Shortcuts to the four major types of websites.
If you find a "dead" link (one that doesn't reach it's destination) please E-mail us so we can get it updated quickly. We would greatly welcome any additional link requests. There are lots of good sites out there. Please share them with us! Hopefully we'll hear soon from other requests made...we add the links as SOON as we get permission. PLEASE e-mail us if you have a link to suggest. We want to keep the links growing!
BWCA.CC This site has up-to-the-hour weather updates for Ely and Grand Marais, links to lots of fun sites, and just a massive amount of additional information. They make a good "entry point" for your online BWCAW experience! Check out their communication center and activities pages...some great resources there!
Jim Brandenburg, on the web There is no one better than Jim Brandenburg if you want to see photography of the BWCA. His home, Ravenwood, is just outside the Boundary Waters and is a dream location in itself. If you want expert wolf photography, Jim's the one to go see!
Quetico Cafe Doug Lampi has a nice "portal" to the Quetico Wilderness online at the Cafe. For all those who love the Quetico and are anxious to discover more about the area, stop in to the Quetico Cafe, drink a cup of java, and explore!
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness The Friends offer information on history, politics, and other issues affecting the BWCAW. They are a proactive organization "...whose sole focus is the protection and preservation of this beautiful wilderness canoe country--the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and surrounding areas of the Quetico-Superior Ecosystem."
The Sigurd F. Olson Web Site No one should be allowed to enter the BWCAW without at least knowing who Sig Olson was! This is an excellent site, providing an in-depth look at the man who truly was the Boundary Waters. Even I haven't navigated through all the information...yet.
Ely Chamber of Commerce "Discover the Ely Difference! Here, you'll experience the best of both worlds - the relaxed atmosphere of smaller-town living with all the advantages of big-city living. Go canoeing, hiking, camping, and fishing in the unspoiled, world famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA). Go skiing or snowmobiling on the many trails in and around Ely. Hunt for deer, moose, grouse and other game that populate the Superior National Forest. Or just relax at one of Ely's full-service resorts."
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Community Want to know current conditions or important news on the BWCAW? Go here for all the updates.
GORP don't really like this site myself, but lotsa stuff can be found here (if you have the patience...)
Superior National Forest THEY HAVE MOVED AGAIN! This link is current. Having trouble loading from the new site...but previously...This site has a great map server. It can be difficult to figure out at first however, so give yourself plenty of time.
International Wolf Center You can't go to Ely without stopping by the IWC for a visit. Check out their online site!
CanoeCountry.com A great page with tons of info on the Boundary Waters. Sign on to the forum and don't miss a thing! You'll see me there often.
State of Minnesota-Communications.media Take my advice: go here, select Minnesota's Bookstore, goto maps...the rest is all up to you! They have depth maps of pretty much all of the lakes in Minnesota. You can order the maps of specific lakes, although they are a little expensive compared to the Fisher/McKenzie maps.
Gunflint Trail Association "Each season on the Gunflint Trail offers activities for everyone. In spring, summer, and fall enjoy
canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, photographing wildlife, naturalist programs, berry picking, and relaxing." The association gives you a brief overview of the Gunflint Trail area. This is a good place to start if you need information before you go.
the Timberjay newspapers Timberjay news covers a HUGE area around the BWCAW and Ely. Timberjay may be adding a non-commercial links page as well. If you want info on it...they probably have links to it!
Timber Trail Canoe Outfitters in the "Outfitters" section. Our web site (timbertrail.com) also has a web cam view of our lake, and our entry point into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Timber Trail Outfitters is one of the premier Boundary Waters outfitters, having outfitted canoeist into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) since 1939. We are a full service canoe trip outfitter, committed to making your wilderness canoe trip the wonderful experience that you had hoped for.
Moose Track Adventures Resort and Outfitter Whether you are canoeing into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) on a outfitted canoe trip, try one of our guided wilderness canoe trips, or need complete or partial outfitting we will provide personalized service with attention to detail. We are a small family-oriented resort and outfitter and take pride in taking the time to go that extra mile to ensure that this will be your best vacation ever!
Duane's Minnesota Canadian Canoe Trip Oufitters We invite you to experience the mystique of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We specialize in outfitting BWCAW canoe camping trips from our base just minutes south of Ely! We have been professionally outfitting the BWCA since 1967.
Quetico Wilderness Outfitters Quetico Wilderness Outfitters canoe trips and camping equipment rentals for Quetico Provincial Park and Atikokan area. Eating fire-cooked meals and telling ghost stories! That's what camping's all about. Explore the lands of a forgotten era. It's like stepping into the past - no phones, no television, schedules or appointments... not even a watch - just you and the land discovering nature all over again!
