Pack it up and paddle

Ely is the jumping-off spot for the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area, sitting on the doorstep of Voyageurs National Park and surrounded by more than 1,000 lakes, rivers, and streams. We especially love it in the fall (tourism often drops up to 75 percent and average daytime temps stay around 70 degrees): no bugs, no crowds, great weather, and extraordinary color. Of course, Old Man Winter brings his own diversions: cross-country skiing, dogsledding, ice skating, animal tracking . . . call (800) 777-7281 or visit www.ely.org for more information.

1. Taking a trip into the BWCA with Tom & Woods Moose Lake Wilderness Canoe Trips (800-322-5837, www.tomandwoods.com). You want a guide, they'll give you one. Need equipment, they have it. Maps, licenses, permits, food, advice . . . it's all here. With kids, we like the four-day route along the Kawishiwi River into Lake One, Lake Two, and Lake Three, then through Horseshoe, Harbor, and North Wilder Lakes, up to Hudson and Fire Lakes, and down into Lake Four. 2. Joining a nighttime wolf howl with the International Wolf Center (800-359-9653). Stand at the edge of the forest and let 'er rip: A-oooo, A-oooo. Sometimes, the wolves even answer back. You can also track wolves on guided snowshoe programs or hop aboard a small plane for telemetry tracking of area packs. Very cool. 3. Driving a team of sled dogs. There are more dogsledding trip outfitters in Ely than in any other place in the country. Try a lodge to lodge with Wintergreen Dog Sled (800-584-9425) or pick from two hours to multi-day getaways with Whispering Pines (800-510-2947, www.lodgeofwhisperingpines.com).

Move on to Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Return to Top

Great Family Escapes Erase the stress of family vacations with GORPtravel Vacations. Top Activity Destinations Jackson Hole Blue Ridge Mountains Lake Tahoe Yellowstone More Family Trips . . .

RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP Family
Ask the Family Expert
GORP Art & Photography