Boundary Waters Outfitters

Discover the Boundary Waters with Premier Outfitting Since 1939

Boundary Waters Outfitters has been a trusted outfitter in Ely, Minnesota, providing unforgettable Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) adventures for over 80 years. Located just 7 miles outside Ely, this full-service outfitter sits on the edge of the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offering access to over a million acres of breathtaking wilderness, 1,500 miles of canoe routes, and 2,000 remote campsites.

Adventure Options

Boundary Waters Outfitters specializes in crafting unique wilderness experiences, whether you're looking for a guided adventure, a fishing trip, or a family getaway. They offer:

Fully Outfitted Canoe Trips: Includes premium gear, Kevlar canoes, and delicious backcountry meals.
Fishing Trips: Target bass, walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and more with expert guidance.
Guided Trips: Explore the BWCA with seasoned guides for fishing, wildlife viewing, camp cooking, and more.
Family-Friendly Packages: Perfect for creating lifelong memories in the great outdoors.
Non-Profit Group Trips: Discounts for scouts, schools, churches, and clubs.

For those with gear of their own, Boundary Waters Outfitters also offers partial outfitting and daily rentals to fill in any gaps.

Why Choose Boundary Waters Outfitters?

Location: Direct access to diverse and dynamic canoe routes from their docks.
Experience: Named a "50 Trips of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler.
High-Quality Gear: Featuring lightweight Kevlar canoes, durable camping equipment, and expertly packed meals.
Custom Planning: Their hands-on approach ensures every trip is tailored to your needs, from permits to route planning.

Plan Your Trip

Whether you’re looking for a short weekend paddle or a multi-day adventure, Boundary Waters Outfitters is here to help every step of the way. Their team will guide you through choosing the best routes, permits, and gear for your experience.

Partial Outfitting

Canoes (Daily Rate)

Kevlar Canoes: Tandem, 2-Person (42 lbs)
- Northstar B19 / We-no-nah Seneca: $49.00
Kevlar Canoes: Solo (36 lbs)
- Northstar NW17 / We-no-nah Spirit II: $40.00
Ultra-light Aluminum Canoes (64 lbs)
- Northstar NW Solo / We-no-nah Solo: $29.00

All canoe rentals include paddles & life jackets.

Equipment (Daily Rate)

Camp Chairs: $4.00
3 Person Tent: $16.00
4 Person Tent: $16.00
6 Person Tent: $16.00
Nylon Tarp/Dining Fly: $8.00
Portage Pack: $8.00
Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat: $5.00
Sleeping Bag – freshly laundered: $8.00
One-burner Stove (fuel extra): $4.50
Cook Kit w/ Utensils: $12.00
Griddle: $3.00
Saw: $3.50
Food – from our menu (per person): $55.00
Shower (per person): $5.00
Parking (per vehicle): $5.00

Kevlar Explorer Package

"Our Kevlar Explorer Package is the best of all we have...the lightest gear, fastest canoes, and all the creature comforts you need to make your Boundary Waters trip the best it can be."

Trip Length & Rates (Per Person)

3 Days: $400 (2-4 people), $385 (5-7 people), $370 (8+ people)
4 Days: $480 (2-4 people), $460 (5-7 people), $445 (8+ people)
5 Days: $560 (2-4 people), $550 (5-7 people), $540 (8+ people)
6 Days: $660 (2-4 people), $640 (5-7 people), $625 (8+ people)
7 Days: $740 (2-4 people), $720 (5-7 people), $700 (8+ people)
8 Days: $790 (2-4 people), $770 (5-7 people), $755 (8+ people)
9 Days: $875 (2-4 people), $855 (5-7 people), $840 (8+ people)
10+ Days: $100/day (2-4 people), $100/day (5-7 people), $92/day (8+ people)

Important Notes

Rates are per person.
Children 17 & under: Deduct 20%.
First and last days count as full days.
Discounts:
- Deduct $2 per person/per day if you bring your own sleeping bag.
- Deduct $3 per person/per day if you bring your own tent.

Fishing Add-On

For the ultimate fishing trip, add the Fishing Package to the Kevlar Explorer Package for $10 per person, per day.

Kevlar Explorer Package Includes

Traveling System

We-no-nah Kevlar Canoes with comfortable yokes
Bent-shaft paddles
MTI Life Jackets (vest type)
Granite Gear Portage Packs with adjustable straps
Crazy Creek Chairs for ultimate camp comfort

Personal & Miscellaneous Gear

50 feet of utility cord (light rope)
Toilet paper
Small roll of duct tape

Sleeping System

Big Agnes Blacktail 4 tents
Large superlight tarp/dining fly
Full-length self-inflating sleeping pads
NEMO Forte 20-degree sleeping bags
Granite Gear compression sacks

Kitchen Setup

Exclusive Lip-Smackin' Menu with fresh food
Ultra-light cook kit with utensils
One-burner stove with extra fuel
Optional griddle
Dish soap and scrubber
Collapsible water bucket
Rope for hanging food pack
Ultra-light aluminum folding saw

All Trips Include

Trip routing and detailed maps
Free parking in a private lot
Free showers after your trip
Continental breakfast the morning your trip begins

Ultra-Light Canoe Package

"Our Ultra-Light Canoe Package consists of incomparable lightweight gear complimented by a durable and stable lightweight canoe. This is one of, if not the most complete ultra-light packages on the market today."

