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Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoeing Tour

Lush Pine Forests & Pristine Lakes


Paddle through the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: over a million acres of glacial lakes, dense pine forests, and rugged portage trails in northeastern Minnesota. This classic paddling adventure follows historic canoe routes once used by Indigenous people, including the Dakotah and Anishinaabe, and later by early French explorers, trappers, and prospectors. Drift away from the frenzy and bustle of daily life, camp beside pristine lakes, listen for loons and timber wolves, and disconnect completely. Paddle and portage lake to lake on a canoe camping journey that offers a rare chance to explore one of America's most unspoiled landscapes by water, with each stroke revealing new beauty and solitude.

7 Days • 6 Nights

Paddle through the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: over a million acres of glacial lakes, dense pine forests, and rugged portage trails in northeastern Minnesota. This classic paddling adventure follows historic canoe routes once used by Indigenous people, including the Dakotah and Anishinaabe, and later by early French explorers, trappers, and prospectors. Drift away from the frenzy and bustle of daily life, camp beside pristine lakes, listen for loons and timber wolves, and disconnect completely. Paddle and portage lake to lake on a canoe camping journey that offers a rare chance to explore one of America's most unspoiled landscapes by water, with each stroke revealing new beauty and solitude.

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Canoe pristine lakes and burbling streams in the vast wilderness of the Boundary Waters

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Look for moose, bald eagles, beavers, and other wildlife as you paddle along forested shores

[Description] => Look for moose, bald eagles, beavers, and other wildlife as you paddle along forested shores [Image] => [VideoLink] => ) [2] => Array ( [DisplayOrder] => 3 [HighlightText] =>

Camp in true wilderness under starry skies with hearty meals prepared by your expert guides

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Highlights


  • Canoe pristine lakes and burbling streams in the vast wilderness of the Boundary Waters
  • Look for moose, bald eagles, beavers, and other wildlife as you paddle along forested shores
  • Camp in true wilderness under starry skies with hearty meals prepared by your expert guides

Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoeing

Start: Duluth, Minnesota  End: Duluth, Minnesota

Itinerary


  • Arrive in Duluth, Minnesota and transfer to Ely

    Day 1

    Arrive in Duluth, Minnesota and meet your fellow adventurers this afternoon before heading north to Ely, known as the "Canoe Capital of the World." After a scenic two-hour drive, settle into your cozy hotel and get oriented with your guide—review maps, go over gear and portaging techniques, and prepare for your upcoming time in the wilderness. This evening, explore Ely's charming downtown and enjoy dinner with your guide at a local restaurant.

    Accommodation: Grand Ely Lodge

    Transportation: 2 hours private van transfer

    Meals: Dinner

  • Canoe in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

    Days 2-6

    Mornings in the Boundary waters begin in quiet splendor, with the plaintive call of loons and a thin mist on the lake. Setting out early, glide past white pine forests along granite shorelines, navigating large and small lakes and quiet streams, always on the lookout for otters, beaver, mink, and moose. Keep your binoculars handy for bald eagles, loons, herons, pileated woodpeckers, and ruffed grouse too. Your guides will give helpful instruction during porterage between lakes. After camp is set up, your adventure continues with opportunities to explore the woodlands, swim, fish for walleye or pike, or get more paddling time in. When weather and pacing permit, you'll enjoy a free day at camp to relax and enjoy lakeside activities. Gather in the evenings for delicious hot meals prepared by your guides and relaxing around the campfire. You may even choose to cap off your day with a stargazing paddle under inky skies!

    Accommodation: MT Sobek Wilderness Camp, Boundary Waters

    Activity: 3-4 hours hours/7-10 miles canoeing and portaging daily

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Paddle Out of the Boundary Waters & Return to Ely

    Day 7

    A final morning on the water brings you to the take-out point, where you trade paddles for a scenic transfer back to Ely, returning to civilization. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a well-earned hot shower before gathering for a celebratory farewell dinner in town. Raise a glass to a week of wilderness adventure and the friendships forged along the way.

    Accommodation: Grand Ely Lodge

    Activity: 3-4 hours/7-10 miles canoeing

    Transportation: 30 minute private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Return to Duluth & Depart

    Day 8

    Choose a local restaurant for breakfast on your own and take a last look at Ely before transferring to Duluth. Leave with lasting memories of wild waters, starry nights, and new experiences in the heart of the Boundary Waters.

Why Travel With Us?


  • Conservation is a core value at MT Sobek, and allows us to operate trips in protected national parks and wilderness areas.

  • MT Sobek takes care of camping permits, logistics, and guides, so you can focus on enjoying your Boundary Waters canoe trip.

  • Our expert guides provide helpful hints, techniques and paddling tips, plus knowledge on terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and local history.

Know Before You Book


On this trip, you'll camp in a primitive, protected wilderness area, observing “Leave No Trace” minimum impact practices for the disposal of waste. Sufficient upper body strength to support full days of paddling and portaging canoes and equipment is essential to your successful completion of this trip.

Dates & Prices


  • 2026
  • Go Custom
  • Inclusions

2026

Scheduled Dates


Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.

Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure


Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.

When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.

*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.

Start Planning

Inclusions

Price Includes


  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include


  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert


800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Your Guides


The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Local Tour Guide .

Local Tour Guide .

