List · 7 things to do
The Boundary Waters, your first trip
Ely · Minnesota, United States 🇺🇸
A million acres of lakes, no motors, no roads. Reserve a permit, rent from an outfitter in Ely, and learn to portage before you need to.
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Reserve your entry permit
They open in January and the popular entry points go fast.
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The International Wolf Center
In Ely. See the ambassador wolves before you go looking for tracks.
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Rent a Kevlar canoe from an Ely outfitter
Forty-two pounds is a lot less than seventy on a long portage.
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Enter at Moose Lake
Moose Lake entry point
Entry point 25: easy lakes, short portages, a good first trip.
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Your first portage
Canoe on your shoulders, pack on your back, one rod at a time.
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Loons at dusk
Just listen.
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A sunrise paddle on a flat-calm lake
Out before the wind comes up.