Boundary Waters Group Trips: Where to Stay Before and After

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the most pristine outdoor destinations in North America. Over 1 million acres of lakes, rivers, and forests along the Minnesota-Canada border. Most groups spend 3 to 7 days paddling and camping, but you need a place to stay the night before you launch and the night after you come out. Ely, Minnesota is that place.

Why Ely Is Your Base Camp

Ely sits at the eastern edge of the Boundary Waters and is the primary entry point for most canoe trips. The town of 3,500 has a surprising amount of lodging, outfitters, and restaurants built around serving BWCA visitors. Almost every hotel and lodge in Ely understands group travel because that is their entire business.

The town is about 4.5 hours north of Minneapolis. Most groups drive up the day before their trip, stay overnight, gear up at an outfitter in the morning, and launch by noon.

Best Hotels and Lodges in Ely for Groups

Grand Ely Lodge

The largest hotel in Ely with 61 rooms on Shagawa Lake. Group rates from $129 per night. The lodge has a restaurant, indoor pool, and lakefront deck. Best for groups that want a comfortable base with amenities.

Adventure Inn

A motel-style option right in town. Group rates from $89 per night. No frills, but clean rooms and walking distance to outfitters and restaurants. The budget pick for groups that just need a bed before launching.

Timber Trail Lodge

Cabin-style lodging on Farm Lake, 5 miles east of Ely. Cabins sleep 4 to 10 people. Rates from $149 per night per cabin. Best for groups that want a pre-trip bonfire and a more rustic experience.

Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast

A smaller, upscale option for groups of 4 to 8. Rooms from $139 per night with homemade breakfast. Good for couples or smaller friend groups.

Outfitters That Bundle Lodging

Several Ely outfitters offer packages that include one night of lodging, canoe/gear rental, route planning, and shuttle service. Piragis Northwoods Company, Boundary Waters Outfitters, and Spirit of the Wilderness all offer these bundles. Prices range from $75 to $150 per person per day for complete packages.

For groups, outfitter packages are often the best value because they simplify logistics. One price covers everything.

Planning Your Group Trip

Group Size

BWCA permits limit group size to 9 people and 4 watercraft per entry point. If your group is larger than 9, you will need multiple permits at different entry points (or stagger your launch by one day). Plan this early because popular entry points sell out months ahead.

When to Go

May through September is the paddling season. June and July are peak, with the warmest weather but also the most bugs. August and September offer fewer mosquitoes, cooler temps, and fall colors starting in late September. May is cold but the most peaceful.

Permits

Overnight permits are required May 1 through September 30. They go on sale in late January and popular entry points sell out within hours. Book permits before booking hotels.

Post-Trip Recovery in Ely

After days in the wilderness, most groups want a hot shower, a real meal, and a comfortable bed. Plan one night in Ely after your trip. The Boathouse Brewpub and Rockwood Bar and Grill are the go-to spots for post-trip meals. Northern Grounds coffee shop opens early for groups heading back to Minneapolis.

Need group lodging in Ely for your Boundary Waters trip? Submit a request on BidMyRoom and let local properties compete for your booking.