Ely, MN: Lodge Dogsledding Adventure

Ely, MN: Weather

Experience winter at its finest as you spend your days exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area by dogsled, then retreat to the warmth and comfort of our cozy northern lodges for four nights to enjoy the well-earned luxuries of delicious meals and warm fires. Learn the basics of dogsledding during the day from harnessing and driving the dogs, to navigating the frozen lakes and snowy trails. In the afternoon and evening, you'll have the opportunity to explore on your own, trek a few more miles on the local ski trails, or relax in the sauna... Daily Itinerary

- Activities: Dogsledding
- Accommodations:Lodges
- Van Supported: No
- From: Ely, MN
- 2008 Price: $1,295

Fact Sheet - Itinerary - Questions - Top of Page

Day 1: We'll meet at our lodge in Ely between 4 PM - 6 PM. We'll get to know each other over a welcome dinner and have time to review the week's itinerary and learn some of the history of dogsledding.

Day 2: We'll breakfast at the lodge and then it's time for Dogsledding 101. We learn the basics of dog handling, and pair up for our first day's travel along the beautiful trails of the Boundary Waters. We'll stop along the way for a warm lunch around a fire. In the late afternoon we'll head back to our lodge for a delicious meal and comfortable night indoors.

Days 3 & 4: Each day offers a chance to refine our dogsledding skills and explore new areas of snowy wilderness as we travel the many trails and frozen lakes of the area. We spend about 5 or 6 hours on the trail before settling down to a wonderful dinner at one of the hospitable local lodges. Evenings may feature sleigh rides, some optional night skiing, or just relaxing in the sauna or hot tub and around the fireplace.

Day 5: We make our farewells over a sumptuous breakfast, and depart to drive home or catch our planes in Duluth.

**This is a lodge-based trip and the itinerary is subject to change.

Fact Sheet - Itinerary - Questions - Top of Page

What should I pack for my trip?
Use the equipment list that The Northwest Passage sends out to help you determine what you need to pack. You'll need wind-resistant shells and warm layers while on the trail, and comfortable casual clothes for the lodges. We want you to be warm and comfortable, so if you have any questions at all regarding your gear please call us. Because we will be lodge-based, weight is not a big issue. If you are not sure whether to bring an item or not, better to bring it just in case (if you don't use it you can just keep it at the lodge). A good rule of thumb is to pack only items that you are willing to lose. This way if something does get lost en route, it does not ruin your whole trip!

How do I get there?
The Northwest Passage will provide a map to our first night's lodge for those who would like to drive. Ely, MN is about 11 hours from Chicago, 5-6 hours from Minneapolis/St.Paul. For those who choose to fly, the closest major airport is Duluth, MN. The drive up to Ely is about three hours from Duluth.

How can people reach me on the trip? Can I call home?
We'll provide you the phone numbers of the lodges we'll be staying at. You should also give family and friends the NWP office number in case of an emergency. Most lodges have phones that you will be able to use, but conversations should be kept short, as the phone is often the lodge's only official business line. While we are "on the trail" we will be unable to make contact with outside parties except in the event of an emergency.

What will a typical day be like?
Typically we will eat around 8AM and aim to be mushing by 10:00AM. We'll eat lunch out on the trail and generally get back to the lodge between 4-5PM. Once we leave the lodge in the morning we won't be back until late afternoon. For this reason we need to be prepared for all weather and have enough water (and snacks) to last us the day. You should bring a backpack into which you can put extra layers.
When you return to the lodge, you'll have time to relax and enjoy a hearty dinner. Optional evening activities may include sleigh rides, night skiing, or a visit to the International Wolf Center. Depending on the lodge, a hot tub or sauna awaits, and there's always the option to relax with a book in front of the fire.

What's the weather like?
Temperatures can vary between 30 F and -20 F; winds can be strong or non-existent - you'll need to plan layers for a variety of weather. You can find out what the weather is like in Northern Minnesota through the weather links with the trip descriptions on our website.

Will I be driving my own dogteam?
Yes. You may also be riding. Typically we will have one sled and one team of dogs for every two people. You and your partner will switch off driving and riding. We will rotate groups so everyone gets to try out different sleds and dogteams. We'll also get a chance to ride/drive with different people.

Will there be any instruction?
Yes. We will give you instruction in the basics of handling your sled, using the brake and communicating with your dogs. Don't expect this to be too lengthy -there is only so much you can say before experience becomes the best teacher. We are always happy to answer any of your questions regarding the art of dogsledding so make sure to ask us! If you ever uncomfortable with an activity, do not hesitate to let us know so we can correct the situation.

How strenuous is this trip?
Dogsledding is much more than riding on the sled runners and calling out to the dogs. The musher (someone who dogsleds) is constantly shifting their weight from one side of the sled to the other, helping the dogs on hills by getting off and walking or running, stepping on the brake (sometimes vigorously) and in general being fairly active. If you are in good shape you will have no problem with the activity. If you are in mediocre shape you'll probably do fine but may get tired. If you are in poor shape you may want to contact us regarding the amount of physical activity required.

What are the bathroom facilities like on this trip?
During the day while we're out, bathroom facilities will be au-natural (i.e., behind the trees). At night we will have full bathrooms with showers. There will be occasions when we have to share bathrooms/showers, so if you have a favorite robe, you may want to bring it along. If you have a favorite towel, you may want to consider packing that as well.

Should I bring extra money?
Yes, you will need extra money if you plan to have any alcoholic beverages with your meals (such as wine, beer etc.). You will also want some to purchase souvenirs, maps or books in town.

Is it customary to tip the guides?
Tipping the guides is completely optional. If you had an exceptional experience and would like to tip the musher or other guides, you may consider giving between $10-$50.

Where can I find good maps of the area that we'll be in?
The W.A. Fisher company makes detailed maps of the Boundary Waters in which we will be traveling. Their maps can be ordered by mail. You will probably want to wait to purchase any maps until we complete the dogsledding as there are many many maps and we will only be traveling over a small handful. Once you know what route we have used you'll be able to order the maps by name. The address is W.A. Fisher Company-Map Division 123 Chestnut Street PO Box 1107 Virginia, MN 55792

Fact Sheet - Itinerary - Questions - Top of Page

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