Summarized Review Highlights
Canoe Canada Outfitters (CCO), based in Atikokan, Ontario, has an overwhelmingly positive reputation built over several decades. The vast majority of reviewers are repeat customers, many returning annually for 10, 15, 25, or even 40-plus years, which speaks strongly to the loyalty they inspire. Guests consistently describe the staff — including long-time figures like Jim and current operator Jeremy, as well as team members like Shane and Jada — as friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making each trip a success. The operation covers two main trip styles: guided and self-guided canoe trips into Quetico Provincial Park, and fly-in outpost cabin packages on remote lakes. Both offerings receive high marks.
Reviewers frequently praise the quality and maintenance of equipment, whether canoes, camping gear, or boats at outpost cabins. Food packages are described as generous and well-stocked. Staff go out of their way to help with route planning, mark fishing spots on maps, and accommodate special requests, including dietary needs. Fly-in cabin guests note comfortable, functional accommodations with basics like running water, showers, and stoves — described honestly as "no frills" but well-suited to the experience. Fishing is a consistent highlight, with walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and smallmouth bass all mentioned. Several reviewers note that CCO paddles equipment out into the park to fix packing errors, a level of follow-through that stands out. The surrounding Quetico wilderness and the sense of privacy — often having an entire lake to oneself — are frequently cited as major draws.
There is one negative review in the set, describing a hostile and condescending interaction with a staff member named Jim, who reportedly berated a customer who had booked on short notice through a third-party company. This appears to be an isolated incident and may reflect a particular circumstance, as the overwhelming majority of reviews — including many that specifically mention Jim — describe him as helpful and welcoming. One reviewer notes that hot water at the post-trip shower facilities can run out when large groups return at the same time, a minor logistical note. Overall, CCO is best suited for experienced or first-time canoe trippers heading into Quetico, groups of fishing buddies, multi-generational families, and fly-in anglers seeking remote lakes and solitude. It also works well for travelers coming from far away, including the United States, who need to rely entirely on an outfitter for equipment, food, permits, and planning.
Summary generated May 25, 2026
Read all 34 reviews
Fearless778514
Jul 26, 2025
TripAdvisor
5th year in a row coming back
This is my 5th trip for a Fly-in fishing experience with Jeremy and Canoe Canada. From the office people to the pilots and everyone on staff, they really help as much as they can. This is a no frills outfit meaning that once your at the cabin of your choice, your on your own. They have all the basic's like a stove, running water and a decent shower, great boats and amazing lakes with some of the best fishing in Ontario. The crews are very helpful. If you love peace and quite, nature and getting away from it all, this is perfect. Part of the reason I keep coming back every year. Unplug and re charge my batteries. Ty you Jeremy. Keep up the great adventures.
Outfitter overall
Charlene G
Oct 6, 2023
TripAdvisor
Canoe Canada Outfitters 40+ years
We have been going to CCO for over 40 years and it doesn't get old Bud and Jim originally and now Jeremy treat you like family They are knowledgeable of the area and share and teach anything they know Accomodations are excellent Packed food is pleantous Scenery and nature make it all worthwhile Thank you so much Bob and Charlene
Outfitter overall
Russssss
Aug 27, 2023
TripAdvisor
Great Outpost Fishing Experience
Canoe Canada staff provide great service and are very friendly. The fishing on Mercutio is spectacular, but even better is spending time in CCO's outpost cabins and effectively having your own private lake. This is a great experience. We have been going to Bow or Mercutio with CCO every year (x Covid) since 2009. We're already signed up for 2024. I noted Friends but we're related guys.
This lake
Dave C
Jul 20, 2023
TripAdvisor
Gamble Lake fishing
If you are looking for a great outdoor experience you can't go wrong with Canoe Canada Outfitters. This was our sixteenth year of fly in fishing and probably our best yet. Jeremy and his staff are top notch and extremely knowledgeable. They are easy to work with and make every effort to custom fit the trip to your tastes. Catching fish is just the icing on the cake. We have already booked for next year.
This lake
Timothy R
Jun 15, 2023
TripAdvisor
Awesome back country fishing trip.
This was my third trip with Canoe Canada although it had been 10 years since my last. Once again, everything was handled very professionally and the experience was top notch. We caught a lot of fish. I highly recommend this outfitter.
