Satellite phones
North Country client Sarah Hood using our satellite phone on day 3 of a canoe trip to change the van pick-up time. She also checked in at home to get an update about her young son.
Without the ability to communicate to the “outside world” from the remote areas that make the BWCA so special, many people are not comfortable with the idea of relying solely on their own survival skills in the event of an accident while on a canoe trip. Cell phone coverage ends almost immediately upon starting your canoe trip. Satellite phones have become an option for some paddlers who want that added “security blanket” while fully enjoying a trip into the remote areas of the Boundary Waters and Quetico Parks.
We understand however, that some situations dictate that it is necessary to have the option to be able to communicate to the outside world while on a canoe trip. And for this peace of mind, we have a couple satellite phone rental options for you.
Satellite phones are intended to be a safety option – or security blanket, if you will – and are certainly not necessary to take on trips. If you decide you would like to rent one for your trip, we encourage you to use it only for emergency situations. We firmly believe that you’ll enjoy the trip more if you allow yourself not to depend on the phone. Technology has, and will continue to shape the world we live in, but the Boundary Waters area has long been a place to enjoy nature in its most purest sense.
We also understand the reality of nature and this wilderness. And because of this we’re offering a way, for those that would like it, to have means of communication while on your trip. We ask that you not abuse the idea. More than likely you planned this trip to relax and get away from the daily grind that includes cell phones. A satellite phone is just a sophisticated cell phone, so try not to depend on it, but rather have it to fall back on only in the event of emergency.