Spirit of the Wilderness is a family owned business. Steve, Kathy and Ginny offer you the expertise and enthusiasm that comes with over 30 years of canoeing and outfitting in the BWCA and Quetico. Our reputation, quality equipment, and educational approach to outfitting are some of the reasons people give for booking our services. We’ve introduced many folks to their first taste of the Northwoods – and watched as they develop skills to go it alone – but they keep using our services, year after year. We invite you to explore the BWCA or Quetico and allow Spirit of the Wilderness to outfit your needs. Visit our website for more information on Canoe Rentals, Guided Trips, Live Bait, Tackle & Gear.

Portage North, formerly Kondos Outdoors was born in Ely in 1980 out of a need from outfitters requiring gear that could withstand the rigors of being on trail all season long. With a roll of fabric, some thread, and the determination of crafting the best gear, Dan and Vicki Kondos started Kondos Outdoors. For 35 years, Kondos developed the gear we all have come to love and depend on for making our wilderness experiences successful. In 2015, I took on the task of carrying that legacy forward. I grew up venturing into the Boundary Waters from the age of 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 is the director of Rock Ridge Christian Camp since 2015. We enjoy being able to take our personal experiences and knowledge and incorporatethat into how we design and build products for Portage North and share the wilderness experience with others. 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: Packs, Camp Kitchens, Camp Organization, Canoe Gear, Tarps & Tents, Totes, and Commuter packs & bags.

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!

Welcome to KJs Hardware in Ely, MN! We’re your friendly neighborhood hardware store, locally owned, and proud to be part of the True Value family. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or embarking on your first DIY project, we’re here to support you every step of the way. From expert advice to top-notch tools and products, we have everything you need to tackle any job. Swing by KJ’s Hardware today, and let us help you make your projects a breeze!

Vintage and modern kitchen gadgets for foodies, home cooks, people who love to cook, and people who love to eat. Bakeware, cutlery, cabin-ware, and more. It’s a new store every week! If you’re visiting Ely this store is a must see!

Welcome to Ely Outdoors Company in Ely Minnesota! Your gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the Superior National Forest. We are a family operated business that is passionate about the BWCAW, Quetico Park, and the Ely, MN area. Our desire to create customized canoe adventures makes every canoe trip very unique. We offer a variety of specialized canoe trips that will match your expectations, skill level, and time available for a canoe trip. Feel free to give us a call and learn more about our services and our dedication to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

10 DAYS OF CELEBRATING WINTER! The Ely Winter Festival is 10 days in February celebrating winter. Activities include the amazing snow carvings in the Park, along with the Ely ArtWalk and other events. Our Headquarters is Northern Grounds at Central Ave and Sheridan St in Ely where you can purchase Festival pins and T-shirts. The Festival hotline is (218)365-7669 (365-SNOW) The Ely Winter Festival is made possible by donations from people like you. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit and deeply appreciate your gifts!