Things to Do in the BWCA in the Winter Months
Winter in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) and the Ely, Minnesota region is a very different world than summer canoe season. Lakes freeze over, trails turn into quiet corridors of snow, and the night sky becomes a dark stage for northern lights, stars, and deep silence. Whether you are planning a dedicated winter trip or tacking on a few days to a northwoods visit, there are plenty of things to do in the BWCA in winter.
This guide highlights some of the most popular BWCA winter activities — from snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to dog sledding, ice fishing, winter camping, and cozy cabin stays in Ely and the surrounding northwoods.
Snowshoeing in the Northwoods
Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to experience BWCA winter trails. With a pair of snowshoes and some warm layers, you can explore rolling forest, frozen lakeshores, and quiet portage routes that feel completely different once the snow settles in.
Cross-Country Skiing on Groomed & Backcountry Trails
The Ely area offers cross-country skiing on a mix of groomed loops and ungroomed backcountry routes. Classic and skate-ski trails wind through pines and spruces, while more adventurous skiers can explore frozen lakes and old portages when conditions allow.
Ice Fishing on Frozen Lakes
When lakes freeze, the fishing does not stop. Ice fishing for walleye, crappie, and northern pike becomes a favorite way to spend bright winter days. Some visitors use simple pop-up shelters, while others reserve heated day houses or fish out from a nearby cabin.
Dog Sledding Tours Near Ely
A dog sledding tour is a classic bucket-list activity in the Ely area. Outfitters offer half-day, full-day, and even multi-day trips, with opportunities to help harness the team, ride in the sled, and learn about winter travel by dog team in the northwoods.
Winter Camping & Hot-Tent Trips
For experienced cold-weather campers, the BWCA becomes a quiet, snow-covered wilderness ideal for winter camping and hot-tent trips. Pulk sleds, wood stoves, and careful planning turn frozen lakes into comfortable basecamps. Many people start with a guided trip or class before going on their own.
Snowmobiling on Designated Trails (Outside the BWCA)
While motorized use is not allowed inside the Boundary Waters, there are extensive snowmobile trail systems near Ely and around northern Minnesota. Riders can explore groomed routes through the forest, stop at local establishments, and return to a warm cabin at the end of the day.
Northern Lights & Winter Night Sky Viewing
Long nights and low light pollution make the BWCA region ideal for aurora borealis and star gazing. On clear winter nights, many guests simply step away from their cabin, lodge, or campsite to look up at a sky full of stars and, with luck, arcs of green and red northern lights.
Wildlife Tracking & Winter Photography
Fresh snow makes it easy to see tracks from deer, foxes, wolves, snowshoe hares, and birds. Many visitors enjoy wildlife tracking and winter photography on short walks near cabins, lodges, and plowed pull-offs, capturing frosted trees, low winter light, and quiet lakes.
Sauna, Hot Tub, and Cozy Cabin Evenings
Even if your days are packed with activity, the evenings can be all about relaxation. Many Ely-area lodges and cabins offer saunas, hot tubs, and fireplaces, turning winter nights into part of the experience. A hot drink, a book, and a crackling fire are sometimes all the adventure you need.
Guided Winter Classes & Skills Clinics
For those new to winter in the northwoods, local outfitters offer winter skills classes, including safe ice travel, layering and cold-weather clothing, navigation, and intro winter camping. These are a great way to learn the basics before venturing deeper into the BWCA in the cold season.
A successful BWCA winter trip starts long before you put on snowshoes or clip into skis. Choosing the right layers, checking long-range weather, coordinating lodging or outfitter support, and deciding how far into the wilderness you want to go are all part of the planning process.
Many winter visitors fly into Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and then make their way north to Ely and the surrounding northwoods. Some travelers prefer not to drive in winter road conditions and instead arrange private ground transportation to lodges, cabins, or outfitters in the Ely & BWCA area.
However you decide to travel, giving yourself extra time on winter roads, sharing your plans with someone back home, and staying flexible with your schedule will make your trip safer and more enjoyable.
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Winter in the BWCA & Ely – What It’s Really Like
Winter in the BWCA and Ely is quieter, slower, and more deliberate than summer canoe season. Instead of paddles and portages, you’ll hear the crunch of snow under snowshoes and skis, the crackle of a wood stove, and the occasional call of a raven echoing through snow-covered trees.
