Spirit of the Wilderness is a family owned business. Steve, Kathy and Ginny offer you the expertise and enthusiasm that comes with over 30 years of canoeing and outfitting in the BWCA and Quetico.
Our reputation, quality equipment, and educational approach to outfitting are some of the reasons people give for booking our services. We’ve introduced many folks to their first taste of the Northwoods – and watched as they develop skills to go it alone – but they keep using our services, year after year.
In your quest for the wilderness we become friends…
We invite you to explore the BWCA or Quetico and allow Spirit of the Wilderness to outfit your needs.
Plan Your Boundary Waters Adventure
The Spirit Team
Steve Nelson
Owner / Guide
Steve is an owner and guide at Spirit of the Wilderness. A self-proclaimed “corporate dropout”, Steve loved canoeing the Boundary Waters as a Boy Scout and that led him to purchase Spirit of the Wilderness.
Kathy Nelson
Owner
Kathy is the brains behind the scene at Spirit of the Wilderness. She has been traveling the BWCA since her first trip with the Girl Scouts in the 60’s.
Ginny Nelson
Owner / Manager
Ginny grew up camping and canoeing during family vacations. She paid her dues at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and decided to go into business with her parents.
Our Services
Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitting and Outdoor Store is located on the east end of Ely, Minnesota. We are centrally located to service all the Ely area Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permit entry points. Our guests find us an easy one-stop shop before they head into the BWCA or Canada’s Quetico Park to the north.
Questions about our services?
Call or email us for details – or use the form below.
- Boundary Waters & Quetico Permits
- BWCA Outfitting
- Kevlar Canoe Repair & Reconditioning
- Fishing Seminars
- Guided Trips
- Complete or Partial Outfitting
- Canoe & Kayak Rental
- Professional Routing & Maps
- Entry Point Transportation
- Towboat Service
- Camping Gear
- Fishing Tackle & Live Bait
- Outdoor Clothing & Footwear
- Online Store
- And Much More!