Packsack Canoe Trips & Log Cabins

Fantastic experience: Excellent outfitting service, and super friendly!

Fantastic experience: Just left these fine folks. If I could give them 10 stars I would. Absolutely professional but also made us feel right at home. I told them ‘thank you for spoiling us’ as I left because they did just that.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been out on the BWCA with this outfitter 5 times! Owners are very friendly, and accommodating to all boundary waters skill levels. They offer very modular outfitting, so you can keep your costs low and only rent what you need. Highly recommend if you are going out of fall lake, as they are very convenient. You can tell the family has a true love for the boundary waters!

Fantastic experience: Highly recommended. Great family owned outfitter that got our two families set up for out first BWCA trip! We stayed the night before our entry date in the bunk house, and it was adorable and set the stage for the next 3 nights of camping. Both Nick and Danielle were incredibly helpful, from helping with trip planning to getting us all the gear we needed to survive with 5 kids on our trip. We rented canoes and food packs and other miscellaneous things from them. They literally have everything you need to have a great trip. Oh, and they had a couple cold Hamms for us once we returned. Icing on the cake. Thanks, we will definitely be back!

Fantastic experience: Very nice place we got our permits here for the bwca. I highly recommend going here.

Fantastic experience: We have made several trips into the BWCA and have used Packsack for most every trip. Owners and staff are all fantastic! Bunkhouse and showers are great. I cannot recommend them highly enough for your BWCA needs.

Fantastic experience: Friendly and honest. Light-weight canoe rental and trip drop off and pick-up, easy to arrange and canoes were in great shape. Bunkhouse was clean. The cold pop at pickup after 5 days canoeing was a wonderful surprise. Hope to come back again

Fantastic experience: Great staff, treat ya like family, can't beat a simple beverage when coming back in.

Fantastic experience: Nick and Danielle are great. Our group had been going up to Packsack for over 30 years, and we are never disappointed. If you are looking for a team to get you set up for a boundary water adventure give them a call.

Fantastic experience: What a wonderful experience, I could not have been more impressed with Nick and Danielle! We had a great experience, would highly recommend booking your trip with them.

Fantastic experience: 5 stars, hands down!

Fantastic experience: Unbelievable location! Unbelievable family that owns it! Extremely accommodating!!!! They literally have everything you might need! Best prices on pretty much everything compared to competitors in Ely.

Fantastic experience: These guys are great.

Fantastic experience: How do we even begin to express how incredible this experience was? Our 3 day canoe trip to the Boundary Waters came together in the day before our put in and simply would not have been possible without Nick and Danielle. We sent them an email 90 minutes before closing on Thursday and they made up a couple bunks for us that evening and had a canoe ready Friday morning. They provided invaluable help with route planning, gear suggestions, and campsite recommendations, and drove us to our put in site and picked us up from our final portage, 30 minutes away. When Nick picked us up, he came with cold water and root beer, which tasted amazing after our trip! This is all not to say anything about the Boundary Waters themselves. We had a quiet, serene, and magnificent 3 day paddle and we look forward to future trips to this glorious and secluded corner of the country. We cannot recommend PackSack highly enough and we can’t wait to reach out to these very friendly and extremeley knowledgeable folks when we return to Ely, MN.

Fantastic experience: Nick and Danielle were amazing to work with, they answered all of our questions and gave great advice on our BWCA trip. We will definitely use them again!

Fantastic experience: Staff was friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. Danielle patiently answered my numerous questions every time I called as we prepared for our trip. The equipment was in fine shape and we had no problems at all. I will use Packsack again because I will definitely be returning to the BWCA for further adventures.

Fantastic experience: I really like this outfitter. Great service, kind owners, reasonable prices, and super close access to an entry point.

Fantastic experience: My son and I recently completed our third trip with Packsack, Since our last visit, ownership and management have changed from father to son Nick and daughter in law Danielle , but the tradition of excellence and service continues. The advice and guidance pre-trip was friendly and excellent. Bunkhouse night before starting trip is minimalist but entirely congruent with the outdoor experience! Clean bathrooms with hot showers pre-and post trip are always welcome. The canoes and provided equipment, (we always go with a complete outfitting package, as they after all are the experts,- get the Kevlar canoe) lacked nothing that we needed for the three day, 2 night wilderness trip. Everything -tent, gear, etc was well-maintained and functioned perfectly. Food offerings are well thought out. On time pick up at the end of trip with transportation back to the bunkhouse for a cold beer and hot shower before departure. We have fond memories and a five star recommendations for Packsack. Thanks for another memorable experience! PS: On our past 2 trips, we went into the deep wilderness. This time for lack of time and later booking, we took a trip on the bigger waterways that also had motor boat traffic. If you have time, avoid the motor boat shared waterways to the extent possible. It won’t ruin your trip, but it’s not the same. This doesn’t negatively reflect on Packsack, just my advice for planning your Boundary Waters wilderness experience.

