More than 85 years ago, the National Automotive Parts Association (“NAPA”) was created to meet America’s growing need for an effective auto parts distribution system. Today, 91% of do-it-yourself customers recognize the NAPA brand name.
We are enablers of nostalgia. Whether your pastime is downhill sledding, family time at the cabin, winter camping, ice fishing, or doing traditional work on the land, we craft the finest toboggan sleds still available.
Our designs reflect the time-tested traditions of the first people in Northern Canada. Following processes handed down to our craftsman from his mentor, who was taught from his mentor before him, the 150+ techniques we embrace consistently produce sleds that last generations.
Our sleds are hand-crafted, and our design reflects the time-tested traditions of the first people in Northern Canada. Our sleds have endured the punishment of daily use in the northern wilderness by those who choose to create their own trails.
Don’t settle for less than the best. Own an heirloom, and start your own enduring traditions.
The North American Bear Center is the only black bear and wildlife educational facility of its kind. Dedicated to replacing old myths with facts, it lets people learn from the bears themselves about bear behavior, ecology, and their relations with humans.
Great things await you inside! Whether you visit us in Ely or here on our website, we hope your time with us gives you a better understanding of the world of black bears.
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies entirely on the support of visitors, merchandise sales and people like you. We do not receive any state or federal funding. Help support our mission.
Sundog Sport, more familiar to some as Kondos Outdoors, was born in Ely in 1980, while Dan and Vicki Kondos were active in the mushing sport and saw a need for quality, dependable mushing equipment. With a roll of fabric, some thread, and the determination to craft the best gear, Dan and Vicki Kondos started Kondos Outdoors. For 35 years, Kondos developed the gear that has been tested on the Iditarod, the Scandinavian Arctic, and races worldwide.
In 2015, I took on the task of carrying that legacy forward. I grew up venturing into the Boundary Waters from age three and spent much of my formative years exploring the Ely wilderness. In 2017, I married my wife, Corissa, who had been guiding BWCA trips for seven years and has been the director of Rock Ridge Christian Camp since 2015. We enjoy being able to take our personal experiences and knowledge and incorporate that into how we design and build products for Sundog Sport.
By bringing in state-of-the-art cutting and sewing equipment, implementing continuous improvement philosophies, researching the best materials, and having a 1.4 million acre test lab to vet our products, we strive to craft for you the toughest gear that will last you and the next generation a lifetime.
From our families to yours,
Michael and Corissa Larson
Shop online for: Dog Harnesses, Dog Booties, Dog Jackets and Gear, Dog Sled Equipment, Collars and Leashes, and Joring gear!
The Gnarly Varulfr is Ely’s gnarliest leisure shop featuring skateboards, skate gear, incense, clothes, shades, hats, bags, an art gallery, vinyl, camp gear, and more. Stop in an learn about the Legend of Gnarly Varulfr!
Ely may be the Canoe Capitol of the World but it also has the world’s finest sausages!
Zup’s was founded on family tradition, the spirit still lives within the organization. The friendly greetings, the welcoming smiles and always an extended hand of help. The Zup’s family would like to invite you to join us, shop a bit, try a few new items, we are sure you will be delighted with what you find and taste.
“We, at Zup’s, have no doubt you will be completely satisfied, and all of our products are unconditionally guaranteed”
Since 1973 Henry’s Shoe Repair has been supplying hand-made quality outdoor gear for Loggers, Trappers, Mushers and Miners that stands up to the rigors of outdoor work and lasts for years, not just a season!
All products are guarantee to be the most durable, practical, finest quality available.
We specialize in:
Moosehide Chopper Mittens
Work Gloves
Copper Riveted Moosehide Belts
Custom made Kilt Belts
Handmade Leather Wallets and Checkbook Covers
Custom Dog Collars
Open Weekends, some Holidays and by Appointment
Northern Expressions is a combination ice cream parlor and gift shop in downtown Ely. Try to choose from among the many flavors in the freezer case and then go for a homemade waffle cone, or skip the cone part altogether and opt for a highly rated root beer float. A local favorite.
Canadian Waters is ideally located in Ely, MN to take advantage of all BWCAW and Quetico Provincial Park canoe trip entry points. Select one of the canoe trips from our many alternative canoe trip routes in the Boundary Waters and Quetico. We include free transportation with all of our complete canoe outfitting and fly-in canoe trip packages.
Portage North and Sundog Sport, formerly Kondos Outdoors, was born in Ely, in 1980 out of a need of the outfitters to have gear that could withstand the rigors of being on trail all season long. With a roll of fabric, some thread, and the determination to craft the best gear, began the course for the next 40 years.
I grew up venturing into the Boundary Waters from age three and spent much of my formative years exploring the Ely wilderness. In 2017, I married my wife, Corissa, who had been guiding BWCA trips for seven years and has been the director of Rock Ridge Christian Camp since 2015. We enjoy being able to take our personal experiences and knowledge and incorporate that into how we design and build products for Sundog Sport.
By bringing in state-of-the-art cutting and sewing equipment, implementing continuous improvement philosophies, researching the best materials, and having a 1.4 million acre test lab to vet our products, we strive to craft for you the toughest gear that will last you and the next generation a lifetime.