Trip Length & Rates (Per Person)

3 Days: $360 (2-4 people), $345 (5-7 people), $330 (8+ people)
4 Days: $430 (2-4 people), $415 (5-7 people), $400 (8+ people)
5 Days: $510 (2-4 people), $500 (5-7 people), $490 (8+ people)
6 Days: $600 (2-4 people), $585 (5-7 people), $570 (8+ people)
7 Days: $670 (2-4 people), $655 (5-7 people), $640 (8+ people)
8 Days: $715 (2-4 people), $700 (5-7 people), $685 (8+ people)
9 Days: $790 (2-4 people), $775 (5-7 people), $760 (8+ people)
10+ Days: $87/day (2-4 people), $85/day (5-7 people), $83/day (8+ people)

Important Notes

Rates are per person.
Children 17 & under: Deduct 20%.
First and last days count as full days.
Discounts:
- Deduct $2 per person/per day if you bring your own sleeping bag.
- Deduct $3 per person/per day if you bring your own tent.

Canoe Upgrade

Upgrade to a We-no-nah Kevlar canoe for just $10 per person/per day.

Guided Canoe Trips

A Boundary Waters canoe trip is an exciting adventure, and to make the most of your time in the wilderness, it’s best to have an experienced guide. A guide adds invaluable elements to your trip, from navigating through canoe country to finding the best campsites, cooking delicious meals, and pointing out the hidden gems of the wilderness that are often missed. Whether you’re seeking fishing hotspots or simply want a deeper connection to the Boundary Waters, a guided trip will enhance your entire experience.

Guided Fishing Trips

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a top destination for anglers, offering some of the best fishing in North America. Enjoy a wilderness fishing adventure where the water is teeming with Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and the tastiest Walleye. With a guide, you'll find the right lakes, the best fishing spots, and improve your overall fishing success. Wake up to a steaming cup of coffee prepared by your guide, fish the morning away, and indulge in gourmet meals like Brown Sugar Baked Walleye or Fish Chowder by the campfire. A guided fishing trip ensures you get the most out of your Boundary Waters experience.

Fly Fishing Trips

For fly fishermen, the Boundary Waters has unique opportunities for topwater fly fishing. Target Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike with big flies, and be ready for action-packed days on the water. A 9-10ft, 8wt rod with a weight-forward line is recommended for the best fly fishing experience.

Guided Wilderness Trips

If fishing is only part of your adventure, a guided wilderness trip is ideal for exploring, relaxing, and experiencing the true beauty of the Boundary Waters. Your guide will assist with camp setup, prepare delicious meals over an open fire, and share insights into the area’s rich history and dramatic landscapes. You'll learn useful tips and tricks for canoeing and camping in the Northwoods, making a guided trip the best way to fully immerse yourself in the Boundary Waters.

Transportation

For certain trip routes, transportation to your starting or ending locations may be needed. These shuttles—whether by land, water, or air—will take you to or from your Boundary Waters entry and exit points. Below are the available shuttle services and their costs.

Land Transportation

Rates are one-way per group:

Gabbro Lake: $70.00
Lake One: $60.00
Snowbank Lake: $60.00
Moose Lake: $60.00
South Kawishiwi River: $70.00
Burntside Lake: $40.00
Wood Lake: $50.00
Fall Lake: $40.00
Mudro Lake: $70.00
Isabella Lake: $100.00
Indian Sioux: $100.00
Moose River North: $100.00

Water Transportation

Tow boat service (canoes transported on a rack above you). Rates are one-way per person with a 2-person minimum:

Ensign Lake: $50.00
Indian Portage: $50.00
Prairie Portage: $50.00
Washington Island: $110.00
Back Bay Portage: $140.00

Deposits and Payments

Deposits

A deposit of $250 per permitted group is required to secure your reservation.
Deposits cover the preparation and reservation of permits, camping fees, and trip logistics.

Payments

The remaining balance for your trip is due 7 days before your arrival.
Payments can be made using major credit cards or other accepted methods.

If you have any questions about deposits, payments, or preparing for your trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Book Your Adventure

Head out on the trip of a lifetime! Explore serene lakes, camp under the stars, and reconnect with nature in one of the most stunning wilderness areas in the U.S.

Ely, MN Outfitters