Hi- My adult daughter and I plan to spend time in the area the first week in June and are inexperienced. We'd like to do a day trip canoeing to try this out. Any suggestions on outfitters or where to do this?

If you're going to be near Ely, Voyageur's North Outfitters is very accommodating and friendly. There are many entry points a short drive from there.

The possibilities are many. What part of the area will you be in - western, central, eastern? Will you be in Ely area, the North Shore area, or Gunflint Trail area? If in Ely, a daytrip to the Hegman pictographs is popular. There are many outfitters in the Ely area and elsewhere. Click on the Outfitters tab at the top of the page. If on the GunFlint Trail, many entries there are easily accessible. If you drive out the Sawbill Trail to Sawbill Lake, you can put in right there and do some day trips. Sawbill Outfitters is located there.

I would go to Fenske Lake. There is an outfitter there. Little Sletten, Sletten, Tee, and Grassy Lake are an easy paddle. Also they are small lakes so wind wouldn't be much of a factor. Wear you life jackets no matter how good you can swim. Hard to say but you might not see anyone else. Not the bwca but just like it with no permits.

If you are going out of Ely, the Fall Lake Campground is very nice, with showers etc. The only down side is that motors are allowed on Fall Lake, Newton Lake, and the lower end of Basswood, which would be your obvious place to paddle in the BW from Fall Lake. You can easily reach the number lakes from there which are paddle only. There are many outfitters in Ely.

Another good option if you are going up the North Shore is Sawbill Lake. There is a nice campground and an outfitter right at the entry point, with lots of options for day trips into the wilderness. In addition to all the usual outfitting stuff, there are showers at the outfitters that are available for campers.

I second Sawbill. Great area, has a store there in case you forgot anything. Many different areas to go to that are all easily accessible.

If your'e going to Ely, my suggestion would be to rent from any of the outfitters in town and then head down to the Lake One entry and go west down the Kawishiwi river a couple of portages. Small water, a couple of short and easy portages for you to experience, and a very pretty area. The 4th portage is around a small waterfall and makes a great spot for lunch.

JD