We are a quaint environmentally conscious motel with impeccably clean and comfortable rooms. Ely is located in the heart of the Superior National Forest, and is a main departure point for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). We are AAA rated, and whether you’re here on business or here for pleasure, on your own or in a group, you’ll find we provide the highest level of service around. Our lodging rates are among the lowest in the Ely, MN area, but we don’t sacrifice either quality or service. Whether passing through or planning a long visit, Motel Ely is the ideal place to stay.

Our operation is twofold: we are a boat and motor fishing lodge on Lac La Croix and we also offer canoe trips into Minnesota’s BWCAW and Ontario’s QUETICO PROVINCIAL PARK. If you don’t see a package that suits your needs, you can rest assured we will provide one for you. We are proud to be a family owned operation for 80+ years. Let our family introduce yours to the ways of the wilderness in comfort; it would be a pleasure to host you.

Let’s start with a proper introduction. We’re the Ott family – Gene, Jane, Nick (son) and Danielle, (daughter in law) and we acquired the property in 2000. Originally from Northeast Iowa, we had been scout leaders and Boundary Waters Minnesota camping enthusiasts for several years when the opportunity arose to make a lifestyle change that simply delighted us. Since that time, we have built an outfitting service that, we believe, is one of the best in the area. In addition to outfitting services, we have authentic log cabins, right on Fall Lake for non-campers to experience great fishing and conveniently explore the Ely area. Our cabins and lodge (with bunkhouse) have an amazing history. The cabins were originally built and located up on Pipestone Bay on Basswood Lake. When Congress declared “The Wilderness Act of 1964, all buildings needed to be either moved or burnt to the ground, restoring the natural wilderness. Shortly after, each log was labeled, deconstructed, floated up through Newton Lake to Fall Lake and put back together, like a complex jigsaw puzzle. Can you imagine the planning and the work to accomplish this? We’re honored by every guest that chooses Packsack and promise to make every effort to build a wilderness experience that best matches your wishes.

For over 35 canoe trip seasons we have been one of the leading Boundary Waters outfitters in Ely, Minnesota. We outfit BWCA canoe trips with top-quality gear and meals for both the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota and Quetico Park in Canada. Trips may start or end from our lakeside Ely, Minnesota, outfitting base or the dozens of unique starting locations we serve by van or towboat. In addition to outfitting private parties, North Country Canoe Outfitters arranges High Adventure youth group canoe trips for hundreds of Boy Scout troops, church youth groups, high school classes, and sport teams each summer into the northern tier of lakes through the Boundary Waters Canoe area of Minnesota and Quetico Park of Ontario Canada. Our files contain dozens of thank you letters from the satisfied adult leaders and youth members of these trips. Give us a call today so we can help you plan a trip of a lifetime! (We’ll do all the heavy lifting.)