Outfitter overall
Ralessard
Aug 10, 2020
TripAdvisor
Excellent cabin rental! Exceptional customer service and Jeremy was an excellent host and assisted us in many ways! We w
Excellent cabin rental! Exceptional customer service and Jeremy was an excellent host and assisted us in many ways! We will return!
Outfitter overall
GrandTour178107
Dec 31, 2019
TripAdvisor
Canoe Canada
A tip-top outfitter! I lead a group of 6 men who have been going together on fly-in fishing trips with Canoe Canada every summer for more than a decade. Every trip is awesome - great lakes, great fishing, great service. Jeremy and his staff are all extremely friendly, helpful, and competent.
Outfitter overall
Tim M
Sep 1, 2019
TripAdvisor
Outstanding outfitting for a large group
I brought a large group of guys for a 5 day paddle in trip just outside of the Quetico Park. We used Canoe Canada Outfitters (CCO) for the second time and they provided outstanding service, equipment and food. Shane and the entire staff were exceptionally friendly, responsive and eager for us to have a great wilderness experience. They were very helpful in facilitating us getting something to eat and accommodating in every way possible. We have to fly in from Texas and I have to rely on the outfitter for everything and CCO's equipment and food are first rate. I've brought groups to the Quetico/Boundary Waters area on five previous occasions and CCO is as good an outfitter as anyone could expect. We'll definitely be back.
Outfitter overall
JK Scholar
Jul 12, 2019
TripAdvisor
25 Years of Great Experiences
My wife and I have been canoe tripping with Canoe Canada for 25 years and can't recommend them highly enough. Quetico is one of nature's greatest miracles and CCO is the greatest trip planner and outfitter in the region. This year we rented one of their Nym Lake cabins so we could introduce our kids and grandkids to the Canadian Shield. They loved it. The cabin was comfortable and the lake was spectacular. We even had an eagle come visit us one afternoon when he took a break from fishing. Whether we do canoes or cabins, we swear by CCO.
This lake
benf612
Jul 8, 2019
TripAdvisor
40th birthday
Went with a friend to celebrate our 40th birthdays in June of 2019. Each of us had gone before, anywhere from the late 90's to just 3 years ago. Staff was great, friendly and helpful even though we forgot to buy our fishing license online. Sat down with Shane and marked up some maps for camp sites while discussing routes. Nuni dropped us off early the next day and was right on time a week later to pick us up! Despite being very busy with a large group, many people still made time to ask us about our trip, share photos, etc. Experience, staff and atmosphere is worth the 17 hour drive!
Outfitter overall
gregjkc1968
Jan 19, 2018
TripAdvisor
There's no better
I've done 11 trips with Canoe Canada, and there is no better outfitter in all of Canada. 5 paddle in trips, and 6 fly in trips have been nothing short of perfect. The entire staff (Jim in the early years, and now Jeremy) spearhead a customer first experience that I've never seen matched. The prices are awesome, the service impeccable, the fishing is stuff of legends, and the experience is A+ all the way around. There are other options, but CCO has my money and patronage forever. Great job Jeremy......... And just in case anyone ever asks, I'm the crazy American who walked out of Stanton Bay to the highway....... long story.
Outfitter overall
John D
Jan 23, 2017
TripAdvisor
Twice Used CCO, will again
Quetico is awesome. These guys make it all come together. From finding fishing holes to knowledge of the conditions, everything was solid. The canoes are also top notch. We have rented before and had REALLY old and patched up canoes. It seems like they replace them often. I recommend!!! Our trips were in 2015 and 2014.
Outfitter overall
StarryRidge
Jan 4, 2017
TripAdvisor
Always great service
I have used Canoe Canada Outfitters for canoe rental and transportation to and from access points in Northern Quetico since the early '90s. They always provide excellent service and great value. Highly recommended.
Outfitter overall
Captaincoconuts
Aug 10, 2016
TripAdvisor
Heaven
A fishing dream trip. Very impressed with the people who work there. Can't wait to do it again. Some of the biggest fish I have ever caught.
Outfitter overall
Karen B
Jul 24, 2016
TripAdvisor
What a trip!
