mstraveler

We are from San Francisco and doing an 8 day canoe trip out of Ely in August. The last time we did this we had to drive straight back to MSP to leave early the next morning. This year we have a little extra time and would like to drive from Ely along the north shore and spend the night. We would like to stay between Silver Bay and Duluth in some place with some character. We don't have time to go to Grand Marais and the closer we get toward Two Harbors the less we will need to drive the next day to MSP for a 4 pm flight. One complication is that our one night is a Saturday and I suspect places may have a 2 night minimum. We are not big B&B fans but prefer cabins or lodge type places. Thanks for any help!

Cali

The three places I can think of are the Larsmont cottages which are off the old highway 61 (Scenic Route) on Lake Superior. It has been built all new and looks very nice, although I have not stayed there. It is between Duluth and Two Harbors. On the north side of Two Harbors is Grand Superior Lodge which is near Castle Danger and it is very nice and right on Lake Superior also. They have a very good restaurant and I also like Rustic Inn which is across the highway. The third place is in Beaver Bay (north of Duluth and just outside Silver Bay) and that is Cove Point Lodge. It is lovely and we have enjoyed staying there many times. Hope that helps. I am sure all 3 have websites you can easily find.

tom_mn

1 night should not be an issue.

http://www.grandsuperior.com/

http://www.superiorshores.com/

mstraveler

Many thanks to you both. I had done quite a bit of searching around here and elsewhere before I posted that and had not come up with much. Will check them out.

hazel1

Can't help you with your lodging question, but just wanted to wish you well on your BW canoe trip - I've done it twice now, both times out of Ely and they were some of the most memeorable vacation times I've ever had. A couple of suggestions, however: take decent Goretex rain gear - nothing's worse than being wet and miserable in the woods, which I learned on my 1st trip when I brought cheapy stuff that ripped the first time I put it on. Second, the mosquitos and black flies can be vicious on the portages - always wear repellent and don't forget to put some on your butt. I also recommend mosquito netting to put over a hat, so the pesky things aren't buzzing in your face while you're setting up camp or cooking. Have a great time!

musicfan

I wish I had some recommendations for you, but I don't...like hazel, just wanted to wish you well on your trip. We went to Ely every summer for six consecutive summers, staying in a small cabin at a little resort (now closed) on Moose Lake and truly love it there. Years ago, we also did a canoe trip and I agree, one of the most memorable trips we have ever done. We were not aware of black fly season then and agree they are just infuriating. Fortunately, it is fairly brief and only in spring...by August they will be long gone. Our trips were always in July and while we did have to deal with mosquitos, they are nothing compared to those awful flies!

mstraveler

We did the trip in 2008 out of Lake One through River Resort outfitters. As a former midwesterner, now married to a native california white water rafting enthusiast, I had always wanted to canoe the Boundary Waters. I think my husband was going along, but not enthused, originally thinking it would be pretty tame. But we both loved it. We went in August so had very little trouble with bugs. No black flies and the mosquitos were vicious, but confined to an hour in the a.m. and one at dusk. I am not sure I got bitten at all. We have a lot of great outdoor gear and are going to bring some of our own this trip.

mstraveler

As I suspected, the one night was a problem for both Larsmont and Cove Point (both of which looked wonderful). I was able to get one for Grand Superior, which also looks lovely. Everytime I do this (plan a trip with an orphan Saturday night to accomodate) I swear I will be more careful next time!

tom_mn

Tip: The drive from Ely to Lake Superior (Hwy 1) takes a lot longer than appears on the map.

mstraveler

I was figuring 1.5 hrs Ely to Silver Bay and then another hour or so (?) to get to Grand Superior? We will start traveling late morming from Ely on a Saturday....

Cali

I think your time of 1.5 hours from Ely to Silver Bay is about right and I doubt it will take another hour to get to Grand Superior. Have a great time.

mstraveler

Again, thank you all. Really appreciate such succinct helpful information. Saved me a lot of time.

tom_mn

If the weather is nice, you are passing some great scenery right after reaching the lake, in just a few miles:

Shovel Point (20 minute walk, free, park in state park lot) http://www.flickr.com/photos/1767777...ol-1039193@N20

Palisade Head (Shovel Point in the distance in photo, drive to top, free)
http://www.travelblog.org/Photos/1277340.html

Split Rock Lighthouse (fee) http://www.northernimages.com/Lighth...397_ZVvZN-A-LB

Also a favorite is Gooseberry Falls (free, 5 minute walk) http://www.northernimages.com/Other/...392_MRhvb-A-LB

by the time you get to Two Harbors, the scenery is mostly over.

Cali

I totally agree with Tom_mn, the scenery he mentions should not be missed.