Boundary Waters Canoeing & Camping

Meet our canoeing companions this morning in Duluth, Minnesota. We transfer two hours to the Northwoods town of Ely, the "Canoe Capital of the World," our jumping off point for the week. Meet our guide for a full orientation including map review, packing and portaging. Check into our hotel and explore the town of Ely. Dinner tonight with our guide at an Ely restaurant. Dinner included.

Transfer: 2 hours.

The early mornings in the Boundary Waters are beautiful … often the plaintive sound of loons and a thin mist hang in the air. We generally get an early start to take advantage of the cool mornings and placid waters. During our journey we paddle on both small and large lakes, on quiet streams and along granite shorelines. We glide past white pine forests along the rocky shorelines of remote islands, always on the lookout for otters, beaver, mink and moose. In addition to the healthy mammal populations, there are over 200 bird species living in the Boundary Waters. Keep your binoculars handy for bald eagles, loons, herons, pileated woodpeckers and ruffed grouse.

Throughout our trip we will have several portages between lakes—our guides provide instruction for carefully lifting and carrying your canoe. After an exhilarating day on the water, we set up our campsite and have time to explore the woodlands. You may choose to sit back and relax, cool off with a refreshing swim or cast your line for walleye, bass and pike. Those wanting additional paddling later in the afternoon, or a stargazing paddle at night, will certainly have the opportunity. We gather in the evening for a delicious hot meal prepared by our guides, then relax around a campfire and listen for the howling of the timber wolf. All meals included.

Canoeing: 7-10 miles per day (4 to 6 hours) by canoeing and portaging on hiking trails that connect the waterbodies; Portages: Average about 5 per day and approximately ¼ mile-½ mile each with the potential for longer portages depending on route. If the weather and trip pacing provides, this may allow for one layover day at the same campsite for relaxing, swimming or fishing.

Note: Exact route is dependent on the permit we receive for the entry point.

A final day of paddling brings us to our take-out point. We transfer back to Ely and check into our hotel. Enjoy a hot shower before our final dinner together in town. Toast to our weeklong adventure in paradise and newfound friends. All meals included.

Canoeing: 3 to 4 hours depending on permitted exit point. Transfer: 30 minutes.

We say farewell to Ely and return to Duluth. Breakfast on own.

Transfer: 2 hours.