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BWCA Towing Services in Ely, Minnesota

Boat Tows & Portage Bypass Services from a Local Outfitter

At Packsack Canoe Trips, we provide professional Boundary Waters towing services designed to help paddlers save time, avoid busy or difficult water, and start their trips efficiently. Our towing services are ideal for groups looking to bypass long lake crossings, crowded areas, or challenging conditions while still enjoying a true BWCA experience.

Boundary Waters campers taking a towboat ride up Fall Lake in Ely, Minnesota.
Packsack Canoe Trip's tow boat, towing campers on a BWCA lake.

Boundary Waters Boat Towing Services

BWCA towing allows canoeists to travel safely and efficiently across select lakes and waterways using motorized boats operated by experienced local outfitters. This service is commonly used to shorten travel time, avoid wind exposure, or bypass heavy boat traffic near entry points.

Why Use BWCA Towing?

  • Reduce long paddles across large or wind-prone lakes

  • Avoid congested motorized areas near entry points

  • Save energy for deeper wilderness travel

  • Improve safety during poor weather conditions

Towing Routes & Portage Assistance

Our towing services are available on select Ely-area lakes and access routes where motorized use is permitted. In addition to lake tows, we also offer assistance with portage logistics in approved areas.

Common Towing & Assistance Services

  • Boat tows across approved BWCA lakes

  • Portage assistance on Newton & Pipestone Portages

  • Help transporting boats and motors to designated portages

  • Coordination with outfitting and transportation services

 

Availability depends on lake regulations, weather, and demand.

BWCA Towing Rates

All towing rates are one-way unless otherwise noted.
A 3.5% cash or check discount applies to listed prices.

Notes:

  • Rates may vary by route and conditions

  • Single-person and special-use rates may differ

  • Please contact us to confirm availability and timing

Towing & Outfitting Services

Many groups choose towing as part of a larger trip plan. We can help coordinate towing with:

Using a single outfitter helps simplify logistics and ensures everything works together smoothly.

Ready to Schedule a BWCA Tow?

Contact us to check towing availability, confirm routes, and coordinate your trip details. We’ll help you decide whether towing is the right option for your Boundary Waters adventure.

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