Preparing for a Trip

Whether you've been on a Boundary Waters trip before or have never camped in your life, we'll teach you everything you need to know and make sure you're prepared to have a great time in the wilderness! With teamwork and an open mind, you'll be surprised how much your crew can do.

Packing List

We provide the canvas canoe packs you'll use on your trip and will send a detailed packing list before your trip. The weather in Minnesota can change quickly, so be prepared for anything from 50-95 degrees. Also know that you will likely be somewhat wet throughout the day while canoeing.

Please remember that the equipment you bring does not need to be expensive! You can get good quality items from thrift shops or borrow from friends and family. We also have a good-size stash of clean lost and found items you can borrow if you forget anything or aren't able to to find something you need.

We've been leading Girl Scout canoe trips since the 1960's and have packing down to a science! It might take a little getting used to, but we really do just recommend one set of wet clothes and one set of dry clothes for the duration of your trip. Here's everything you'll need:

Wet Clothes

This is what you'll wear while canoeing -- expect everything to get wet!

Quick drying pants (no yoga pants or jeans)
T-shirt
Long-sleeve shirt to protect from sun and bugs
Wool socks
Underwear
Rain jacket and rain pants
- These are important! Stearns or the sturdier type of Frogg Toggs are fine. No ponchos! Rain gear that is a little bulky is better than too-tight. Bigger rain jackets are easier to get on and off and may be worn over life jackets.
Hiking boots
- Sturdy, broken in, not waterproof. These boots will be wet during the day. They should offer support to your feet and ankles for rugged wilderness portaging and drain easily (waterproof boots won't). We have used footwear like Vietnam Boots or Merrell Moab Mid-hiker models. Look in thrift stores for good non-leather boots that fit your feet with wool socks on.
A hat with a brim that fits you securely
(Optional) bug net for your head to be worn over your hat during portages
Swim suit (only to be worn at camp when swimming, not in canoes)

Dry Clothes

These are clothes you'll change into in the afternoon when you arrive at your campsite. Dry clothes are a completely different outfit from your wet clothes and it is very important that they stay dry. Bring quart and gallon-size Ziplock bags to pack them in!

Shirt (ideally long-sleeve to prevent sunburn and bug bites)
Long pants (looser pants help prevent bug bites, but leggings are ok)
Underwear
Socks
Tennis shoes (closed toe and heel)
Pajamas

Cold Weather Clothes

The weather is unpredictable and it is important to always carry extra layers just in case:

Warm wool or fleece sweater/pullover (no cotton sweatshirts)
Lightweight beanie or other warm hat

Miscellaneous Items

Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste (travel size is best), dental floss, comb/brush, soap/shampoo/conditioner for showering at the Canoe Base
Optional: camera, journal or small book, deck of cards

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags should be packed in a stuff sack with a garbage bag as a liner on the inside of the stuff sack. Any summer or three-season sleeping bag (rated for ~30 degrees) will do. Mummy-shaped bags are the best and the lightest, though not necessary. The less bulky the better, since sleeping bags are packed with all of your other personal belongings. Adult participants are free to bring a lightweight closed-cell or Thermarest-style sleeping pad.

What NOT to Bring

Sandals, flip flops, or any open toe/heel shoe
Cell phones: consider bringing a disposable or digital camera for photos
Soap/shampoo/conditioner cannot be used in the wilderness
Large items not on the packing list

Getting to the Canoe Base

Canoe Base staff will meet you in Ely, MN at 1pm on arrival day. From there, we will head 17 miles out of town and then 1.5 miles down a dirt road to the Canoe Base. There is no cell service at the Canoe Base and devices like Google Maps and Mapquest are unreliable on the edge of the wilderness. Any passenger vehicle can easily make it down the road to the Canoe Base. Vehicles are parked on-site. It is very reasonable for a crew to leave from Minneapolis bright and early and reach Ely by 1pm on arrival day.

There are no vehicle rental businesses in Ely. Crews flying to Minnesota typically find that it is cheapest to fly into MSP and rent a vehicle to drive to Ely, park at the Canoe Base, and drive back. Duluth and Hibbing have airports, but are usually significantly more expensive.

Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines also ownes the Janette Pollay Cabin in Duluth, which is a large cabin with electricity, running water, and pit toilets outside. While it is used for day camp most of the summer, it is often available overnight for Girl Scout groups of up to 24 people for about $50/night. This is a great option for budget-conscious troops looking for a place to stay on their way to/from the Canoe Base.

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