We are not experienced paddlers but we had an incredible 4 day trip in Quetico Park thanks to Canoe Canada. They could not have been more helpful-we booked with only a week's notice and they were able to quickly secure our permit and answered many questions on the phone (thanks, Jada!). When we got there, Shane spent a lot of time going over our route and gear and answering more questions. Very accommodating of vegetarian, non-fisherpeople needs. The route he picked for us was excellent, often very challenging for novices but so, so much fun. The gear was top notch and included everything we needed for everything that came up along the way. When we got back, he seemed to be genuinely interested in hearing about our trip. (Also helped me find a dentist due to an issue that arose on the trip.) Cannot say enough good things about this outfitter-personable, knowledgeable, great equipment...would recommend them for novices and experienced alike. And the area is beyond words beautiful and peaceful...hope to go back someday and will definitely use this same company. Thanks, Shane and Jada, for taking good care of us! It was a trip we will never forget.
Outfitter overall
Joel D
Jul 11, 2016
TripAdvisor
This firm has been providing quality outfitting to my family and myself for more than 30 years and are top notch!
If you are looking for a quality outfitter with well maintained outpost cabins and equipment, you don't have to look much further. My family and I would highly recommend the service of what was previously called BUD & JIM's, to the now well known Canoe Canada Outfitters. These folks run a family owned business with plenty of attention to detail and warm hospitality. I can't say enough about how much my extended family (Sisters, Brother, Brother-in laws, Sons, Daughter, Nephews, Friends and Wife) all appreciate the numerous trips we have taken over the years!! Joel Davis
Outfitter overall
me54321
Jun 14, 2016
TripAdvisor
Top notch outfitters!
We are uber-experienced paddlers with 25 years of wilderness tripping around Ontario. Our trips are always do-it-yourself excursions where we are responsible for every single detail. However, in 2015 we decided to engage Canoe Canada and Aitkokan Aero (sister companies) for a Quetico adventure. The trip was a stunning success thanks to these outfitters. Jim at Canoe Canada was super knowledgeable, super helpful, and super friendly. We literally felt a little guilty about the amount of expert advice and assistance we received. He is simply the best. Likewise for Jeremy at Aitkokan Aero. He is detailed, organized and flexible. Our flight into the park was perfect. You cannot go wrong with Canoe Canada. We will be back.
Outfitter overall
Greg B
May 18, 2016
TripAdvisor
Early Quetico Trip
Absolutely outstanding service by Canoe Canada. Very friendly, helpful staff. I have used Canoe Canada before and would recommend them to all seeking a Quetico Provincial Park service. Another plus: the townspeople in Atikokan are extremely friendly. Take a look at their canoe paddle display! Add one of your own.
Outfitter overall
Glen P
Nov 11, 2015
TripAdvisor
Great flyin moose hunt
I've gone moose hunting last 2 years flying in to remote lake through canoe Canada and atikokan air. They treat you like family,the pilots are great and there knowledge of the area and moose hunting is 2nd to none. Cabin is great, nothing beats a hot shower after a rainy day hunt. Fishing is awesome, whole lake to our selfs.
Outfitter overall
Chefken69
Aug 15, 2015
TripAdvisor
Wonderful Outfitters!
Just took my first trip to Canada and to travel this far for a fishing trip. Jeremy and his crew really handled everything. We booked a week on Irene lake and had a amazing experience. The pilots are very friendly and helpful. Once you arrive at the seaport , Jeremy will sit you down for quite a while and give you a map of your lakes and all the fishing spots marked clearly and will give you wonderful info. The food they packed for us was way too much, but it gives you wonderful opportunities to make different decisions for meals. The cabin was ideal for our needs. Not supper clean, but its not the Ritz. Loved the wild blueberries growing wild all around the cabin, the availability of clean drinking water from the lake, a hot shower each day and the night time view of not only starts, but of more space and planets and International Space Station going above our heads were icing on the cake. The fishing in August was good to great. Small Mouth Bass were plentiful and very aggressive. The Northern Pike were also easily found and hit your line like a bull. Never found and lake trout or walleye, but we (2 people) caught 400 fish in 4 1/2 days.
This lake
hifisch_19
Jul 28, 2015
TripAdvisor
Great and professional service!
