Boundary Waters Canoe Trip Outfitter in Ely, Minnesota
Located on Fall Lake near Ely in historic Winton, Minnesota, Packsack Canoe Trips provides complete and partial canoe trip outfitting for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness paddlers entering from the western region. We specialize in self-guided BWCA canoe trips, offering quality gear, permit assistance, and custom route planning for both first-time and experienced paddlers. Our convenient location near Ely and western BWCA entry points makes us a trusted choice for canoeists looking for efficient, well-prepared Boundary Waters adventures.
BWCA Walleye fishing from a Canoe
Portaging a Canoe in the BWCA
Friends Enjoying Breakfast around a BWCA campfire.
BWCA trekkers deciding the next move.
Shore Lunch in the BWCA
BWCA paddlers enjoying the adventure on a beautiful day.
BWCA Outfitting Services We Provide
Our outfitting services are designed to support self-guided canoeists of all experience levels, from first-time paddlers to seasoned Boundary Waters travelers.
Trip Planning & Route Guidance
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Help choosing BWCA entry points based on experience level, group size, and trip goals
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Route recommendations tailored to fishing, scenery, travel pace, or family trips
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Assistance understanding BWCA permits and entry point regulations
Meals, Food Packs & Trip Preparation
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Planned and packed meals and snacks for BWCA trips
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Flexible food options based on trip length and group needs
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Final gear checks before entry to ensure nothing is overlooked
Lodging & On-Site Support for Paddlers
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Historic lakeside bunkhouse lodging for overnight stays before or after BWCA trips
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Access to bathrooms and showers
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On-site support for last-minute adjustments or questions
Canoe & Camping Gear Rentals
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Canoe rentals, including lightweight canoes suitable for BWCA travel
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Canoe-appropriate packs and portage gear
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Tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, and cooking equipment
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Personalized gear and equipment checklist planning
Transportation & Entry Point Services
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Transportation to BWCA entry points and scheduled pick-ups on exit day
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Tow services on Fall Lake and other motorized BWCA entry points
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Logistical support to simplify travel days
Experience, Education & Safety Support
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Guidance for families, youth groups, nonprofits, and paddlers with limited physical ability
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Education on BWCA travel etiquette and Leave No Trace principles
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Safety consulting and trip preparation advice
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Friendly encouragement and local insight before and after your trip
Located on Fall Lake near Ely in historic Winton, Minnesota, Packsack Canoe Trips focuses exclusively on Boundary Waters canoe trip outfitting. Our local knowledge, western entry point access, and personalized service make us a trusted choice for paddlers planning self-guided BWCA adventures.
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​Your Gateway to Memories
We truly see ourselves as a “gateway” to some of the best memories you’ll have of the wilderness. These are memories you’ll return to in the dark days of a cold winter, when you see a painting of a natural place. We’re here to guide you toward memories you’re likely to cherish forever and upon which you’ll reflect fondly whenever you see someone wearing a BWCA t-shirt.
Beauty Around Every Bend
Our guests often become dear friends, Facebook followers and folks with stories and photos they wish to share again and again. We love hearing stories and getting pictures from our guests – the beauty of this place never grows old.
At PackSack Canoe Trips, Boundary Waters Outfitters, we have been providing non-profit trekkers outstanding service for the past 25 years. Because we were once a scouting family, we understand the work that's involved with planning a high adventure trip. That's why we offer special rates for all non-profit organizations, plus we make extra efforts to ensure your every question is answered.
Training Video: Orientation for BWCA Outfitted Groups
For those guests that are either considering complete vs. partial outfitting, or have an outfitted trip scheduled with Packsack, we have built an orientation video for you to watch. This video is about 15 minutes long, and is the same orientation when your group arrives onsite – no matter if you have already watched the video. The content of this orientation has been carefully put together over 20 years to help your group be comfortable with the equipment we provide and how each item functions. For some members of your group, this will be reassuring and for others, it will be highly educational, depending on their overall experience. We promise to build and make available several of the most helpful training videos offered by any Boundary Waters outfitters.
Click Here to watch our BWCA Outfitted Trip Orientation Video.