BWCA, Quetico Park, and Ely, MN Area Links
This page will provide you with links that we think you might find useful. Some of the information available is external to our website. Bear Island has included these sites because we believe they provide information and/or services that you will find useful. However, since these sites are not under our control, we cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by them. Linking to these websites does not constitute an endorsement by Canadian Border Outfitters or any of its employees of the sponsors of these sites or any products or services presented on them.
Weather
BWCA, Quetico Park, and Ely, MN area weather in the can change rapidly
and unexpectedly. This information will provide you with a general forecast
and weather conditions for our area to allow you to better prepare for
your BWCA or Quetico Park canoe trip.
Superior National
Forest
Over 445,000 acres or 695 square miles of the forest is surface water.
In addition, more than 1,300 miles of cold water streams and 950 miles
of warm water streams flow within the boundaries of the Superior. Fish
species such as walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake trout, brook
trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout can be found in abundance in these
waters. The northern forest community thrives with its pine, fir and spruce
trees and is home to numerouse wildlife species including deer, moose,
the gray wolf, and black bear. Northern Minnesota is the last stronghold
of the gray wolf in the lower 48 states. Approximately 300-400 wolves
continue to roam within the boundaries of the Superior National Forest
today.
Quetico Provincial
Park
Quetico Provincial Park is a protected, pristine wilderness retreat of
international acclaim west of Lake Superior on the Canada-U.S. border.
The park's tangled network of lakes once formed water routes travelled
by Ojibway and fur traders. Now it is primarily the destination of experienced
canoeists seeking solitude and rare glimpses of wildlife by cascading
waterfalls, glassy lakes and endless forests.
International Wolf Center
A multi-million dollar complex that examines one of the most elusive and
misunderstood animals in the world, center visitors learn about the natural
history of wolves by observing the resident wolf pack and touring the
"Wolves and Humans" exhibit. Program participants can track wolves by
plane, go on evening howling expeditions or put on snowshoes and follow
the predator's winter tracks. Videos, talks, demonstrations, family day
programs and other adventures round out a visit to the IWC. 9 am - 5 pm
daily, May-Sept. (until 7 pm July and Aug.). Winter Hours: November through
April, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. (800) ELY-WOLF.
Dorothy Molter Museum
The Dorothy Molter Museum is a memorial to Dorothy Molter, the legendary
last resident of the BWCAW, who died in 1986 after living most of her
79 years on Knife Lake near the U.S.-Canada border. Canoeists often stopped
at Molter's home to enjoy her hospitality and famous homemade root beer
(she was often referred to as "the Root Beer Lady") The museum's two log
cabins were transported out of the BWCAW piece-by-piece and reassembled
in Ely. The Winter Cabin is now an interpretive center with pictures and
documents. There is also a small gift shop and a video telling the story
of her life. Open 10:00 - 5:30 Mon-Sat, and Noon - 5:30 on Sun. Open weekends
in May and September. (218) 365-4451.
North American Bear Center
The mission of the North American Bear Center is to enhance the understanding
of the general public of the habits, needs and environment of bears in
North America. This site offers a "virtual bear center" with information
on avoiding problems with bears, bear stories and more.