Not only is Canoe Canada's log building incredible, but we were blown away by the personnel's dedication to their customers. To say it short and sweet: Canoe Canada bent over backwards to be of help – setting up a perfect paddling tour with valuable advice. It was amazing to see that Jim knows Quetico like the back of his hand, pointing out the best routes and camp sites to us. We rented top quality equipment, received advice about enforced laws, and got a canoe that was perfectly adapted to us and our tour. We were most impressed with Canoe Canada and will certainly use their services the next time we are in the area.
Outfitter overall
Great fishing!
We met our guide at Canoe Canada Outfitters and knew that we made the right decision. Ron was the perfect "all-around" guide for a group of 3 adults and 5 youths. He keep us motivated, he was knowledgable, entertaining, knew when we needed a break and so personable with each person. The trip was the right amount of canoeing, fishing, swimming, cliff jumping and camping to keep us all happy. He taught our teens how to fish, clean and cook our filets as well as the constellations in the night sky and Canadian tall tales. The highlight of our trip was when we strapped our canoes together, made sails and became the "Pirates of Pickerel" We are going back this year!
Outfitter overall
Moobaseto
Jul 11, 2015
TripAdvisor
Incredible town - worst outfitter experience
Any paddler arriving at the canoeing capital of Canada would be instantly excited to pass the welcome signs of Atikokan. We were excited as any other to begin our trip and upon seeing the beautiful Canoe Canada building we thought wow! Then it changed. My spouse entered first to let the outfitter know that we arrived and even though we weren't expected to pick up the rentals until tomorrow we wanted to pick up some maps and local information on fishing and camping so we could prepare for our 5 day trip. I was outside taking photos of the beautiful building and walked in maybe 3-5 minutes after my partner entered only to find Jim aggressively yelling at Adam saying "I'm an outfitter it's not my job - I don't know what you want from me I'm not here to plan your trip!". Adam's a happy go lucky guy so I was beyond surprised to walk into a conversation like that and asked what was the reason behind the hostility and looking at Adam wondering what he might have said to Jim. Apparently Adam just told him he was here to check in and was asking about fishing when Jim lashed out. Our booking was arranged by a third party outdoor company and Jim was angry because people normally booked 5 months in advance but we booked only a couple weeks in advance. I changed the subject and proceeded to direct the conversation back to highlighting areas of the Quetico area, as Jim was obviously very experienced and knowledgeable. He essentially spent the better part of 30 minutes telling us we didn't know what we were doing (without any idea who were we're as paddlers or even humans) and condescendingly gave us a quick review of a part of the area with the frequent jab of "well you could go here because the fishing is great but no you probably shouldn't because you can't handle it and if you end up crying - so you should just go this route." He belittled us and was aggressive and rude. This was the worst and more unprofessional human encounter we have ever experienced.
Outfitter overall
RodStaggs
Apr 3, 2015
TripAdvisor
Simply the best
I've used CCO approximately 18 times. I wouldn't even consider anyone else. They are knowledgeable,friendly, and always update their equipment so you have the latest state of the art gear for your trip..this is a family owned business that really knows their business!!
Outfitter overall
Robert J
Nov 6, 2014
TripAdvisor
Great Outfitter!
Six of us went on a 5 day trip into the Quetico in July. There couldn't have been a better family vacation. Canoe Canada Outfitters had everything we needed, including food. The food was excellent, and plenty for everyone. The equipment was top notch also. We didn't rent the cheap stuff, and the Kevlar canoes were awesome. Fishing was fantastic, catching a ton of walleye and lake trout, along with a couple HUGE pike. Trolled and casted Hot N Tots.
Outfitter overall
jlong33
Jun 12, 2014
TripAdvisor
OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Heading to Atikokan for our second trip with Jim and the rest of the great staff at Canoe Canada. Last year we did a similar trip with a different outfitter. Doing so made us all realize what an amazing job they do here. If you are planning a canoe/fishing trip, do yourself a favor and call them. You won't find a better experience at such a value.
Outfitter overall
M J B
Jul 24, 2013
TripAdvisor
Absolutely fabulous!
Guaranteed, Jim will set you up with exactly the equipment you'll need and give you excellent suggestions on routes, portages, camp sites and fish locations. He couldn't have been more helpful. We will definitely book with him next year. Fantastic outfitter!
Outfitter overall
abqlolo
Jul 20, 2013
TripAdvisor
Wow!! Jim et al is awesome.
