Explore Boundary Waters:
A Canoe Trip
Until we safeguard forever our public lands, we will Never Rest™
Saturday, August 3 – Thursday, August 8, 2024
A canoer on Kekecabic Lake in the Boundary Waters. (Wildnerdpix / Shutterstock)
Until we safeguard forever our public lands, we will Never Rest™
Explore Boundary Waters:
A Canoe Trip
Saturday, August 3 – Thursday, August 8, 2024
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Paddle through the serene Boundary Waters, stargazing by campfire cookouts and practicing backcountry skills through trails of lush vegetation and wild blueberries.
Meet the coalition of Earthjustice and local partners who are leading the fight to prevent destructive mining operations from altering this delicate ecosystem that Native communities, local businesses, outdoor enthusiasts, and wildlife depend on.
Featuring over 1,000 lakes and 1,200 miles of canoe routes, the Boundary Waters is an unparalleled setting to immerse yourself in nature while learning about the critical importance of protecting land and water.
Boundary Waters Multi-Day Canoe Trip National Monument
Explore the hidden lakes of the Boundary Waters and totally disconnect on a fully-supported, multi-day canoe trip led by expert guides. Piragis Northwoods Company, a plaintiff against the mining leases, will provide all meals and equipment so you only need to bring your personal items and a sense of adventure.
Visit Proposed Mine Sites
Visit Twin Metals Mine from Birch Lake and learn about the irreversible impact mining operations would have on water quality.
Culinary Class At Ely Folk School
Learn about the history of cultures in Ely over a pasty cooking class at the Ely Folk School. A pasty is a savory baked item that has deep roots in the mining industry. We’ll put a spin on the classic recipe with ingredients that grow wild and can be foraged in the Boundary Waters.
Never Rest™ Fun Fact
Earthjustice achieved one of the Never Rest™ campaign’s early goals when the Midwest Region Office opened in Chicago in 2019. The attorneys in the Midwest Office now lead all Boundary Waters litigation and are actively building partnerships across the region.
This trip is planned in partnership with Iconic Adventures, whose trip leaders will be joining you alongside Earthjustice and local experts.
Day 1 – Welcome to Ely, MN
Fly into Duluth International Airport (DLH) where your Iconic Trip Leader will meet you at baggage claim. You will be transferred by private shuttle to Grand Ely Lodge, and our base for the next two nights in Ely, MN. Relax and unpack for a welcome reception at Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness (NMW) headquarters in downtown Ely. NMW is leading the effort to ensure permanent protection for the BWCA Wilderness and an important partner of Earthjustice. Dinner in downtown Ely will follow.
Day 2 – Birch Lake and a Culinary Class at Ely Folk School
Following breakfast at the The Chocolate Moose, we’ll drive to Birch Lake to meet with Earthjustice community partners and board a pontoon boats for a few hours on the water. While on the lake, we’ll learn about the ongoing litigation to defend the Boundary Waters from the nearby Twin Metals Mine, whose operations would have a devastating impact on water quality. We’ll explore the lake to find a calm cove to enjoy lunch, returning to the dock in the early afternoon. We’ll head back to Grand Ely Lodge where you’ll have a couple of hours to refresh and recharge or explore downtown Ely.
This afternoon we’ll meet our guides at Piragis Northwoods Company for a meet and greet and Q&A session. The team from Piragis Northwoods Company will demonstrate how to pack a dry bag, distribute gear, walk through the days ahead in the BWCA Wilderness and answer any questions you may have.
This evening, we have the special opportunity to learn about the history of cultures in Ely over a pasty cooking class at Ely Folk School. A pasty is a savory baked item that has deep roots in the mining industry; we’ll put a spin on the classic recipe with ingredients that grow wild in the Boundary Waters as long as the water remains clean and unpolluted. We’ll enjoy a dinner of pastys - among other dishes!
We’ll return to Grand Ely Lodge to pack and rest up for tomorrow’s departures.
Day 3 & Day 4 – Paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA)
Following breakfast at The Chocolate Moose, meet your Piragis guides at the designated starting point for the canoe trip. Over the coming days, you’ll paddle through the stunning Boundary Waters on a fully outfitted canoe trip. You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides and Earthjustice staff who will ensure the trip is adventurous, safe, comfortable, and educational.
A typical day canoeing in the Boundary Waters may include: paddling, viewing wildlife, learning about the delicate ecosystem and it’s flora and fauna, practicing backcountry skills, campfire cookouts, stargazing, howling with the wolves and so much more. It’s truly the experience of a lifetime.
Day 5 – Exiting the BWCA
Relish your last breakfast in the wild before packing up camp and paddling to the take out point.
After meeting your Iconic Trip Leader, enjoy a picnic lunch and share Boundary Waters stories and laughs before returning to Grand Ely Lodge for the final evening. You’ll find your luggage in your (new) room and you can take the afternoon to soothe your muscles in the hot tub, enjoy a refreshing shower and rest.
This evening we’ll reflect on a wonderful week in the Boundary Waters and toast to these memories over a group dinner in town at Insula.
