For generations, Bell Canoe Works earned a reputation as one of North America’s most respected canoe builders. From quiet northern lakes to wilderness rivers, Bell canoes became the trusted choice for paddlers who valued thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship, and lightweight performance.
Every Bell canoe was built with one purpose: to create a better paddling experience. The result was a lineup of iconic canoe designs that continue to be admired by outdoor enthusiasts across the continent.
Bell Canoe Works has long been recognized as one of the most respected names in canoe building. For decades, paddlers relied on Bell’s innovative designs, lightweight construction, and uncompromising craftsmanship to explore lakes, rivers, and wilderness destinations across North America. The brand became synonymous with performance, quality, and a passion for life on the water.
Today, that legacy continues through Redfeather Outdoors. By acquiring the Bell Canoe Works brand, original molds, and many of its iconic designs, Redfeather has ensured that Bell’s heritage lives on. Every canoe is proudly handcrafted in La Crosse, Wisconsin by experienced builders who remain committed to the same principles that made Bell a trusted name among generations of paddlers.
Ted Bell starts designing and building lightweight performance canoes, gaining
attention in the paddling world for innovative composite construction and wilderness-focused designs.
Bell Canoe Works is officially established in Minnesota, quickly becoming one of the most respected canoe manufacturers in North America.
Throughout the 1990s, Bell Canoe becomes widely known among Boundary Waters paddlers, racers, and expedition canoeists for its lightweight Kevlar and composite canoe lineup.
Bell Canoe continues pushing canoe design forward with advanced hull shapes, lighter materials, and high-performance touring canoes that help define modern wilderness paddling.
Following the acquisition, canoe production shifted from Minnesota
to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where ORC continued building many of
the respected Bell designs.
Bell Canoe Works ultimately shuts down production and the Bell Canoe brand disappears from the market, leaving many paddlers concerned the iconic designs were gone permanently.
Even after the Bell name disappears, Redfeather Outdoors (known for their snowshoes) retains the molds, tooling, and knowledge behind many of the original Bell Canoe designs.
The Bell canoe line is officially reintroduced under the Redfeather Canoes brand, bringing many of the proven Bell-inspired canoe designs back to paddlers under a new identity.
In 2026, Redfeather Outdoors expanded its presence into Ely, Minnesota, opening its first-ever retail location in the near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Located in downtown Ely, the store was created to serve paddlers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts with handcrafted Redfeather canoes, snowshoes, and premium outdoor gear built for Northwoods adventures.
Redfeather Canoes now carries forward the legacy started by Ted Bell, combining classic canoe craftsmanship, modern materials, and a renewed outdoor brand vision for a new generation of adventurers.
Redfeather Outdoors is one of the last remaining canoe and snowshoe manufacturers that still handcrafts every pair in the USA.
At Redfeather Outdoors, we build our canoes and snowshoes by hand in La Crosse and bring them north to our retail store in Ely, right on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Every canoe we make is proudly built in the USA, designed to handle real conditions and last for years of trips ahead. In Ely, we pair those boats with dependable gear, rentals, and straightforward advice, helping you get exactly what you need to head out with confidence, no matter your experience level.
