Packsack – Boundary Waters Outfitters, Western Region
Located on Fall Lake, just northeast of Ely in historic Winton, Minnesota, Packsack Canoe Trips offers both partial and complete Boundary Waters outfitters support for wilderness trekkers with or without experience, with any services or equipment you might need. Because we are located nearest to Ely, we only serve BWCA and Quetico trekkers that wish to enter or depart from the western entry points of this million-acre wilderness.
BWCA Walleye fishing from a Canoe
Portaging a Canoe in the BWCA
Friends Enjoying Breakfast around a BWCA campfire.
BWCA trekkers deciding the next move.
Shore Lunch in the BWCA
BWCA paddlers enjoying the adventure on a beautiful day.
Initial Planning through to the Experience of a Lifetime
If you have a plan and only seek a pre-trip stay in our bunkhouse with some equipment rental and transport services to your entry point, we can help you. However, if you need more consultative support, Packsack, Boundary Waters outfitters, are here to help.
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Guidance and help choosing an entry point based on skill and trip objective
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Click here to see a map of the BWCA
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Guidance and help getting licenses and entry point permits
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Gear/equipment list planning
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Rental services for canoes, canoe-appropriate backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, camp stoves and cooking gear
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Planned and packed meals and snacks (we get lots of compliments!)
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Historic lakeside bunkhouse (part of our lodge) for overnight stays pre-BWCA or post-BWCA with bathrooms and showers
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Transport to your entry point and pick-up at your scheduled BWCA exit day
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Tow services up to the very edge of the motorized zone
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Guidance and service for all not for profit organizations
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Guidance and suggestion for those wanting to take children or those with limited physical ability
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Gentle education of BWCA camper courtesies – respect for the wilderness and other campers
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Safety consulting
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Enthusiasm for your group – before and after your trip
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Encouragement, encouragement, encouragement
Your Gateway to Memories
We truly see ourselves as a “gateway” to some of the best memories you’ll have of the wilderness. These are memories you’ll return to in the dark days of a cold winter, when you see a painting of a natural place. We’re here to guide you toward memories you’re likely to cherish forever and upon which you’ll reflect fondly whenever you see someone wearing a BWCA t-shirt.
Beauty Around Every Bend
Our guests often become dear friends, Facebook followers and folks with stories and photos they wish to share again and again. We love hearing stories and getting pictures from our guests – the beauty of this place never grows old.
At PackSack Canoe Trips, Boundary Waters Outfitters, we have been providing non-profit trekkers outstanding service for the past 25 years. Because we were once a scouting family, we understand the work that's involved with planning a high adventure trip. That's why we offer special rates for all non-profit organizations, plus we make extra efforts to ensure your every question is answered.
Training Video: Orientation for BWCA Outfitted Groups
For those guests that are either considering complete vs. partial outfitting, or have an outfitted trip scheduled with Packsack, we have built an orientation video for you to watch. This video is about 15 minutes long, and is the same orientation when your group arrives onsite – no matter if you have already watched the video. The content of this orientation has been carefully put together over 20 years to help your group be comfortable with the equipment we provide and how each item functions. For some members of your group, this will be reassuring and for others, it will be highly educational, depending on their overall experience. We promise to build and make available several of the most helpful training videos offered by any Boundary Waters outfitters.
Click Here to watch our BWCA Outfitted Trip Orientation Video.
