If you’re longing to break free of the busy noise of cities and escape to a vast wilderness where you can be alone with your thoughts, there’s perhaps no better place to go than the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near Ely, Minnesota. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is in remote northern Minnesota and, as the name suggests, bordering Canada.
The Boundary Waters promises an exhilarating experience for canoeists and hikers alike, with opportunities to discover hidden lakes, observe diverse wildlife, and relish the undisturbed night skies. This world-renowned area is a paddler’s paradise, with more than 1,100 lakes and 1,200 miles of canoe trails to explore. Apart from water-based adventures, there are also plenty of rugged hiking trails here, leaving explorers and avid outdoor enthusiasts free to craft their own adventures.
Ely, Minnesota, serves as the gateway to the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. With its rich heritage and welcoming atmosphere, the town provides a perfect place to start and end your paddling adventure. There are plenty of fun things to do in Ely, Minnesota, including visiting the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center. After a day of exploration and discovery, there is no better way to rejuvenate than at one of Midwest’s premier bed and breakfasts in Ely.
Like all of the Midwest Lodging of the Midwest Association of Independent Inns, these Bed and Breakfasts and Boutique Hotels offer an exquisite blend of comfort and elegance, ensuring a restful stay, welcoming hospitality, and access to the top things to do in the area. Here, guests are free to unwind, reflect on their adventures, and leave inspired by the unprecedented beauty of northern Minnesota. Experience the best of the Midwest with us this summer, and book a stay at one of our top-rated places to stay in the Midwest. Book a property today!
Paddle the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota
Summer getaways in the Midwest are all about unplugging – and there’s no better place to do that than the vast wilderness encompassed by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota. For paddling and nature enthusiasts, these epic waters are a major bucket-list destination, as it’s one of the most pristine environments in North America.
This protected area, known as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, spans over a million acres and is comprised of interconnected lakes, rivers, and forests. Its untouched beauty and expansive waterscape make it an idyllic setting for canoeing, with countless routes to explore. You’ll find every kind of paddling adventure here, from leisurely paddles to challenging multi-day expeditions that require portage between lakes. The area is filled with secluded coves and diverse campsites, offering those who come here an unparalleled sense of solitude and connection with the natural world.
Like many of the Midwest’s geological features, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was formed as glaciers moved through the area during the most recent ice age. Receding glaciers carved out the lakes and streams and left rugged cliffs, crags, canyons, gentle hills, and towering rock formations. The waterways are surrounded by the Superior National Forest, which stretches along the northern border with Canada west to Voyageurs National Park.
There are more than 2,000 campsites in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, so the odds of you encountering others on your journey in this magical wilderness are limited. In addition to the 1,200 miles of canoe routes, there are twelve designed hiking trails within the confines of the Wilderness Area. As you navigate through the forests and waterways, you’re bound to encounter plenty of wildlife, too.
Paddlers can expect to encounter majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, loons serenading the dusk, and perhaps a moose or two wading in the shallows. The area’s diverse ecosystem is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, making each trip a unique and rewarding experience. These waters are also well-known for what lies beneath them, too. It’s a great spot to fish, as the lakes teem with species like walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Without motorized vehicles to break up the silence, you’ll be free to listen to the primitive sounds of nature – a profound experience that continues to draw visitors to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
As night falls, don’t forget to look up. Unsurprisingly, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a designated Dark Sky Park, offering unparalleled stargazing opportunities.
More Things to Do in Ely, Minnesota
As epic an adventure as paddling and hiking through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wildnerness promises to be, it’s not the only reason to visit the northeastern part of Minnesota. There are also plenty of fun things to do in Ely, Minnesota. Ely, considered the Gateway to the Boundary Waters, promises an authentic and fun experience in the Midwest.
Visitors can explore the surrounding wilderness, with hiking trails offering panoramic views of the Superior National Forest, or you can explore the many charms of the community. Ely boasts a rich and interesting heritage, many festivals, local markets, artisanal shops, and much more. Below is a list of fun things to do in Ely, Minnesota, before or after your trip to the Boundary Waters.
- Though there is hiking in the Boundary Waters, there are many more trails throughout the Superior National Forest. Popular hiking trails near Ely include the Bass Lake Trail, the Angleworm Trail, the Trezona Trail, Hidden Valley, and the Snowbank Lake Trail.
- In addition to great hiking trails, Ely is also home to some fabulous mountain biking opportunities. Popular spots include the Fernberg Tower Area, the Nickel Lake Area, and the Fenske Lake Area.
- Visiting the International Wolf Center is one of the most popular things to do in Ely, Minnesota, and for a good reason. Seeing these majestic wild animals up close is a rare treat.
- Similarly, don’t miss the chance to see bears up close and personal at the North American Bear Center.
- Learn about the native heritage of this region at the Bois Forte Heritage Center and Cultural Museum.
- Given the vast wilderness that surrounds the town, it should come as no surprise that one of the best things to do in Ely is look for local wildlife. From birdwatching to spotting large mammals, wildlife viewing is always on our list of things to do in the area. It’s also a popular area for hunting.
- The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is best explored during the summer and early fall months – but come winter, there are still plenty of things to do in Ely, Minnesota in the winter. It’s the perfect area for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and more.
- Don’t overlook Ely as a fabulous destination for Minnesota fall colors. It’s one of the first places in the country to show its autumn glory, meaning your fall adventure can start here and work its way south to other fantastic Midwest destinations.
As with all Midwest adventures, lodging with one of our partners is the perfect complement to your memorable getaway. Our Association offers the best selection of Midwest Bed and Breakfasts, Boutique Hotels, Inns, Cabins, and Vacation Rentals. With exceptional hospitality, top-notch amenities, and a rare dedication to excellence, it’s clear that we offer the best places to stay in the Midwest. Wherever your adventures take you this year, partner with the best and book a stay at one of our Midwest Inns today!
