We put Remote Within Reach for you! You will encounter an active outdoor experience on the edge of the wilderness. We provide this experience from our exceptional location on Snowbank Lake located on the edge of the world famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) near Ely, Minnesota.
We provide northern Minnesota quality fishing, ice fishing, outfitting, dog sledding, hunting, hiking and other outdoor activities make your time on the edge of the wilderness remarkably unforgettable. We put remote within reach by providing an accessible and affordable destination on the brink of America’s true wilderness.
Our promise to you is simple: we will not leave a mint on your pillow, make swans from bath towels, nor provide a hot yoga room. We will, however, provide clean cabins, a responsive staff, quality equipment, and an abundance of spectacular Northern Minnesota outdoor adventures putting remote within reach for 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.
On any of a number of Ely area lakes, we pursue a variety of species, both winter and summer. Lake trout, trophy pike, bass, walleyes and panfish are all on the menu.
We fish out in the open in winter, as weather allows, but also fish out of heated portable hub shelters for client comfort, and in cold weather those shelters are set up in advance, so there’s no lingering outside in harsh temperatures.
Lake trout, particularly in winter, are the most aggressive fish we’ve ever pursued through the ice. They will fly up and down the whole water column in pursuit of lures, and are strong and relentless fighters. There are crappies over 14″, pike over 40″ (with the largest so far 46.5″), and walleyes to 10 lbs.
Summer rates are $350/full day and $250/half day for up to two anglers, with $50 for each additional angler.
Winter rates are the same, except, because the days are short, only full day trips are offered.
In all seasons, I provide all gear, so all clients need to bring is licenses and whatever they want to eat, drink and wear.
Take advantage of 40 years of fishing experience and 25 years of teaching experience. Come on up and have the trip of a lifetime on some of the most beautiful lakes in the boreal forest.
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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.)
Women’s Wilderness Discovery provides year-round, fully-outfitted and guided Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) canoe camping, hike camping, day canoe & kayak treks, day hikes, and “warm tent” winter camping and/or quinzhee (build a snow hut) camping by snowshoe or ski trek, and day snowshoe hikes or cross-country ski treks especially for women.
We provide a safe, positive model for women and girls to enrich their lives through the wilderness experience and outdoor adventure. A fully outfitted/guided wilderness experience emphasizing teamwork can build confidence, strengthen courage, and cultivate leadership qualities in women and girls. Teaching respect for the land and the gear used in wilderness travel is inherent to the wilderness ethic “Leave No Trace.”
Experience the silent and beautiful world of winter in Northern Minnesota and the thrill of dog sledding with White Wolf Dog Sled Outfitters.
Dog sledding is one of the fastest growing sports today. Its popularity has been spurred on by what is known as “The Last Great Race”, The Iditarod, which has received national media attention to a greater degree every year.
The beautiful, smiling, eager sled dogs have won the hearts of many people. The appeal of dog sledding is universal and it’s an experience that leaves you with a desire to come back and do it all over again. For some, it even becomes an obsession and eventually leads to pursuing it more seriously.
Whatever your reason for seeking more information, we encourage you to study our online brochure and then contact us so that we can personally give you more information about our trips, or just to chat about this wonderful way to experience the beauty of winter from atop the runners of a sled powered by an eager team of sled dogs.
Whether your interest lies in landing giant northern pike, massive lake trout or what is the much revered and sought after, walleye, Ely has it all. And THE place to begin your quest is Babes Bait and Tackle. Babes has been in the same location for over 30 years, one of the oldest fishing landmarks in the region. Fishermen from all over the country and beyond pass through the doors of Babes locally known as “the best little bait shop in Ely”.
At Ely Outfitting Company and Boundary Waters Guide Service, sharing the wilderness is our passion. We are committed to ensuring you and your friends and family have the best possible Boundary Waters canoe trip!
Our friendly, trail-wise staff provide personalized canoe trip outfitting, expert advice, and quality guided trips so that families and friends of all backgrounds and experience levels may enjoy the rejuvenating spirit of the outdoors in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park.
Kawishiwi Lodge & Lake On-Ely Outfitters in Ely, MN provides easy on-site BWCA canoe renting, canoe outfitting, and lodging for those who want a truly peaceful wilderness experience that avoids the hassle of renting in town.
We invite you to join us for your next Boundary Waters canoe vacation – our tranquil setting, customized BWCA canoe outfitting packages, personalized service (from Frank, Jake & Brent), and competitive outfitting rates will become part of an unsurpassable Boundary Waters vacation experience. We regularly hear from our guests that we are the best Ely-area outfitters and provide the best BWCA canoe trips, best wilderness experience, or even the best vacation they’ve ever had! Many of them return again and again
A Canoe Trip in the Boundary Waters is an amazing adventure that you’ll want to take full advantage of. Don’t let the planning and paperwork get in the way of this picturesque vacation. Let Williams and Hall take care of the details and we’ll leave the fun to you! Please feel free to contact us anytime with questions. We usually return your call or email within 24 hours.
At Williams and Hall we want to help customize a plan that best suits your canoe adventure. We’ll secure the permits you need and answer your questions about the Boundary Waters or Quetico. We’ve assembled a team of experts with years of wilderness experience to help you navigate the Boundary Waters wilderness and give you a lifetime of wonderful memories.