Canoe Country Outfitters Canoe Country Outfitters has been providing canoe outfitting services for 55 years! We stay in their bunkhouse each year now. It was exactly what we wanted and expected. A great, friendly place. After 55 years in the business, I suspect they know the who, what, when, where, and HOW better than almost anyone!
La Tourell's Resort & Outfitters "I would like to suggest an outfitter I have used for 4 trips over the past 6 years. LaTourells, on Moose Lake, is my favorite outfitter...I was getting a lot of attitudes, from different outfitters, as I started buying and accumulating gear over the years, as I made my transition to partial outfitting, which now only includes a canoe and a tow. Now, I have found LaTourells and they are very, very flexible to met my individual needs each year." -Doug M. No better recommendation than that of a satisfied customer!
River Point Outfitting Company This 2nd generation oufitter, located near the Kawishiwi River, has tons of experience with this area. The property has been in the family name for over 50 years. This couple was born and raised in this area, doing the same thing they now hire people to do! You can't beat that kind of experience.
Williams and Hall (formerly Tom & Woods' Moose Lake Wilderness Canoe Trips) "First and foremost, the Moose Lake area is the best departure point into the wilderness area. Canoeists familiar with the BWCAW and the Quetico Park know that the most strategic starting point for their canoe trip is Moose Lake. Second, with over 26 years of experience in outfitting and guiding wilderness travelers in the North Country, Williams and Hall has the expertise, facilities, and equipment to insure you a great trip." W&H (or T&W if you prefer) is still owned by the same people. It just has a new name!
Jordans Wilderness Shop and Outfitters "I took my first trip in 1958 and guided and outfitted between 500-1000 teenagers before going into business. I was teaching school and spending my summers in Quetico and The BWCA." -Doug Jordan. Jordans has a unique approach to outfitting, well worth looking into. They also have a catalog if you need to order gear.
Wilderness Outfitters, Inc. One of my favorite stops in Ely. They'
ve been doing this since 1921. Guess you could say they know what they're doing! Did you know..."Sig Olson...his first guiding job was for Wilderness Outfitters!"
Glacier Valley Wilderness Tours "Glacier Valley Wilderness Adventures is a professional, dynamic travel organization...offering active outdoor adventure recreational tours...Expect more than a just another trip with Glacier Valley Wilderness Adventures!"
Voyageur North Outfitters a good outfitter up in Ely. I have to apologize to Voyager North, I had previously excluded "North" from their title. Terribly sorry :( This is their NEW address!
Clearwater Canoe Outfitters & Lodge These nice folks have a wonderful setup next to one of the many lakes of the BWCAW. If you're a "bed & breakfast" type, I doubt you'd find a better spot :)
Log Cabin Hideaways I've never stayed here, but my parents did and they enjoyed it soooo much. Off-season rates are very reasonable and the cabins are very nice. May have to go up sometime and see the autumn colors...
Way of the Wilderness Outfitters These folks are located on the Gunflint Trail. They do outfitting and other things. Mmmmmmmmm...HOT showers!
Canadian Waters, Inc. Take my advice, go through their contents section. They have GREAT maps of potential routes. This site has lots to offer, or you can visit Canadian Waters, Inc. while you're in Ely.
North Country Canoe Outfitters These folks have a great outfitting site. Be sure to check out their Wilderness News and Fishing Tips in the BWCA & Quetico Park section, and their current weather for Ely. Stop in (either in person or website!) and tell 'em Mike from tahoe's BWCAW Picture Pages sent ya!
Canadian Border Outfitters Going in at Moose Lake? Stop by this place. They're located right on the lake, got TONS of stuff and lots of friendly people to help you out.
Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters If you go in on the east, you have to stop here and say hi! The Kerfoot family does it all for you...and they have 70 years experience doing it. Thank you GNO for finding an error in my links (wish I could say it was my first and only!)
Boundary Country Trekking (BCT) BCT does year-round outfitting. I must admit, fall and winter sound awful appealing, especially the part about NO BUGS! Go visit Ted and Barbara to set up your winter BWCAW fantasy! It is my understanding that they do NOT, however, have rental gear for outfitting.
Sawbill Canoe Outfitters Hey, you GOTTA go see these guys...(they have a link to my site!) Seriously, Sawbill's been around for over 40 years. That tells me they know what they're doing. Stop in and let them show you why they've been here that long.
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters Call 1-888-canoe-it to receive their info on outfitting. Located on Gunflint Trail, they "offer a one of a kind customer service oriented outfitting experience." Stop in and say "hi" when you're in the area, I'm certainly going to try when I'm up there this summer!
