· First Impression. Do you feel immediately comfortable, feel like they could be your friend?
· They should not just be interested in renting you equipment but also willing to share their Knowledge and Expertise. Even if all you want is a permit, are they willing to give you advice and share knowledge freely?
· Is he or she a Good Listener? Do they let you finish saying what you want to say before butting in and telling you what they already know you need to hear?
· Are they Patient? Do they make you feel rushed, or do they make you feel like you are the only person they have to speak to today?
· Are they Personable? Not crabby or condescending. Do they make you feel as if you can ask any question and not feel foolish for asking? Show real interest in you as a person? Sound like a "know-it-all" and make you feel like a "rookie"? Do they give you a feeling of confidence in your abilities?
· Are they Knowledgeable? Have they been there (recently)? Do they really know about the area or are they just repeating what they've heard others say?
· Are they Honest? If they do not know something are they willing to tell you so and get back to you?
· Are they Thorough? Detail oriented? Do they follow through and deliver what they promised. Do they anticipate needs that you may not even be aware of?
· Are they Timely? Do they maintain contact with you and Communicate clearly about what has to be done and when? Are they calling you at the last minute to "put out fires" or do you feel confident that they have your trip under control?
· Do they have Good canoes and Equipment? Does it look like it has been around since the end of WW II? Outdated? Have they kept up with the latest and the best?
· Do they ask the Right Questions? For example, if you want them to design a trip, do they ask you what your priorities are: solitude, wildlife, photography, fishing, historical sites, big water vs. small lakes, creeks, and rivers, do you want to base camp or travel every day? An Outfitter should be Sensitive to what interests you and help you have the trip that YOU want.
· Do they know the "Rules and Regulations"? BWCAW, Quetico Provincial Park, Remote Area Border Crossing Permits, Primitive Management Areas, Passport Requirements, Fishing Regulations?
· Are they a FULL SERVICE outfitter? Canoes and Gear, Food, Lodging, Shuttles and Tows, Canoe Licensing, Fishing Licenses and Tackle, Guide Service, Routing, Permits, Flight Service?
· Are they Trustworthy? They should give accurate information and fair pricing without last minute add on costs.
· Do they have a good Reputation? Have you heard about them from other people? Are they known in the industry as being an Outfitter that is worthy of your trust. After all, this is your vacation and your canoe trip.
If you can find an outfitter that meets the above criteria you have found a friend who will help you do everything they can to make sure you have the best canoe trip possible.
We strive to be this kind of Outfitter each and every season and off-season. If your friends are looking to do a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters, share our checklist with them and let them know, we're here to make their trip special. Thanks for a great year!
Bert and
Drew, Piragis Northwoods Outfitting
