Outside Magazine recently named Ely, Minnesota, our hometown, in their “The Best Small Towns: Our 10 favorite Adventure Burgs.”  We tend to agree. Ely can offer up life in the slow lane, with plenty to do if you love the outdoors.  With more moose than traffic lights (just 3), more canoes than you can possibly imagine on a summer day, countless pristine lakes to ply and a winter full of exploring to be had in the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Wilderness area, its no surprise Ely is a favorite of both summer and winter visitors. Outside Magazine offers this: Ely, Minnesota There's a reason iconic outdoorsmen like polar adventurer Will Steger and nature photographer Jim Brandenburg call Ely (pop. 3,700) home: It's the main gateway for the 1.3-million-

acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. As such, main street is lined with outfitters and outdoor-equipment stores, and even the local radio station, WELY—a quirky polka-and-rock channel—incorporates a North Woods twist: They broad­cast daily "wilderness shout-outs" to people camped out in the backcountry.  For the complete article, visit Outside online.

This winter, we’re embarking on TWO Northwoods Passage Trips.  The ultimate winter mushing adventure, both of these week long trips traverse the heart of the Boundary Waters wilderness.  Our standard trip runs from the Gunflint Trail, westbound to the kennel. Based on the rave reviews from last season’s trip, some North Woods Passage guests are returning with a request to do an Eastbound Passage trip this winter. And so it is - an eastbound trip is now on the books, and seeking robust travelers with a thirst for adventure.  If not robust, then atleast resilient and good humored.

The eastbound trip will start in Crane Lake, on the far western edge of the renowned Boundary Water’s Wilderness, and travel an ambitious 150+ mile route along the historic border route with Canada, through lake and forest country back to the kennel.  Expect windswept vistas, punctuated by the pictograph cliffs of Ojibway lore and granite outcroppings on the vast island studded Lac La Croix. Take in the dramatic Curtain Falls on Crooked Lake - a surging waterfall that few witness in the wintertime.  Contrast bold landscapes with intimate meandering marshes and narrow boreal trails connecting frozen waterways.  Build skills and confidence with the dogs as we work our way through the wilderness, enroute to the kennel, located on the south-central edge of the BWCAW.

Both expedition routes (eastbound and westbound) are seven nights and six days, premier style, with each person driving their own team for the entirety.  Accommodations are north woods winter camping style with expedition tents and outdoor fires.  Meals are hearty and savory.  The dogs are primed for new trails and well seasoned with hundreds of miles under their belts.  Expect to be actively involved in all aspects of winter travel, camp chores while also gaining more mushing and winter travel skills each day. The eastbound trip features a longer route, and will forego the training day at the kennel for more miles on trail. This itinerary includes 2 nights in a lodge, 5 nights camping on trail, and 6 days mushing.

We are seeking intrepid adventurer’s to join us for this new trip.  Boundary Waters fans, wilderness seekers, and hearty adventurers will all love this authentic wilderness trip.  Returning White Wilderness guests with an itch for exploration and desire to rekindle the exhileration of dog sledding are encouraged to consider this trip. More info online, or contact us for details or to discuss trip suitability.

March 7-14, 2010 westbound trip only

March 14-21, 2010 eastbound and westbound trips

$1695/pp double occupancy/ $1795/pp single occupancy