ngadventure.com [ View all Boundary Waters Canoe Area trips in the Paddling Trip Guide ]. The areas greatest highlight is its unique geography of lakes, some which are interconnected and others which are separated by short overland portages. Don Beland was well-known in Ely Minnesota as a guide, trapper and ultimately an outfitter. No confusing charts or alternate packages; we do all the packing and you get the finest food and equipment at one package price without the headaches. The Boundary Waters gateway town of Ely, Minnesota is located about 250 miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul on I-35. Are you planning a challenging trip? 10% off all new, in stock composite canoes, 10% off canoe accessories with canoe purchase, Satellite Phones and SPOT Texting Devices. Boundary Waters outfitters also provide vehicle shuttles and canoe delivery to entry points to start and finish your trip. A key member of our team, Dave Sebesta, our General Manager, who knows the Boundary Waters inside and out, lives just down the road. Explore the winter wilderness during a time of extreme beauty when snow blankets the ground and the stars shine bright. The area is a designated wilderness; there is no Boundary Waters park, however the region is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of Superior National Forest. /*