Ely Community Resource…helping make Ely a great place to grow up!
Our mission is to foster positive youth development through activities designed to increase self-esteem, build a sense of community, and provide positive adult relationships that allow effective interventions.
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.)
Bear Island Boats builds and sells handmade wood strip canoes that are functional works of art to honor the heritage of traditional boat building. Our functional works of art are made available to nonprofits at cost to serve as a funding model to support their organizations’ mission.
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.
From the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota, Widji is uniquely situated to provide access to some of the finest wilderness areas in North America. Four generations of young lives, spanning over eighty years, have been transformed by a Widjiwagan experience. Through wilderness travel and environmental learning experiences, they have built leadership skills, gained confidence and explored extraordinary listings.
Camp Widjiwagan offers programming for teens, ages 11–18.
Good things happen when a boy leaves home for camp. He gains independence and finds his own voice. Camp Voyageur fills a summer with sports, adventure and exploring the Boundary Waters with friends.
Questions? Comments? Just want to say hi? Reach out! We’d love to connect.
We are a small family-run resort with only nine cabins, so we specialize in the personal touch. We offer beautiful two and three-bedroom spacious log cabins overlooking Garden Lake. We invite you to enjoy the great outdoors, listen to the loons, soak up the scenery, spy on the wildlife, watch a beautiful sunset, and join us for a peaceful, relaxing vacation!
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!
Northern Tier is the Boy Scouts of America’s gateway to adventure in the Great Northwoods. In the summer, Scouts from Northern Tier’s three wilderness canoe bases explore millions of acres of pristine lakes, meandering rivers, dense forests and wetlands in Northern Minnesota, Northwest Ontario and Northeast Manitoba.
Come to Northern Tier for a whole new level of adventure, up north! From incredible canoe journeys to wild winter wilderness camping, Northern Tier promises the Scouting adventure of a lifetime in the Great North Woods of northern Minnesota and Canada.
Fenske Lake Resort Cabins is a secluded, peaceful vacation resort near Ely, MN just off the Echo Trail with true Northwoods charm – a perfect place for your vacation. Knotty pine cabins right on the water’s edge are surrounded by woods, wildlife, and nature.
You’re at the start of a nearly boundless adventure at the edge of the BWCA. At our three-season resort, you can sample good fishing on Fenske Lake or plan a wilderness day trip into adjoining canoe-only wilderness lakes where wildlife sightings are common. Savor quiet evenings by your campfire listening to the haunting call of the loons. Hiking trails, mountain biking, and several museums and unique shopping abound nearby, making this your perfect vacation getaway.
Contact us today to schedule your vacation in the Northwoods.