Fantastic experience: We had a wonderful experience with our scouting troop this past week. Excellent customer service, including going above and beyond when we (through our own fault) misunderstood what was available for kitchen facilities. They found all of the necessary pans, utensils and other items to allow us to prepare pasta sauce, pasta and sauteed broccoli, and then a full breakfast scramble for 15 people using just their gas grill. Will happily use them again in the future.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful place with wonderful people.

Fantastic experience: What an amazing experience! We travelled from Puerto Rico for our first ever Boundary Waters experience. Packsack Canoe Trips took care of us end to end. They were ultra attentive, everything was packed just perfect, and above all, they are absolutely amazing people. We arrived aday early and we stayed at their bunkhouses, next morning everything was ready for us, we got a walkthrough of our equipment, a lot of pointers and off we were. When we came back we took showers at their place and spent additional hour talking to owners about their legacy. What an amazing experience. If you are looking for an end to end experience and be totally pampered in the woods, they are THE BEST. I wear their shirt proudly and pass the story. Totally recommended!!!!

Fantastic experience: My wife and I had a great experience renting a canoe from them. They were more than happy to answer all of our questions as first timers into the boundary waters back in August. Free canoe delivery to Fall Lake. Would highly recommend to others and will be using them whenever we get the chance to go back.

Fantastic experience: Great staff, very helpful and accommodating. Canoes were delivered to our EP much earlier than we needed and they made it seamless. Hot showers and cold drinks were much appreciated after our trip.

Fantastic experience: Packsack is great! Our family has been trekking the BWCAW for over 30 years. This was a three generations outing. The outfitters service and equipment was absolutely top notch. We will return to Packsack again and again!

Fantastic experience: We rented a canoe and transport from Packsack for our BWCA trip. Super friendly, helpful and responsive. Appreciated the complimentary shower at the end of the trip! Will use Packsack next time we canoe the BWCA out of Ely!

Fantastic experience: Always a pleasure to visit the Boundary Waters and stay at the Packasack bunkhouse. Nick and Danielle are always a pleasure to talk with, and always full of good advice. This was my second trip and the first for my grandson and son-in-law. We will be returning for a third trip in the future. Thanks Nick and Danielle.

Fantastic experience: Excellent family buisness and great people.

Fantastic experience: my 2 boys and i just got back from probably my 20th bwca trip. i used to go with a different outfitter but stayed at packsack bunkhouse the night before. place is fantastic. authentic, log house. super cool mounts and pelts that the boys loved. grill to cook out and fridge, showers. every thing you need. family that owns it is genuinely very happy to take care of their guests and wants you to have a great time. we will continue to use this outfitter.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful place to rent a canoe and enjoy the sights of Fall Lake. Very accommodating and helpful owner! Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: The best place and outfitters in Ely. Great family and they really care about your experience.

Fantastic experience: Just got back from my first trip to Packsack Canoe on Fall Lake. Had a great time. Staff was welcoming and accommodating in all respects. We stayed in one of their vintage cabins. The cabin was clean and appropriately equipped with all kitchen supplies and utensils. We rented fishing boats from Packsack as well. Boats were clean and engines started easily. Walleye fishing was excellent on Fall Lake this past June. Already looking ahead to planning a trip for next year with PackSack.

Fantastic experience: Such knowledgeable kind people

Fantastic experience: Flexible, communicative for equipment and rides. A clean simple bunkhouse with great wifi.

Fantastic experience: Great experience renting some canoes and a small motor fishing boat. They dropped them off at the fall lake campgrounds within an hour of calling.

Fantastic experience: This is easily the best outfitter we have used. The staff was very friendly and took the time to talk with us. The equipment we rented was in great shape and the prices were very reasonable. My kids loved looking at all the artifacts/decorations on the walls. They also have large selection of BWCA shirts that were designed by a local. We look forward to returning here and renting one of the Cabins on Fall Lake.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly, arranged a fishing boat rental for an up coming trip. They were super helpful, and reasonable.

Positive experience: Cabins pretty close together, but if you like rustic this is your place.

Fantastic experience: If you're looking for an outfitter for the BWCA or a cabin to stay the night, I can't recommend Packsack enough!! Nick and Danielle are fantastic. No matter your skill level or knowledge, they will do everything they can to ensure you have a fantastic trip.

Fantastic experience: Thanks Danielle, our experience was top notch! We had a great time with my parents, this is a great way to experience Gods creation! God bless!

Fantastic experience: We had the best time we could've had, thanks to Nick and Danielle! We couldn't have asked for a better trip. they made sure we had the best things to do everyday. We missed out on nothing. Museums, hikes, boats, dinners, lunches, desserts, they know all the best places! Would highly recommend to everyone heading to Ely or the Boundary Waters. Can't say enough good things about Packsack!

Fantastic experience: This was our first experience in the BWCA and Nick and Danielle and the rest of their team made us feel comfortable and prepared. The bunkhouse was the perfect place to start our trip and they had everything we needed from there. We highly recommend this family owned business and will use them again the next time we come back!!

Fantastic experience: Great place! Historic cabins, great fishing, easy access to the BWCA. Great ownership who make you feel part of the family. If I could give more stars, they deserve them all. Keep up the great work Nick, Danielle, Gene and Jane!