Frost River Reliable Softgoods "Although this is our premier issue, it may already feel like an old friend. And really, it is. We managed a well-known, regional canoe pack store for more than a decade. Pretty much everyone at Frost River worked there with us. We’re back together, carrying on a tradition of turning canvas and leather into beautiful, useful products that began in Duluth, Minnesota over a century ago. You might say Frost River is a new company, and you might say we’ve been in the trade for a hundred years. And you’d be right. Beat up our stuff and let us know how it goes! — Steve and Cindy Emerson"
Merrimack Canoe Company "Merrimack Canoe Company has been handcrafting beautiful limited-edition canoes for alnost 50 years. Hand laid, high-tech kevlar hulls are trimmed with cherry and ash combine into one of the most striking canoes on the water. Only 250 of these limited edition Merrimack canoes are built each year. Known for great lines and fine paddling around the world."
Old Town Canoe "...The spirit of canoeing is alive and well at Old Town...But don't take our word for it...go try one for yourself. That's the only way you'll ever understand what Old Town is all about. The heritage we share with the Penobscot. The tradition we live daily. Why Old Town is Old Town. It's a spirit we, at Old Town, hope you feel every time you paddle an Old Town canoe or kayak. And one we hope you'll share with your children and grandchildren."
Hoefgen Canoes "Since 1969, the Hoefgens have been building beautiful hand-crafted canoes at their location on the shores of Lake Michigan, four miles north of Menominee. We pride ourselves on carrying products that are made by people who stand behind their work and give you the service you deserve."
Red Rock Store Located northeast of Ely, these folks are the last stop before the BWCA. Restaurant, store, lots of good stuff! Check out their line of canoes. I haven't gotten the opportunity to test one yet, but they sound excellent.
Backcountry Equipment Backcountry Equipment provides "extensive photos and descriptions of each product, free shipping on orders of at least $18, tax-free sales (smaller items are taxed for sales within Texas), all items kept in stock for prompt order processing, and mail-order rental of high quality tents (Walrus) and bear canisters." Best of all, If my site brings them a fair amount of traffic, they would welcome suggested items we would like to see them carry in their product line.
Piragis Northwoods into camping or the Boundary Waters? This is your place.
Sportsman's Guide an awesome catalog for the outdoorsy :)
Duluth Pack if you "rough it," these folks have the packs for you.
Campmor everyone whow knows camping, knows Campmor :)
Crazy Creek Crazy Creek chairs are a must if you are spending time in the BWCAW! I always try to steal my father's when he's not looking :)
Mad River Canoes A person can't have a BWCAW page without links to canoe makers can he?!?
Vision Canoes "Vision Canoes is rapidly earning a reputation for building canoes of distinction at extremely competitive prices. If you value craftsmanship at a good price, then consider a hand-built Vision
Canoes over a factory-made boat." I couldn't say it any better than they did! Although the site is no longer up, Dave Hadden is still receiving questions, inquiries, and orders through e-mail. Click on Vision Canoes above to ask him for more details.
Dagger Canoes Dagger has canoes, kayaks, and everything else you need. They work only through specialty retailers, so you'll have to check their website to find the location nearest you. Stop in, the canoes are fun to look at!
Northwest River Supplies They have so much stuff. This is a great site that just keeps getting better. NOTE: they have gear for canoeing AND kayaking, among any other uses you can come up with :)
Spring Creek Canoe and Kayak Accessories Spring Creek has lots of add-ons for your canoe. They have the "reversible" portage yoke (it can also be used as a third seat.) Want to sail? They've got one for your canoe! They have roughly 51 items, as well as Radisson canoes. These lightweight aluminium canoes are trememdous! I should know, I own one :)
L.L. Bean Everyone should know what L.L. Bean is, right?? Good, then I just have to provide the link for you to click and buy!
Boundary Waters Guild This is a new page, but one to bookmark and check often. They just recently offered their first product, SnowFire Soap. SnowFire soap is made in batches on a wood-burning cookstove with hand-pumped water. Keep your eye on this site.
Knu-Pac Portaging Systems "We offer a new portaging product...Our system is offered by several BWCA outfitters and catalogs (Spring Creek, Piragis, Canadian Borders, Seagull and others)." Looks very innovative and useful!
Jon-Nelson.com Articles and images of the natural history and human history of northwestern Ontario, with an emphasis on Quetico Park and the Thunder Bay area. He has some fantastic photos!
Welcome To My BWCA Photo Gallery Ann Schmidt is just starting her website with photos from along the North Shore. "...Ended up on the N Shore when one year our vacation to Yellowstone was a wash. My husband as a consolation told me he was taking us to Lake Superior. It was the first time there for me. And that was it. I fell in love. I think about the BWCA, North Shore and Wilderness everyday." Sentiments I've made myself many times!
Ed's Canoe Camping Page Ed has four trips under his belt. His website makes you feel like he's lived his life up here. Great journal entries for the trips. Photos are exceptional, several even made me jealous! A truly class-act website. Keep it going Ed.