Dressing for BWCA Winter Conditions
Winter in northern Minnesota can be cold, but with the right layers it becomes incredibly comfortable. Think in terms of base layer, insulating layer, and shell. Wool or synthetic base layers, fleece or light down mid-layers, and a windproof outer shell will serve you well on most days.
Don’t forget warm hats, mittens, neck gaiters, and winter boots with good traction. Many outfitters around Ely can help you fine-tune your gear list, and some offer rentals for items like snowshoes, skis, or even specialty winter camping equipment.
Planning a Winter Trip to Ely & the Boundary Waters
If you’re planning a winter visit, start by deciding what kind of experience you want: day trips from a warm cabin, a lodge-based adventure, or a true backcountry winter camping trip. From there, you can choose dates, book lodging or a guide, and arrange transportation to and from the Ely area.
Many visitors break up the drive by staying in Ely before or after going deeper into the BWCA. This allows time to check in with outfitters, adjust plans based on weather, and enjoy a meal or stroll around town before heading home.
Because winter weather can change quickly, it’s smart to leave some flexibility in your schedule, especially if you are relying on long highway drives, flights, or group meet-ups. Always build in extra time and have a backup plan.
Getting to the Ely & BWCA Region in Winter
Travelers reach Ely and the BWCA in winter in a few different ways. Some drive their own vehicles from elsewhere in Minnesota or neighboring states. Others fly into Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and then continue north by car, shuttle, or pre-arranged private transportation.
No matter how you choose to travel, winter road conditions, shorter daylight hours, and cold temperatures make it important to plan ahead. Checking the forecast, following road condition updates, and giving yourself extra time will help ensure that your winter adventure in the Boundary Waters and Ely starts and ends smoothly.
If you have questions about timing, routes, or how long to allow between your arrival and departure days and your winter activities, local outfitters and lodges are excellent resources. They know the rhythms of the season and can help you match your plans to typical winter conditions.
BWCA Winter – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special experience for winter trips near the BWCA?
It depends on what you plan to do. Day trips on snowshoes or skis from a warm cabin or lodge are accessible to many people with basic fitness and good clothing. Overnight winter camping in the BWCA requires more skills, specialized gear, and a higher comfort level with cold conditions. When in doubt, consider a guided trip or skills class first.
When is the best time to visit the BWCA area in winter?
Winter usually settles in by late November and can extend into March or even April. Mid-winter (January–February) often offers reliable snow and ice, while early and late winter can bring changing conditions. Your ideal timing will depend on whether you most want skiing, ice fishing, dog sledding, or northern lights opportunities.
Can I rent winter gear in or near Ely?
Yes. Ely-area outfitters often rent or provide snowshoes, skis, pulk sleds, hot-tent setups, and other winter gear, especially for guided trips and classes. Always reserve in advance for busy weekends and holiday periods.
Is cell service available in the BWCA during winter?
Cell coverage in and around the BWCA is limited, and you should not rely on it for emergency communication, especially in winter. Many winter travelers carry satellite messengers, PLBs, or other devices for backcountry trips. For day outings near Ely, coverage can be better but is still not guaranteed everywhere.
Where should I stay if I want a mix of comfort and winter adventure?
Many visitors choose to stay at Ely-area cabins, lodges, or resorts that offer access to trails, lakes, and outfitters while still providing warm beds, saunas, and hot showers at the end of the day. It’s a great way to blend northern Minnesota winter adventures with comfort and relaxation.
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- Northern Tier BWCA ⇄ MSP Transportation
- Ely to MSP Airport Transportation
- Early Morning & Late-Night Ely → MSP Airport Rides
- Group & Gear Transportation – Ely/BWCA to MSP
- Boy Scout Troop Transportation – Ely/BWCA ⇄ MSP
- MSP to Ely Private Car Service (Primary Inbound)
- MSP to Ely Private Car Service
- MSP to BWCA – Canoe Trip Transportation
- MSP to Lake Vermilion Resorts Transportation
- MSP to Ely Lodges & Outfitters Transportation
- MSP to Boundary Waters Entry Point Transportation
- Ely → MSP Medical Transportation
- Pet-Friendly Ely/BWCA Transportation
- Things to Do in Ely
- Lodges, Cabins & Outfitters Transportation – Ely & BWCA
- Superior National Forest & Gunflint Trail Transportation
- Ely/BWCA ⇄ MSP Airport Transportation – Frequently Asked Questions
