1/29/24 – This Wednesday, January 31st at 9am CST, permits will open up for sale through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness section of recreation.gov. In preparation for the big day check out this link to our BWCA permit reservation how-to video.

For more information about permits and how they work, check out the “permit reservations” section of our website, and as always feel free to call or email with any questions!

We have availability for all canoe types for all dates at this point, so you can book your permit with confidence that we will have a canoe for you!

-Jessica

1/20/24 – Getting ready to go for a walk the past few days has been a bit more of a production now that sub zero temperatures have finally set in. Key ingredients for more than a short walk outside include; a neck gator, face mask, stocking hat, ski goggles, first jacket layer, mukluks, insulated bibs, outer jacket, glove liners, and finally big furry choppers. Dawning all this gear is for sure worth the effort once you’re out squeaking around on that cold snow (fellow winter lovers, you know the sound). Another big bonus to this cold snap has been the beautiful blue skies that have accompanied it. -Jessica

1/10/24 – This past weekend we received enough snow to justify plowing the driveways for the first time this winter. -Jessica

1/5/24 – Do you ever wonder what goes on deep in the woods away from human disturbance?  These Cook County trail camera pictures offer a little insight.

And yes, that is about the amount of snow we currently have on the ground (probably less than an inch).  Luckily snow accumulation of some kind is supposedly on the horizon this weekend.

-Jessica

12/18/23 – Permits open for the 2024 paddling season Wednesday, January 31st at 9am CST (via www.recreation.gov), which means it’s the perfect time of year to grab a hot beverage, unfold your free map and route guide, and start dreaming about where you might like to go on your canoe trip.

To request a map and route guide follow this link, or give us a call at 218-663-7150. We’re around all winter and happy to answer questions! -Jessica

12/14/23 – With yesterday’s absence of wind and a bluebird sky I couldn’t help but do a little ice prospecting on the south end of Sawbill. The main objective was to check ice conditions, but I threw my fishing pole in the sled as well for an excuse to sit and soak up the fleeting sun. -Jessica

11/28/23 – Ice on Sawbill has been in a constant ebb and flow this fall. The lake has been ice covered as far as the eye can see multiple times now, but as soon as the wind picks up (which has been often) large swaths bust back open. Temperatures have been quite cold however, so as soon as we have a stretch of calm weather I expect ice should form quickly. -Jessica

11/21/23 – Our 2023 season-end canoe sale has begun! The party started a little later than usual this year due to some heating issues in our workshop (heat is a key ingredient for the hardening of the resin – see link for more details about how we refurbish canoes), but things are rocking now. Tandem, three person, and solos will be added to the used canoe section of our website as they are ready and can be purchased directly through our online store. After that we are happy to continue storing the canoe until your next visit to Sawbill. -Jessica

11/1/23 – This morning marks the first notable ice on Sawbill Lake! In front of the landing it was about a 1/4″ thick at 9am, and extended south into the Sawbill Creek bay. So far it appears to just be along the shoreline and bays, but it was significant enough that it would be quite hard to break through if in a canoe. Other area lakes that appear to be fully/mostly frozen over this morning include; Gust, Lichen, and Crescent. -Jessica

10/10/23 – In keeping with Sawbill fall traditions, the crew celebrated the colder temperatures this week by carving pumpkins! Lots of fun designs including Kit’s viper and Felik’s rendition of Felix the Cat. We are still having beautiful fall weather with the trees continuing to change colors and drop their leaves plus near-freezing temperatures. Perfect weather for a hike or a paddle before the lakes start to freeze! – Anna