We work with only the most experienced and knowledgeable local guides on our trips. You will be in excellent hands with a fully licensed and accredited local guide who will share their expertise in everything from history and architecture, to culture and traditions, the best local cuisine, activities and crafts, or even shopping. Local guides live, breathe, and love their trips because as locals they are an integral part of their communities. Their connections run deep and pride in their piece of the world is contagious.

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Arrive in Duluth, Minnesota and meet your fellow adventurers this afternoon before heading north to Ely, known as the \"Canoe Capital of the World.\" After a scenic two-hour drive, settle into your cozy hotel and get oriented with your guide—review maps, go over gear and portaging techniques, and prepare for your upcoming time in the wilderness. This evening, explore Ely\'s charming downtown and enjoy dinner with your guide at a local restaurant.

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Mornings in the Boundary waters begin in quiet splendor, with the plaintive call of loons and a thin mist on the lake. Setting out early, glide past white pine forests along granite shorelines, navigating large and small lakes and quiet streams, always on the lookout for otters, beaver, mink, and moose. Keep your binoculars handy for bald eagles, loons, herons, pileated woodpeckers, and ruffed grouse too. Your guides will give helpful instruction during porterage between lakes. After camp is set up, your adventure continues with opportunities to explore the woodlands, swim, fish for walleye or pike, or get more paddling time in. When weather and pacing permit, you\'ll enjoy a free day at camp to relax and enjoy lakeside activities. Gather in the evenings for delicious hot meals prepared by your guides and relaxing around the campfire. You may even choose to cap off your day with a stargazing paddle under inky skies!

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A final morning on the water brings you to the take-out point, where you trade paddles for a scenic transfer back to Ely, returning to civilization. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a well-earned hot shower before gathering for a celebratory farewell dinner in town. Raise a glass to a week of wilderness adventure and the friendships forged along the way.

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Choose a local restaurant for breakfast on your own and take a last look at Ely before transferring to Duluth. Leave with lasting memories of wild waters, starry nights, and new experiences in the heart of the Boundary Waters.

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Activity Level


This trip is rated activity level 3. Guests should be prepared to canoe 3-4 hours per day in typically flat water, with mileage from 7 to 10 miles daily. You should be comfortable canoeing on lakes and rivers in both calm and choppy conditions at a pace of 2 mph over consecutive days. In addition to paddling miles, you will be portaging on .25-1 mile hiking trails that connect waterbodies.
Learn more about activity levels here.

Activity Snapshot

Day 2

3-4 hours hours/7-10 miles canoeing and portaging daily

Day 7

3-4 hours/7-10 miles canoeing

*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.

Accommodations


Start and end your trip with a comfortable hotel, spend four nights back-country camping.

MT Sobek Wilderness Camp, Boundary Waters
MT Sobek Wilderness Camp, Boundary Waters

Deep in the wilderness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, our campsites are nestled amidst pristine lakes, dense forests, and rocky shores, each offering a rugged yet tranquil retreat in untouched nature. Your camp serves as a base for further exploration of the rich ecosystems of this protected area. Swim, paddle, hike, or relax along the lake shore each evening after an exhilarating day of paddling.

Grand Ely Lodge
Grand Ely Lodge

Sitting on the shores of Shagawa Lake and bordered by the Superior National Forest, Grand Ely Lodge is a classic Northwoods stay in the heart of canoe country. Rustic lodge-style rooms offer cozy comfort with views of the surrounding forest and water. Dine at Evergreen Restaurant or sip a nightcap at Antlers Lounge. Unwind in the heated indoor pool, sauna, or fireside lobby, or take a stroll beneath the pines of northern Minnesota.

Weather


Daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s with nighttime temperatures in the 40s-50s.

 
Jun
Jul
Aug
Boundary Waters 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Boundary Waters
73
50
79
56
76
54

FAQs


Who will meet me at the airport?
You'll be met at Canal Park Lodge in Duluth, MN at 12:00 pm or at Duluth International Airport at 12:25 pm for a 2-hour private group transfer to Ely, MN.
What will the portages be like?

Portages average about five per day and average .25-1 mile each with the potential for longer portages depending on route. Portage trails are well maintained, but the terrain can be muddy, rocky, and uneven with large step-ups/step downs. All guests and the guide share the responsibility of carrying canoes and gear across portages. Portage items include the canoes, personal packs, and food/group gear packs. Multiple trips (doubling back on a portage) are often necessary to transport all gear across portages. Food/group gear packs typically weigh 45-55 lbs. and the canoes weigh 42-49 lbs. Participants should train for the portages and carrying weight over uneven, rocky terrain. Weight training and doing hikes with a weighted pack will be beneficial.

What are the canoes like?

Canoes will either be doubles or triples. Participants should be prepared to actively paddle their canoe in partnership with their canoe-mates. This trip is appropriate for both novice and experienced canoeists. Although previous canoe experience is not necessary, guests will need sufficient upper body strength as well as good balance for paddling and for porterage across uneven terrain.

What is special about the Boundary Waters?

Many of the over 1,000 lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are connected, allowing you to canoe right between them or porterage a short distance to your next paddle. The Boundary Waters is a vast wilderness, spanning over a million acres along the US-Canadian border.

Does anyone live in the Boundary Waters?
No. The BWCA is an uninhabited wilderness. You may see other canoers or campers, but otherwise you will be alone with the trees, water, and wilderness. The town of Ely is just 8.5 miles from the Boundary Waters. 
What is the minimum age for this trip?

The standard minimum age for this trip is 18 but ask about a custom trip for families and groups with younger guests.

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