In 1972, Cathi and David Williams set out with two borrowed canoes — thanks to the generosity of their friend Jack Way — and a dream of sharing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with others. Just two years later, guided by the wise encouragement of Howard Joynes, they purchased what would become the Bear Track Outfitting base in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

From those humble beginnings, Bear Track has grown into a trusted name in wilderness outfitting, known for helping adventurers experience the magic of the North Woods — whether paddling the BWCA, exploring Lake Superior, or setting out on a fishing or hunting trip.

The Williams family built Bear Track not just as a business, but as a way of life. Their five children — Brooke, Lindsay, Samantha, Seth, and Stephanie — grew up surrounded by the rhythms of the wilderness, and today all live in Grand Marais with families of their own. With thirteen grandchildren in the mix, Bear Track remains powered by the same spirit of family, community, and love for the outdoors that started it all.

For more than fifty years, Bear Track Outfitters has stood for hospitality, tradition, and adventure. When you plan a trip with us, you’re not just booking an outfitter — you’re becoming part of a legacy rooted in faith, family, and the great outdoors.