Last year, We stayed at Hungry Jack Outfitters just off the Gunflint trail. They have real thick quality mattresses, the best I have slept on since beginning BWCA camping in 1989. I am going through Ely this year and need to know which, if any, outfitters have this quality of mattresses for their bunk houses. They were firm without hardly any sag to them. I would consider HJO mattresses as good or better than what I sleep on at home and I have the good stuff.

I've found the beds at CCOs motel in Ely to be very comfortable but can't I compare to HJO.

Not sure if the beds would be labeled 'luxurious,' but I have never had a problem sleeping at VNO.

Except, maybe, the usual insomnia from that unavoidable pre-trip anxiousness. :-)

I second VNO. Comfy mattresses and very nice rooms.

I've also stayed in VNO's bunkhouse several times and found them fine. Note though that they're futon mattresses - decent futon mattresses, but futon mattresses all the same.

Keep in mind that lodging on the Ely side is *MUCH* cheaper than on the Gunflint side, so it may make sense to just stay in a hotel if you're looking for a luxurious night's sleep the night before. You can usually get a hotel room for about $100 while VNO is going to run you at least half that for two people. Personally I recommend Adventure Inn, very comfortable and really easy access to the rooms if you need to bring some (or all) of your gear inside. I don't ask much of a room so I often save the $50 and stay at the VNO Bunkhouse, but sometimes my travel mates want a nicer place, and Adventure Inn is the top of the value for money list for me.

Goldenbadger: "I second VNO. Comfy mattresses and very nice rooms. "

+3

I've really come to like CCO's house that is across the alley out back from their main facility and which fronts Camp street. The upstairs has been made "hotel like" with one double bed and 6 single beds among three spacious rooms--the largest of which includes a TV. There is air conditioning and a central hallway area has a microwave and fridge with a full bath. The front porch of this house is perfect for hanging out to enjoy the evening before or after your big trip and if you need anything the main office of CCO is only steps away. True that in this older house there is a flight of kinda steep stairs to get up to your room(s) but that can serve as a warm-up for your portage adventures the next day so what's not to like!

I assume all or almost all of the outfitters provide great service and very good accommodations. I think we become loyal to one - as I sure am since my first trip with CCO. I've become fond of their locations - downtown within easy walking of all the stores - especially Zups - and restaurants - and the Moose Lake base and tows - and "knowing" the family to some small degree. I doubt its a lot different for those that always go to VNO or any of the outfitters. A lot of great very small businesses.

On the Ely side, I generally stay at Williams and Hall.

I've stayed in the bunk rooms at Williams & Hall multiple times and they are fine for an evening. Very clean, comfortable, and quiet. Community bathroom at the end of the hall! Get all your things while you are in Ely and then head up to the outfitter allowing you leave first thing in the morning. Also nice to have a place to stay on the day you come out!

Tuscarora has converted the old "store" into a bunkhouse. 8-9 beds with couch, table, frig and easy chairs. It was very comfy. They have converted a bunch of the other bunkhouses to "nicer" bed over the years.

Ely Side - Voyageur North has been great - We usually are a group of 8 or 9 and they easily accommodate us. Since they are right in Ely, we get to shop, stop at restaurants and get a good night sleep! Their outfitting service opens really early so we get out permit either the night before or that morning and we are on the lake early! 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and a kitchenette!

Voyaguer North is good. It is a mini apartment, so great for a group. Has a fridge, sink, shower, etc. Also, VNO includes a shower on the return with a bunk house.

Do outfitters allow self-outfitters to stay in their bunkhouse (paid, of course) or only those who are using the outfitters services?

WIMike: "Do outfitters allow self-outfitters to stay in their bunkhouse (paid, of course) or only those who are using the outfitters services? "

Seagull Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail does this for us. But we use their tow service as well in the morning. Great service!

WIMike: "Do outfitters allow self-outfitters to stay in their bunkhouse (paid, of course) or only those who are using the outfitters services? "

Canoe Country Outfitters certainly does. Have done it many times.

WIMike: "Do outfitters allow self-outfitters to stay in their bunkhouse (paid, of course) or only those who are using the outfitters services? "

Yes...I've done this at Rockwood, Clearwater, and voyaguer north.

Grandma L: "Ely Side - Voyageur North has been great - We usually are a group of 8 or 9 and they easily accommodate us. Since they are right in Ely, we get to shop, stop at restaurants and get a good night sleep! Their outfitting service opens really early so we get out permit either the night before or that morning and we are on the lake early! 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and a kitchenette!"

VNO rented us the bunk house - and we self outfit all of our trips.

Yeah, I've stayed at Rockwood before without any other rentals. A lot of us are largely, if not wholly, self-outfitted. I think if they have an empty unit, they are happy to rent it.

Hungary Jack Outfitters certainly does before and after. I was interested if any other outfitters have real really good mattresses.

bwcadan: "Hungary Jack Outfitters certainly does before and after. I was interested if any other outfitters have real really good mattresses."

I wouldn't call the others I've stayed at "really good mattresses".

VNO has a good bunkhouse. So does LaTourell's. I've stayed at Tuscarora on the Gunflint and Clearwater as well.