Fantastic experience: We had a great trip, relaxed and caught some really nice sized Pike....the staff was very helpful

Fantastic experience: Super fantastic people

Fantastic experience: Packsack is awesome! Extremely happy with their outfitting services for my trip into the BWCA!

Fantastic experience: very nice place. very nice people. very nice location.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful place. From my first contact they were helpful and walked me through everything I would need to know and prepare for. Having everything (except my fishing gear and clothing) prepared and ready from me was great. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I recommend this place to everyone.

Fantastic experience: They have outfitted us for many years, often twice a year.. They are great people and give out as much or as little as we need for supplies and information depending on group size and experience levels of those that go with us... No reason to go anywhere else and I see they even love to help out the scouting community - good for them!!! They really helped out in a pinch one year when some of our own equipment failed back in the BWCA.. Also give tips on the current fishing situations.. So yep, I will continue to go back.

Fantastic experience: This is the nicest place to stay in the Ely area. A quiet, peaceful and comfortable setting in the North Woods. The fishing on Fall lake is great and you also have easy access to the BWCAW. My wife and I have been coming here for quite a few years now and have Never had anything but a Great Time. I highly recommend Packsack for a wonderful experience!!

Fantastic experience: Boat rental great and very knowledgeable staff! They can cover most of your boundary waters needs! Great outfitters!

Fantastic experience: Started going to the Boundary Waters when my son was 8, he is now 14 and we have been going to Packsack for all of those years. Everyone there is extremely friendly and kind and they make you feel like extended family.

Fantastic experience: This is truly a hidden gem on the outskirts of the BWCA. Friendly, accommodating and professional; Danielle, Nick and Gene will get you on the water with as much or as little equipment required by your group. Do yourself a favor and support a local family business. I can't wait until my next adventure in the BWCA.

Fantastic experience: Great folks! They really take care of you. Friendly, informative. Good quality equipment. Quiet place.

Fantastic experience: Wonderful, helpful staff and great equipment!

Fantastic experience: Friendly family owned. Nice lodge and acomadations. Staff is friendly and Very knowledgable. Couldnt recommend them more. I will definatly be back. Wonderfull experience. If i could give them 10 stars i would.

Fantastic experience: Nick, Danielle, Gene and Jane are top notch hosts. Packsack is very reasonable and knowledgable. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I have been using Packsack Canoe Trips for over 15 years for all my BWCA trips and I will keep coming back! Packsack provides great customer service and really cares about your BWCA experience. The Ott family have helped me plan trips, make accommodations on short notice when trips ended early and Gene and Nick provide the best fishing information they can. If you want a great hunting story, ask Gene about the Grizzly Bear and of course take a selfie with their mascot bear. Hats off to the Ott family, Gene, Jane, Nick and Danielle, many trips to come. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: Very accommodating, excellent knowledge of the BWCA. Very friendly staff. Highly recommended if you're planning a bwca trip.

Fantastic experience: We had a great experience with Packsack. We do an annual trip to BWCA and they have been one of the best outfitters we have used. Family owned and very friendly and efficient service. He even pointed out a few hot fishing spots and shortcuts that worked out well. Highly recommend and will be using again.

Fantastic experience: Best outfitter available for bwca

Fantastic experience: Just got back from a seven nighter. I’ve used several outfitters before and will be using packsack exclusively in the Ely area going forward. The shuttle was awesome, owners were friendly and knowledgeable, and they had free hot showers and clean towels at the end. Thanks Packsack!

Fantastic experience: Fantastic experience. Family owned and operated with exceptional care. I highly reccomend!

Fantastic experience: Great people great place. Coming back next year

Fantastic experience: Had a wonderful time, they were very accommodating and helpful in every aspect!! Great customer service!! We will be back next year to see them again!

Fantastic experience: An awesome outfitter. I've used them on 8 different trips since 2007, and I wouldn't use anyone else. They are super friendly and welcoming. They are always looking to help and are extremely knowledgeable of both BWCA and Quetico.

Fantastic experience: Breathtaking BCA experience balls deep in mosquitos

Fantastic experience: Best outfitters for any trip to BWCA. Amazing staff that is super friendly and helpful.

Fantastic experience: Great destination for the fishing, the history of the cabins or the charm of its location. I've used this business for a dozen trips into the BWCA, love their convenient bunkhouse, access to rental gear, the tips and suggestions. These are wonderful people that go out of their way to please, while doing their best to ensure a safe and memorable BWCA experience. Be sure to ask Gene Ott about his experiences as a movie star! :)

Fantastic experience: Allways a pleasure

Fantastic experience: Super friendly and great outfitters.

Fantastic experience: These guys were great. Set us up with a 16' fishing boat and trailer. Rates were super. Definitely recommended.

Fantastic experience: I love Packsack! We first used these services in 2003 and have been back to the BWCA twice since and have been consistently delighted with the conscientious packing. We have never done without. Everything has been organized and functional. I can't recall a single detail being overlooked. We have also had great advise and received excellent friendly service before and after our trips.