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February 2024 by Joe Weise
Best service in town!
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January 2024 by michael kostelnik
Cant say enough good about the place, most outfits are great in Ely but I prefer spirit of the wilderness for anything you may need and things you didn't know you need and if you want a place to sleep the bunkhouse is the perfect place to sleep and shower.
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January 2024 by Andy Stevens
Fantastic experience all around. We first came across this shop when we were looking to do just a day paddle with our kids. The staff was so kind and helpful that we decided to return a couple of years later for a multi-day trip. Both the owners and the staff were incredibly helpful in helping us plan what turned out to be a fantastic trip.The time and effort the staff puts in to getting you the most details and information for your trip is remarkable. They really want to make sure you have everything set to have a good trip. When the time came for our trip the whole process was easy from filling out paperwork, picking up supplies and bait, and loading the canoe.We will definitely be returning.
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October 2023 by Theran Springstead
They are always willing to help. We stayed in the recently completed bunkhouse the night before we went into BWCA. It was clean and perfect.
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October 2023 by Slade Edmonds
This was our first trip up to the BWCA and Spirit of the Wilderness took great care of us. After 3 amazing days of fishing with Ely Fishing Guide, we went out for a leisurely paddle and Spirit of the Wilderness did not disappoint. You know the moment you step in to the shop that these guys have their act together. I highly recommend them!
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September 2023 by Matthew Head
Great place to gear up for,fishing,hiking,canoeing and camping. The employees are the best and so helpful. Thank you!
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September 2023 by D. I.D.
Went to BWCA for the very first time last week, Steve & his staff were wonderful and incredibly knowledgeable. The Boundary Waters is an incredible experience on its own but choosing the right Outfitter truly enhances it. Spirit of the Wilderness really helped make this trip special.
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September 2023 by Harry Hight
Absolutely the best outfitter in Ely. They KNOW the Boundary Waters and are experienced canoeists. Could not be in better hands when needing outfitting for a Boundary Waters adventure.
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August 2023 by Pete Boisclair
Very cool outdoor store! They have lots of maps, clothing, camping and hiking supplies and a variety of shoes too. They also have a canoe paddles and a big fishing supply area, and I’m sure I’m leaving other supply sections out too. Went here during the Blueberry Art Festival and the sale prices were very good on a number of items too. Also - loved the clean shower here ($5 if you bring your own towel, $6 if you use one of theirs). The shower room only has a single shower, plus a sink and mirror. (So there is a possibility you might have to wait for someone else to finish first, but we didn’t have to when we used the shower here.) There is a separate restroom adjacent to it as well. Really glad to have discovered another shower option in Ely!
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July 2023 by Mari Liestman
Great experience renting canoes and gear for our BWCA trip! Very helpful, organized, friendly, and extremely easy to work with. We look forward to outfitting through Spirit of the Wilderness for all of our future trips!
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July 2023 by Michael VanAlst
Our group has used Spirit of the Wilderness for our Boundary Waters outfitting for 16 years. They rent or sell any gear you could possibly need. Their owners and staff are very knowledgable on fishing spots and trends year by year. One time we left a bag there and the owner dropped it off the following week when he was in the area, about 250 miles away from Ely. We don't plan to stop using them any time soon.
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July 2023 by Emily Estrada
Paid around $50 for a 1 day canoe rental which was amazing given the quality and lightness of the canoe. Easy to carry and they help set it up on your vehicle.
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June 2023 by Tom Rusch
Top notch service! New bunkhouse is really NICE!! Excellent, detailed information by experienced staff.
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June 2023 by Greg F.
Best outfitter in Ely. Knowledgeable friendly staff. Would recommend them especially for people new to the BWCA.
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December 2022 by Steve McCormick
I've outfitted with Spirit of the Wilderness three times now for Boundary Water trips and haven't had a bad experience yet. Gear is top notch and the expertise of the staff is unmatched.