About Packsack Canoe Trips & Log Cabins
A Family Business Rooted in the Boundary Waters
Packsack Canoe Trips & Log Cabins has been family-owned and operated since 2000, when Gene and Jane Ott moved to the Ely area from Northeast Iowa. Long before owning an outfitting business, the Ott family was already spending time in the Boundary Waters — first as a scouting family, and later through many personal canoe trips over the years.
​
Those early trips built a deep respect for the wilderness and a firsthand understanding of what it actually takes to plan a successful BWCA trip.
From Family Trips to Helping Others Explore
After relocating to the Fall Lake area in 2000, Gene and Jane purchased what would become Packsack Canoe Trips & Log Cabins. What began as a family immersed in the Boundary Waters naturally evolved into helping others experience it.
​
Over the years, they guided thousands of guests through:
-
Permit requirements
-
Gear selection
-
Entry point logistics
-
Route and timing questions
​
All during a period when the BWCA was changing — including the aftermath of the 1999 Blowdown and evolving Forest Service regulations.
Second Generation Ownership (Since 2017)
In 2017, ownership and daily operations transitioned to the second generation of the Ott family — Nick and Danielle.
​
While the leadership changed, the approach did not.
​
Packsack remains:
-
Family-run
-
Locally owned
-
Hands-on and intentionally small
​
Nick and Danielle live and work in Ely year-round and are directly involved in outfitting, rentals, trip coordination, and guest communication.
Our Approach to Outfitting
We focus on helping people get exactly what they need — and nothing they don’t.
​
Our goal is to:
-
Provide clear, honest answers
-
Help guests understand BWCA rules and permits
-
Reduce stress before trips begin
​
Whether you’re planning your first Boundary Waters trip or returning for another season, we believe good outfitting starts with good communication.
What Matters to Us
We care about:
-
Responsible access to the Boundary Waters
-
Leave No Trace ethics
-
Practical, real-world advice
-
Treating every trip as if it matters
​
Because it does.
A Place People Come Back To
Many guests find Packsack because planning feels overwhelming. Many return because the experience felt personal, straightforward, and honest.
If you’re looking for a family-run outfitter with decades of experience — both as paddlers and as outfitters — we’re glad you’re here. Read more about Our News on our Blog Page.
Questions? We’re Happy to Help
If you have questions about canoe trips, fishing, permits, lodging, or logistics, give us a call or stop by. Helping people prepare for the Boundary Waters is what we’ve been doing for a long time.