Been renting cabin for years. Entire family goes there. Bruce takes care of us at the cabin. It…read moreis quiet and easy assess to the lake. Great fishing. They also have camping spaces and RV spaces

My Boy Scout troop had an amazing experience in the Boundary Waters (June 2025) with the fantastic…read morehelp from Canoe Country Outfitters. From taking care of our permits, to preparing our gear, food, and everything, CCO was the best from start to finish. They made planning the trip so easy for my group. The food they provided us for 1 week in the Boundary Waters was great and easy to carry and prepare. At the end of our trip when one bag was left at the final portage, Brian took a boat back and found it for us. What amazing service and care! Thank you to the whole CCO team for organizing our trip.

With all the fires going on and the heatwave that came through, we decided to get out of the cabin…read moreand go explore the wolf center. The wolves get some sort of activity a couple times a day. At 4pm they called out overhead that there would be a demo. The wolves were presented with some treats and came out for viewing behind the glass of the auditorium. They have five wolves, only one is female and two of the wolves are brothers; all are neutered. We enjoyed the interactive museum- listening to wolf howls and touching pelts. They had some skulls of dogs to compare to the skull of a wolf. Wow. They explained wolf population decline and conservation efforts. There was even some Native American expressions of wolves. They have so many stuffed wolves in their exhibit- some are huge. There's a lot of history there- a lot to read. I would say this place serves adults and kids alike. The interactive part is good for the kids as well as seeing the live wolves. The adults can watch short clips and learn about wolves behavior and safety. The employees are very kind and answered my wolf questions. They have a gift shop with attire and many other wolf related items, as well as snacks and non alcoholic drinks. They have the local root beer in a can! They have ample parking (electric car charger available) and clean restrooms. Admission fees are reasonable. We spent about 1.5 hours there but you could easily spend more. I would recommend a visit here.

This is absolutely worth a stop if you're near Ely. It is so fun to see the wolves and talk to…read moreguides about all your wolf questions. People working here are very knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. The center and facilities are beautiful and well maintained. My only wish is that there was an outdoor viewing platform or area.

Ely Outfitting Company should be your only choice for any Boundary Waters Canoe Area adventure…read more I recently booked a fully outfitted, professionally guided trip through EOC, and every aspect was exceptional. The gear was top-of-the-line, well-maintained, and spotlessly clean--tents, sleeping bags, pillows, all of it! The food was plentiful, delicious, and offered a surprising variety for a backcountry trip. What truly sets EOC apart, though, is the people. Amy in the office was kind, responsive, and efficient--before, during, and after our trip. The outfitting team that got us set up and checked us in afterward was equally friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. And then there's our guide, Dave Freeman. I expected a skilled and experienced leader when I heard he was a National Geographic Explorer of the Year--but that title alone doesn't capture how perfect he was for our family. This trip was a memorial journey to honor our dad, and we had some very specific hopes for the experience. Dave truly listened and helped us make every part of it meaningful. He kept us safe, made it fun, and became part of our family along the way... even if he does cheat at Uno. Ely Outfitting Company--and especially Dave Freeman--are the absolute best in the BWCA. I wouldn't go with anyone else.

We rented a canoe from here just for a day trip. We had never portaged a canoe before or tied one…read moredown to the car. The staff were so friendly and helpful. They went through every piece of information making sure we knew where we were going to helping us practice portaging. We had a blast out on the water and when we came back we immediately had several friendly staff asking us all about our short trip and helping get all the equipment put away. Would highly recommend!

Well maintained, super friendly owners, and fun MN themed course. Ice cream, sodas and t-shirts in…read morethe shop. Clean bathroom. We will be back!

This was about forced family fun time. We were on a weekend get away with our teenager. The course…read morewas clean and staff were nice. We laughed, we had fun, and we'd return again!

YEAR AFTER YEAR...it keeps getting better!!!…read more I discovered the Vermillion Dam Lodge though a fishing guide and absolutely love it! Owner Ed and his right hand man Marty run an incredible operation accommodating hard core fishermen as myself, families and visitors from all over the world. They host fishing seminars and group events as well. The lake is one of the best small mouth bass, walleye and MUSKY fisheries on the planet. The rooms are very comfortable; everything on the property is tidy and well maintained. VDL is mobility challenged and dog friendly to top it off. World class fishing, friendly staff, gorgeous scenery with eagles literally flying overhead - WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE???

