Canoe Country Outfitters is conveniently located in downtown Ely, plus we maintain a private canoe base on Moose Lake (20 miles east of Ely). From these two locations we are able to quickly service all area trip starting points. We have outfitted more people and have been under the same family management longer than any other outfitter, so no one can match our experience and knowledge of the area.
Entry permits are required to travel through this area and we’ll make the application in your behalf. These permits are very limited, so early planning is a must.
A colored brochure, rates, and free map will be sent upon request. We look forward to assisting you in setting up a trip!
We are a small family business that started in north west Iowa that it is now located on the iron range of northern Minnesota, in the little town of Ely. Our background was in agriculture with a love of the outdoors and old styled craftsmanship. Working in blacksmithing, fine woodworking, and leather, leather soon became our medium of choice.
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.
Join us and be apart of a healthy, positive environment for individuals and families. Try training for sports you always wished you had tried, or train intensely for the sport you are currently in. Focusing on Cross Training, Core Strength Training, Calisthenics and TRX.
24 HOUR ACCESS FOR MEMBERS
Kekekabic Studios has extensive experience in Art Glass Creation and Restoration. Rosemary Shepherd and John Bowe are craftspeople living and working in Ely, Minnesota. Stained glass creation, restoration, and fine woodworking have been their life’s passions.
They learned their craft through traditional studio apprenticeships and hands-on training.
They have done work all over the country and have been fortunate to have restored some very significant windows. Some examples that stand out are “The Gift of the Magi” by Maitland Armstrong, Faith Chapel, Jekyll Island, Georgia, and The Fox Memorial Window, by Louis C. Tiffany, Kelsey Museum, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Kekekabic Studios is the culmination of their 30+ years in the stained glass business. Their love of the wilderness brought them from Michigan to northeastern Minnesota, where they have relocated and set up their showroom and workshop on Chapman Street in beautiful downtown Ely, Minnesota.
When they aren’t busy in their workshop, you will find them exploring this extraordinary place: hiking, camping, and occasionally paddling out to their favorite, Kekekabic Lake (and the namesake of the business), in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Established in 2000‚ and based in Ely‚ Minnesota at the edge of The Boundary Waters Wilderness Area‚ our record label, Spiritwood Music, was formed to produce acoustic music that is still pure and true and always respectful of its roots (which are as diverse as you can get). American roots music blends styles and rhythms and traditions from around the world – a great patchwork quilt of sound. And just like the components of a hand-made quilt‚ all the pieces of this sound vary as much as the people and scenery of our country – but they join together to create something warm and wonderful that covers us all. Spiritwood Music is America’s music…the sound of where we came from‚ where we are going‚ and who we are….
P.O. Box 179 3828 S. HWY 169
Ely, MN 55731
From Carhartt work wear and Viking rain gear to products from Johnson Woolen Mills and footwear from Redwing and New Balance, Ely Surplus and Outdoor offers a huge selection of outdoor goods at a reasonable price. Not only that, but we carry a great selection of army and navy surplus goods as well. Whether you’re looking for camping gear or work wear, active wear or a souvenir from your trip to the BWCAW, Ely Surplus and Outdoor will provide you with exactly what you need. Please take a moment to browse our Website and discover all we have to offer. It’s our promise to you that you will receive your order promptly and safely and be fully satisfied.
Family-owned retailer and manufacturer specializing in outdoor apparel such as coats, jackets, tops, pants & shorts for all ages.
“Our mission is to design and make quality outdoor clothing inspired by Minnesota’s Boundary Waters and other wild places. We strive to build community by relying on local labor, paying livable wages and giving generously. We design, cut and sew all of our clothing right on the main street of Ely, MN.”
Please see our website for more information, product selection and updated hours!
Ely’s Premier Therapeutic Massage, Spa and Wellness Experience.
We carry a variety of green and environmentally friendly gifts including handmade pottery, bamboo frames and cutting boards, unique jewelry, organic cotton socks and T-shirts, baskets, natural body & beauty products, luxurious soaps and so much more.
We will be happy to assist you to find the perfect gift for that special person in your life. Gift certificates are available!
Massage & Spa Hours are available by appointment only Monday thru Saturday.
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”