NORTH COUNTRY CANOE OUTFITTERS
Your go-to BWCA outfitter for canoe trips in Ely, Minnesota since 1984
Plan your Boundary Waters or Quetico canoe trip with everything you need handled for you by one of Ely’s leading outfitters—from quality canoes and gear to excellent trail food and personalized trip planning tailored to your experience, route, and group. Start from our convenient lakeside base just outside town, or let us take you directly to your entry point by van or towboat, with support and guidance to help your trip run smoothly from start to finish. Share your dates and a few details, and receive our in-depth 42-page brochure to begin planning your trip.
In addition to outfitting private groups of all ages and skill levels, North Country Canoe Outfitters specializes in classic High Adventure trips for youth organizations. Each summer, we assist Scout troops, church groups, and high school classes and teams in exploring the pristine border lakes of Minnesota and Ontario. We’ve received numerous letters of appreciation from both private party participants, and group leaders who’ve enjoyed memorable, life-changing trips. Contact us today to start planning your canoe adventure of a lifetime—we’ll take care of the logistics so you can fully enjoy your wilderness journey.
How can we help you?
We are experts on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and Quetico Park, canoe trips, canoe camping, outfitting, canoeing, fishing, routes, entry points and group camping trips.
As experienced Boundary Waters Outfitters, we plan your routes, provide all the best gear and equipment, and load you up with delicious food for the best trip of your life.
BWCA history, weather, plants and animals, what to bring, fire information, rules and regulations, how to choose a campsite, best routes, and more...
We arrange High Adventure youth group canoe trips for hundreds of Boy Scout troops, church youth groups, high school classes, and sport teams each summer.
BWCA Fishing tips for walleye, trout, northern pike, lake trout, small mouth bass, and panfish.
We want to hear from you. Call 218-365-5581 or fill out our contact form so we can send you a brochure.
TRAVEL BLOG
Here are some articles from our blog about canoe trips in the Boundary Waters
When Should I Visit Ely, Minnesota and the BWCA?
Well, it depends on why you would be coming. Do you like to fish? View our Peak Fishing the BWCA and Quetico Park chart. Is viewing wildlife what you [...]
Boundary Waters & Quetico Park Peak Fishing Chart
Here is a chart that shows the best times to catch the various species of fish in the Boundary Waters / Quetico area.
Last Night on the Trail
Mike Fossum: Troop 1598 Four-time canoe trip leader with North Country Canoe Outfitters As a youth, I enjoyed BSA’s high adventure programs as the ultimate adventures where we had [...]
St. Cloud Times: Here’s what you should ask a Boundary Waters outfitter
Here's what you should ask a Boundary Waters outfitter By Ann Wessel St. Cloud Times May 29, 2015 Choosing a Boundary Waters Canoe Area [...]
Additions to Our Canoe Outfitting Packages
Here are some additions and changes we've made to our outfitting line-up in recent years. While all of the offerings are detailed in our brochure, we'll give you a [...]
The Chicago Tribune – The Trip North: Doing it the right way
By John Husar We were heading to the airport from a five-day sojourn in the U.S. - Canadian boundary wilderness when I asked our outfitter for tips. Not for [...]
Fly-Fishing through Mid-Life Crisis
By Howell Raines Chapter Three (Excerpt) Sometimes we need to be close to the earth and feel its true age and contemplate its real history. We need to contemplate, [...]