Twenty six family members descended on VDL on an August Saturday for a week stay. We had several…read morecabins of various sizes to meet the needs of grandparents and young cousins from 5 years on up. We had decided to have the resort provide dinner on our arrival after a long drive. It was delicious. The rest of the time we shared cooking details at one of the larger houses. Kitchens are pretty complete for most fare and the Lodge provides some special needs like large serving platters for big meals. We were blessed with mostly nice summer weather. We hired a variety of boats which got most of us out on the water several days. Boats were clean and well maintained. Climax day was two pontoon boats and a speedboat to pull tube rides. We didn't have many experienced fishermen or women. One couple hired a guide one morning which scored a bunch of delicious small walleye. But more important, our guide tried several spots in different parts of the lake and gave us a rewarding tour and understanding of the entire lakes system. For others there were two golf outings at different courses. A rainy day sent some to International Falls and a boat tour of Rainy lake. Others went the other direction to Ely and wildlife. So a modest drive provides some alternatives. But for the most part the resort provides a wide range of activities right on the lake and the property. A real bonus is the resort staff who were always friendly and helpful, a real reason to come back another time.

All 4 of us had a great experience at Snowbank Lodge & Outfitters. Staff was very friendly and…read morehelpful with our questions and outfitting requests. We'd definitely return!

Such a relaxing, quiet place to stay. We stayed in cabin #7 and enjoyed the sounds of the loons,…read moreSpring peepers, chorus frogs and more at the lake each night. The house has 2 bedrooms with a dbl and twin bed in each. Appreciated the community bonfire pit, BBQ Grills and dog friendly grounds. The house has pretty much all you need except your own food, drink, towels and soap. Bring your own bottled water if you don't like well water. Ron, Julie and all the staff here are so accommodating, friendly and go out of their way to please guests. Also were given a canoe for use while there. Very nice! A couple good hikes nearby, within driving distance at Kawishiwi Falls, Secret and Blackstone Lake.

The premier camp of the YMCA adventure camps. They have the largest fleet of wood canoes in the…read moreworld (at least the last time I checked). The camp is right on Burnside Lake and in the wilderness tripping world, they are viewed as the "Keepers of the Boundary Waters." They get 12 year old kids to do things that NOLS and Outward Bound can't get 18 year olds to do. After two weeks in the wilderness they'll have canoe loads of character, know few John Prine songs by heart, and be able to carry a wooden water logged canoe 100 rods. It's a great place with a fabulous tradition. If you want a wilderness tripping experience for your children, look in to this place. But be aware reservations start months in advance.

Youth/Young adults., learning experience of the outdoor…read moreattitudes. Experienced Older Youth and Adults teaching them skills of Outdoor living, Skills of Cooking and living and enjoying the sports that it offers.

We found Voyageur North via yellow pages years ago. We've been coming back every few years…read morewithout even checking other outfitters. The new owner maintains the torch-of-excellence. It has to be 25+ years and 2023 was my 7th trip. Every single trip has been spectacular in one way or another, from newsworthy storms to unprecedented heat and cold and wind and even the good weather. here are a few pointers: * Voyageur North are authentic. They're not wearing $80.00 tshirts that say outdoors. The whole crew is out in the BWCA every free minute. Look at their hands. * Decide and work with them on the trip YOU want and they'll make it great. Go full Monty with food or just take ride service. Rent some extra stuff if needed. They'll do it. Summer trips can vary from expedition treks to relaxing base camping to fishing to all else. Example. If you're a cooler, hammock and inflatable toy camper, pick base camp and day trip. We are remote types so they helped us streamline the pack and find a lake for ourselves. * They won't upsell anything. If you need something you might need to ask. * Let them help pick the right permit. Call in winter to make summer plans to get better choice. Popular permits might not be what you need for your trip. * If you're a good fisher, then bonus. You're in good hands. They will do that expert fishermen-talking-codeword stuff. We are amateurs. I followed their expert advanced PhD instructions to capture a giant toothy flapping trophy fish on a pointy, very pointy lure - out of my league. now I know. my bad, not theirs. fish lived thank goodness. My fingers will heal. *these folks are not nags. Follow the rules to keep BWCA weird, rare and beautiful. HOPE THIS HELPS R.

Absolute BEST outfitter in Ely, they take care of you completely, any issues, they will fix them…read more!!!! H I G H L Y recommend for any and ALL your outfitting needs in the BWCAW!!!