Day 6 – Departure Day
Breakfast will be available at the hotel this morning. After breakfast, airport transfers will be coordinated based on flight times.
Thank you for an incredible week!
Boundary Waters Multi-Day Canoe Trip
Explore the hidden lakes of the Boundary Waters and totally disconnect on a fully-supported, multi-day canoe trip led by expert guides. Piragis Northwoods Company, a plaintiff against the mining leases, will provide all meals and equipment so you only need to bring your personal items and a sense of adventure.
Visit Proposed Mine Sites
Visit Twin Metals Mine from Birch Lake and learn about the irreversible impact mining operations would have on water quality.
Culinary Class At Ely Folk School
Learn about the history of cultures in Ely over a pasty cooking class at the Ely Folk School. A pasty is a savory baked item that has deep roots in the mining industry. We’ll put a spin on the classic recipe with ingredients that grow wild and can be foraged in the Boundary Waters.
Never Rest™ Fun Fact
Earthjustice achieved one of the Never Rest™ campaign’s early goals when the Midwest Region Office opened in Chicago in 2019. The attorneys in the Midwest Office now lead all Boundary Waters litigation and are actively building partnerships across the region.
This trip is planned in partnership with Iconic Adventures, whose trip leaders will be joining you alongside Earthjustice and local experts.
Day 1 – Welcome to Ely, MN
Fly into Duluth International Airport (DLH) where your Iconic Trip Leader will meet you at baggage claim. You will be transferred by private shuttle to Grand Ely Lodge, and our base for the next two nights in Ely, MN. Relax and unpack for a welcome reception at Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness (NMW) headquarters in downtown Ely. NMW is leading the effort to ensure permanent protection for the BWCA Wilderness and an important partner of Earthjustice. Dinner in downtown Ely will follow.
Day 2 – Birch Lake and a Culinary Class at Ely Folk School
Following breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive to Birch Lake to meet with Earthjustice community partners and board a pontoon boats for a few hours on the water. While on the lake, we’ll learn about the ongoing litigation to defend the Boundary Waters from the nearby Twin Metals Mine, whose operations would have a devastating impact on water quality. We’ll explore the lake to find a calm cove to enjoy lunch, returning to the dock in the early afternoon. We’ll head back to Grand Ely Lodge where you’ll have a couple of hours to refresh and recharge or explore downtown Ely.
This afternoon we’ll meet our guides at Piragis Northwoods Company for a meet and greet and Q&A session. The team from Piragis Northwoods Company will demonstrate how to pack a dry bag, distribute gear, walk through the days ahead in the BWCA Wilderness and answer any questions you may have.
This evening, we have the special opportunity to learn about the history of cultures in Ely over a pasty cooking class at Ely Folk School. A pasty is a savory baked item that has deep roots in the mining industry; we’ll put a spin on the classic recipe with ingredients that grow wild in the Boundary Waters as long as the water remains clean and unpolluted. We’ll enjoy a dinner of pastys - among other dishes!
We’ll return to Grand Ely Lodge to pack and rest up for tomorrow’s departures.
Day 3 & Day 4 – Paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA)
Following breakfast at The Chocolate Moose, meet your Piragis guides at the designated starting point for the canoe trip. Over the coming days, you’ll paddle through the stunning Boundary Waters on a fully outfitted canoe trip. You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides and Earthjustice staff who will ensure the trip is adventurous, safe, comfortable, and educational.
A typical day canoeing in the Boundary Waters may include: paddling, viewing wildlife, learning about the delicate ecosystem and it’s flora and fauna, practicing backcountry skills, campfire cookouts, stargazing, howling with the wolves and so much more. It’s truly the experience of a lifetime.
Day 5 – Exiting the BWCA
Relish your last breakfast in the wild before packing up camp and paddling to the take out point.
After meeting your Iconic Trip Leader, enjoy a picnic lunch and share Boundary Waters stories and laughs before returning to Grand Ely Lodge for the final evening. You’ll find your luggage in your (new) room and you can take the afternoon to soothe your muscles in the hot tub, enjoy a refreshing shower and rest.
This evening we’ll reflect on a wonderful week in the Boundary Waters and toast to these memories over a group dinner in town at Insula.
Day 6 – Departure Day
After an early breakfast, we will depart Ely for departing flights from Duluth International Airport. Thank you for an incredible week!
Dates: Saturday, August 3 – Thursday, August 8, 2024
Group Size: 5 guests per trip
Age Limit: Guests must be at least 7 years old.
Package Rate:
- $6,350 per person for double occupancy
- $6,850 per person for single occupancy
An invoice for your deposit will be sent within 24 business hours of registering. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the start of the first trip (Monday, May 5, 2024).
For more information about the trip, please contact Iconic Adventures at concierge@iconicadventures.com or (877) 941-9412.
For Earthjustice-related questions, please contact our travel team at travel@earthjustice.org or (312) 800-8308.
All travelers are required to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, per CDC guidelines.
Iconic Adventures CST#2104024
