Boy Scout Troop 51 had a wonderful time. You did a fantastic job in outfitting all of us.

We have several families that are talking about coming up as families and doing the canoe trip. My personal family is one of them. They want to bring me and the grandparents back to your beautiful facility. I look forward to working with you in the future and will recommend you to all Scouts in our area. Thanks again."

                        -Rebecca S., Troop 51, Gellette, WY


Great Value Rates and Desirable Discounts

Boundary Waters canoe outfitters:  more reasons to choose River Point Outfitting Co.:

With the top-of-the-line "Comfort Plus"™ Complete Outfitting Package, featuring kevlar canoes and creature comforts almost unheard of for Boundary Waters canoe trip travel, you will surely travel "in comfort."

Be assured of outstanding top-end equipment with the Ultralight Complete Outfitting package, also. This package is the mainstay of our canoe package offerings, featuring aluminum or royalex canoes, excellent menu options, and much more!

The terrific Family Super Saver Canoe Trip package provides, as Good Housekeeping Magazine says, "the best canoeing vacation bargain" for mom, dad, youth and children age 17 and under.

Also provided are "repeat" guest discounts, a discounted rate for seniors (age 62 and older), spring and fall discounts, military "thank you" gift certificates, and special group pricing for non-profit youth organizations. Boundary Waters canoe outfitters:  River Point Outfitting Co.

Click the links below for rate and package information:


Another reason why you should select River Point Outfitting Co. as your Boundary Waters outfitters:

Enjoy Lodging and Amenities
with River Point Resort®

River Point Resort stretches along a mile of scenic shoreline on our private wilderness peninsula on Birch Lake and the Kawishiwi River, and is adjacent to the River Point Outfitting Co. base.

One to three bedroom secluded vacation homes with fireplaces, dishwashers, screened porches and sundecks, and honeymoon or special-occasion villas with two-person whirlpools and queen beds offer the amenities of a full service facility providing for all vacation needs, including the needs of groups choosing to enjoy our incredible area by being outfitted by River Point Outfitting Co.-Boundary Waters outfitters.

A resort stay in one of the vacation homes, villas, or new one-bedroom chalets (perfect for overnight lodging stays) either before or after your BWCA Boundary Waters canoe trip provides additional time to reconnect with family, friends, and nature!

FREE FREE FREE!

Completely outfitted guests have full access to resort facilities, activities, and programs. Unlimited use of canoes, waterbikes, fun bugs, and kayaks prior to and after a canoe trip is available. Enjoy hiking the "Trail of Reflections", and on Sunday, take part in a fishing seminar presented by our knowledgeable guides!

OVERNIGHT LODGING is available, since most guests arrive the day prior to their trip to accommodate the need for orientation and final route planning, to review paddling skills, to fish, swim, or relax. Your Boundary Waters canoe outfitters-River Point-will assist you with all of your needs.

  • Private large wall tents with bathroom facilities adjacent are available at $12/night per person the night before the canoe trip. Sleeping bags and therm-a-rest sleep pads are provided for completely outfitted groups the night before the canoe trip with tent rental.

  • Private Bunkhouse Lodging with private entrances and twin beds are available at $16 per night per person.

  • Showers in the all-ceramic tile new shower house and restroom facility are complimentary before and after the canoe trip for completely outfitted guests. Partial outfitted guests may enjoy a shower for $5 per person.

  • Tent and bunkhouse rentals after the canoe trip do not include complimentary use of sleeping bags and/or sleep pads for completely outfitted groups. Refer to Partial Outfitting Rates.

NEW Lodging Option:

River Point Chalets
Beautiful, spacious one-bedroom lake-view chalets; full kitchens with electric appliances, including dishwasher, airy, light-filled living room with gas stove (cozy on cool evenings) and comfortable furnishings with designer touches, plus beautiful ceramic bath with shower. Use your private sundeck to enjoy the lake views!

Click here for even more details about the new River Point Chalets.

You may also select lakefront lodging in one of River Point's villas.

COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST

Completely outfitted groups renting overnight accommodations the night before the canoe trip are provided with a bountiful, fresh complimentary breakfast the morning the trip begins.

ON-SITE PARKING is available without charge for completely outfitted guests, and partially outfitted groups renting a minimum of one canoe.

Other conveniences at River Point Outfitting Co. are a Guest Laundry, Bait & Tackle shop, with proven Boundary Waters outfitter lures and bait, and the Wolf Den Gift Shop, offering authentic North Country gifts, souvenirs and camping necessities.

Also, available is the Wildwood Lodge, completely finished in knotty pine, featuring a beautifully appointed lounging area with stone fireplace, T.V., and a snack and beverage bar, serving beer, pop, ice cream, quick sandwiches, pizza, and candy.

~One of the finest Boundary Waters Outfitters~

River Point Outfitting Co.

Why go anywhere else?


Ready to Go? What to do to Get Started~
  • Figure out how many people will go on your BWCA Boundary Waters canoe trip starting in Ely, Minnesota; this number can be adjusted, if necessary. Determine a party leader and, if possible, at least one alternate party leader. There can be up to nine persons per travel permit. If you have more than nine people, two permits would be secured for your group; each permit would need to have a party leader listed. No need to worry! River Point will secure the permit(s) for you!
     
  • Decide which area you desire: a Boundary Waters (BWCA-Minnesota) canoe trip or a Canadian Quetico Park trip. It is not necessary for you to know where to go or what entry point to use. This is where our expertise and knowledge of the area comes in. We will explain all the options and select the best entry point dependent upon what you want out of the trip.
     
  • Groups that are larger than nine persons will separate into subgroups and will camp and travel as separate groups with their own permit. Thus each subgroup may select it own entry point and area in either the Boundary Waters or the Quetico.
     
  • Decide on a first choice of entry dates that your canoe trip will start (the first day on the water), and also a second choice of entry dates. If the first choice of dates has no travel permit available because they are sold out, we will have the second choice of dates as an option. Once a permit is issued, the entry date is set. Any change in your plans will require a new permit to be secured, if one is available.
     
  • Decide on how many days you want to be on the water. If possible, plan on arriving at our base they day before the canoe trip starts. It is strongly recommended to allow you time to "unwind" and get your "wilderness hat" on!

Don't hesitate to contact River Point Outfitting Co. with your questions as you go through the various steps of this procedure. Remember, we work with you from the initial phone conversation or e-mail, right up until the first dip of your paddle in the pristine wilderness waters to ensure that your Boundary Waters canoe trip is a success and a memorable adventure.

Boundary Waters Outfitters Boundary Waters Canoe Outfitters

...Paddle the Quiet Side®...
with River Point Outfitting Co.
in Ely, Minnesota

If you would like more information, or you are ready to make a reservation, please use our on-line form, send us an e-mail or call 1.800.456.5580

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Site Last Modified: November 13, 2007