Choose your gateway after choosing your canoe route
The Boundary Waters covers a large area. Ely and the western entry points involve different onward journeys from Grand Marais and the Gunflint Trail. Start with your outfitter and intended entry point, then compare airports.
This guide focuses on reaching Ely. Boundary Waters Express is proposed for the Duluth to Ely corridor only. There is no confirmed service to Minneapolis, Grand Marais or the Gunflint Trail. A cheap flight is only useful if you can complete the ground connection.
Duluth: a shorter ground connection to Ely
Duluth is a natural airport to investigate for an Ely trip. Ely tourism lists the city at roughly 115 miles from Duluth, compared with about 255 miles from Minneapolis / St. Paul. Those are city distance references, not exact distances from every airport terminal.
Check DLH flight options directly on the airport and airline websites for your dates. Airline routes and frequencies can change, particularly between seasons. An itinerary available now does not establish the flight schedule for Summer 2027.
For travelers who prefer not to drive, obtain an airport transfer quote before buying tickets. The flight arrival time must work for the driver and for your onward appointment or overnight stay.
Minneapolis: compare the whole journey
MSP is worth including in your flight search, especially if you find a convenient itinerary from your departure city. Balance any airfare saving against the longer road journey to Ely. A rental car or separately arranged transfer must cover that distance in both directions.
An evening arrival followed by a long drive may mean an extra hotel night. Include that accommodation, meals, fuel and travel time in your comparison. For a group, divide shared vehicle costs by the number of passengers rather than comparing one person’s airfare with the full car cost.
If your itinerary connects through MSP to DLH, compare that option with ending the flight at MSP and driving. The shorter flying itinerary does not always produce the earlier arrival at your Ely accommodation.
Use a complete trip comparison
Build two versions of your itinerary using actual quotes for the same travel dates. Include the return journey and a realistic plan for delays.
| Factor | Duluth option | Minneapolis option |
|---|---|---|
| Air travel | Price and timing of flights into DLH | Price and timing of flights into MSP |
| Ground journey | Transfer or rental for the Duluth to Ely leg | Transfer or rental for the longer MSP to Ely leg |
| Overnight stay | Check arrival against outfitter hours | Check whether the longer drive needs an extra night |
| Gear | Airline limits plus driver luggage capacity | Airline limits plus rental or transfer capacity |
| Return | Allow for paddling exit, transfer and airport check in | Allow for paddling exit, longer drive and airport check in |
Check luggage before choosing the cheapest fare
A low airfare can become less attractive once checked bags and oversized equipment are added. Confirm your airline’s current rules for paddles, fishing equipment and other outdoor gear. Ask your outfitter whether renting bulky items locally simplifies the trip.
The airport transfer needs room for the same gear. Tell the provider your passenger count and bag sizes, and request written confirmation of special equipment arrangements. Accessible transport and child restraints also need advance confirmation.
Our recommendation for an Ely trip
Price DLH first for the shorter onward journey, then use MSP as a complete trip comparison. Choose the itinerary with workable connections and a confirmed transport plan, not simply the lowest displayed airfare.
Our proposed May through September 2027 shuttle is intended to make the DLH connection easier. We are collecting flight numbers, travel dates and passenger counts to understand demand. Requests involve no payment, and departure times, prices and launch remain subject to confirmation. Do not buy flights on the assumption that a shuttle request is a confirmed booking.
Sources and planning links
Verify current availability, schedules and permit requirements before booking.
Published by Boundary Waters Express, which is developing the proposed shuttle described here. External links do not imply endorsement or partnership.