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.