Jim Davis' Boundary Waters page Jim Davis has been building his website for around 4 years. Lots of information, pictures, trip stories, and other useful items to surf through. His site even has a message board set up.
Marv Vikla's BWCA 1999 trip Mr. Vikla is just starting a website. His use of commentary for each day and maps is very good. He has good info in a storytelling setting. Keep it going Marv, it looks good so far!
QuietJourney.com "If you've ever been to Ouetico or the Boundary Waters, you are well aware that Mother Nature does not give up her secrets easily." This site does, however, help you along the way. David takes this site to a new level, offering not only items similar to our site, but also virtual trips and guest participation areas. A wonderfully designed and useful site worth returning to.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Jim Moore takes you along on a virtual tour of the BWCAW, along with a few tidbits concerning life's necessities. His new site is jam-packed with information.
The Bulley/Snider BWCA Page "My family has been going to the Boundary Waters since 1971 and I have been trying to chronicle as much as I can from the past and present. The torch was passed to me in 1994 after 23 years of my uncles and parents planning the annual Odyssey, as it has become affectionately known. So anyway, that's my story." --Greg Snider. One of the most promising personal pages without sponsor backing I've found. An excellent resource.
Ryeman's BWCA Page Ryeman has photos, commentary, and great fishing insight for each of his routes. Well worth the few minutes to navigate. Topo maps are nice, but load kinda slow. Take your time to really enjoy this site. Additional note: Ryeman has redesigned his site. I haven't gotten to fully explore it yet! You know Ryeman, those pesky mosquitoes are MUCH to similar to BWCA mosquitoes!! ;)
Larry Ricker's Home Page Larry's page deals with many aspects of our lives, the BWCAW and photography being only a part of these. Check out his photography, well done.
Kamala's BWCA Page Craig Dietz and his friends have been traversing the BWCA yearly since 1978! Check out his site for information on EVERYWHERE they've been! This is quite a record of events that they continuously expand upon!
Darren's Outdoor Page Darren has an incredible personal page. He's got tons of information that new and old campers can use and enjoy!
Ken Harmon's Arrowhead Photography Ken Harmon is a nature photographer specializing in photography of Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, including: Superior National Forest, the North Shore of Lake Superior, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Spend the day looking at all his pictures!
The Netwoods Virtual Campsite Steve Tobin created this site for the Scouts. His outdoor cooking page is VERY handy. Choose "the Scout Hut", then "Outdoor Cooking." It's a great place to learn meal preparation.
The Camping Homepage Jonathan has quite a list of pages and sites. Make sure you check out his BWCAW camping area.
Jason Woods' Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Pictures "The pictures on this page were taken while on vacations in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota along the USA-Canada border. This is a very rugged, all natural area where the only boats allowed are canoes. To get to the lakes you want to fish on, and to travel between lakes and rivers, you must portage (hike while carrying all your equipment). This is a good test of endurance and can be some of the best fishing you can find."
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Mr. Jon Nelson has this site with pictures from his trips to the Boundary Waters. He has informed me that he is returning to the BWCA this June and hopes to be adding some new pictures to his page shortly thereafter. Go see them!
Sherwin & Barb's Homepage These folks have lots-o-stuff on their website. The BWCA is one of many pages. Decided to link to their intro page and give you the choice of what to see and where to go!
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Steve has a very useful page with TONS of info. His links page is one of the best I've seen so far. Check this site out if you want to go and need information!
Kenyon and Shadow's HomePage Kenyon has a section on the BWCA along with other interests. He's still working on the gear and food pages. But they will be points of interest when finished. Special thanks to Kenyon for the wolf prints on the side here!
Hines Family BWCA Page Bill has a good page going here. He'd like some info on the sound file for his page, but it wouldn't play for me...anyone else?
Bob's Page Bob has a little dialog about his trips through Quetico and BWCA. You want to check out his fishing tips. They can be extremely useful (if you have as much trouble as I do!) Thanks Bob for allowing the link ;)
Swanson Party BWCA Home Page The Swanson Party page has maps of several regional trips. This page has great info on various lakes, with pictures of everything! They even have DNR map numbers for you.
Adventure '98 exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico Provincial Park "Adventure '98 offers middle and high school students in the Southwest Allen County School Corporation, Fort Wayne, Indiana a unique opportunity to work together and experience the premiere wilderness camping and canoeing area in the United States and Canada. These 6 and 8 day trips are designed to develop an appreciation of wilderness and an understanding of our personal responsibility to protect wild areas." Great site, great cause.
These links have grown soooo much, but they are still growing. I hope to offer one of the BEST links pages on the BWCAW that you can find. Do me a favor. If you stop by any of these folks after (or during) your visit to my site, let them know how you got there. We would ALL appreciate it! Thanks for coming.