CCO did an amazing job. The staff was wonderful. The gear was in great shape. The voyage was spectacular.
Outfitter overall
Roger B
May 16, 2013
TripAdvisor
Outpost Cabins
For several years now we have been using the outpost cabins through Canoe Canada. These folks are the best and each trip has been a memorable experience. I have been fishing Quetico Park since the mid 60's and have used three different outfitters....in early years flying North out of Ely, but I preferred the quality of fishing and camping on the north side of Quetico so started using Canadian outfitters. Since I am now older I prefer the outpost cabins so there is more opportunity for fishing and it is less strenuous. I have used Canoe Canada for 15 years now on several trips. They seem like family and their service is the best.....we are looking forward to our next trip in mid-July to Bow Lake.
This lake
Illahee3103
Sep 1, 2012
TripAdvisor
Fabulous Outfitters for a Quetico Trip
I've done a dozen or so Quetico trips that were outfitted by Canoe Canada. Some of the guys I paddle with have been going with Canoe Canada since the mid-1970s and have done 30+ trips. They offer good quality gear that is well maintained. They know the park including the portages, water conditions, fishing locations & conditions, and the campsites. They have "standard" outfitting packages, but will customize things for you if you ask. For example, we've had them send tortillas instead of bread, or go to the local grocery to pick-up a few extras. We've had friendly service that goes beyond extraordinary. Our gear is packed and ready to go when we arrive. Usually even paddles & life-jackets are set out (although you can select your own from a gear storage room if you like). One year we managed to leave with only one map (we usually take one for each canoe in our group). One of the Canoe Canada guys paddled into Quetico park several hours and brought us the map. Another year there was a snafu in packing our gear and we discovered we were short on cooking oil. In this case we happened to have a satellite phone and called Canoe Canada - it was the first evening of our trip and we weren't too far into the park - figured we could paddle back to our entry point the next day and pick up more oil if they'd bring it out. Instead, Canoe Canada guys paddled out to where we were camped that night (we're talking probably an 6 or 8 hour round-trip) and brought us more cooking oil. Canoe Canada also operates a number of fly-in Cabins on remote lakes. I've never done this - when I get too old to paddle this is "plan B". If you want to do a trip in Quetico, Canoe Canada will do a fantastic job of outfitting you.
Outfitter overall
RAIMIS2
Jun 15, 2012
TripAdvisor
Good guidance, good equipment, and friendly
These people are knowledgeable and enjoy their business and want you to have a great experience in Quetico. The equipment is good, they load you up with more food than you'll really need (if you choose this as part of your outfitting), and they will patiently address any questions regarding lakes, campsites, fishing spots, etc.. Did not get a chance to use their bunkhouse. Shuttle service available before/after Quetico canoe trips. Post-canoe trip shower facilities are decent/clean, though the hot water runs out if there are a lot of users before you. Good experience with Canoe Canada, would use them again.
Outfitter overall
Great fishing trip
My dad, brothers, and friends did a 7 day canoe trip into Quetico Provincial Park through Canoe Canada Outfitters. One of my brothers had been on a couple of Boy Scout summer trips that utilized them, so we had a high comfort level with what they would provide. CCO provided all of the gear in great condition and we had them set up the meal plan & provide the food for our trip into the wilderness. The night before we set out, they went through all the gear, how to set up the tents, etc and mapped out a custom route for us to follow based on our desire to mix fishing with observing nature. We caught walleye, northern pike (38" at Lonely Lake) and even a couple of lake trout. We were able to see a few moose and got great pictures of a bald eagle scooping a fish out of the water. I couldn't have asked for a better experience for my first true canoe trip...except maybe someone to portage the gear for us. Highly recommend CCO and look forward to heading back in a few years when my boys are old enough to pull their own weight on such a trip. They also manage some cabins for fly in which looks interesting also. CCO does provide a locked parking lot and safe for valuables while out in the wilderness.
Outfitter overall
Every time I contact Canoe Canada Outfitters, I feel like I'm talking with life long friends. If anyone is on the fence between outfitters, you will be hard pressed to find better in my humble opinion.
Outfitter overall
We had a great time as always. You guys do a fantastic job! We couldn't ask for a better vacation.
Outfitter overall
