Now is the time to plan your visit to a regional sport and outdoor expo show. Spirit of the Wilderness will be exhibiting at the following shows and providing seminars as listed. Stop by and start planning your next BWCA or Quetico adventure or attend one of our seminars and pick up new tips on wilderness travel, fishing, or update on impact of the Pagami Creek Fire of 2011.

Canoecopia, Allina Convention Ctr, Madison WI: March 9-11

Seminar: The Pagami Creek Wild Fire

• Saturday 9:30am-10:20am, Algonquin Room

Exhibit booth #N-12 (on the main aisle)

Northwest Sport Show, Mpls Convention Ctr: March 28-April 1

Seminar:The BWCA: an Up-close Experience

Not sure of the author of these tips, but they do make sense and camping a lot more fun.

1. Lint from your navel makes a handy fire starter.

Warning: Remove lint from navel before applying the match.

2. Get even with the bear that raided your food bag by kicking his favorite stump apart and eating all the ants.

3. A hot rock placed in your sleeping bag will keep your feet warm. A hot enchilada works almost as well, but the cheese sticks between your toes.

4. The best backpacks are named after national parks or mountain ranges.  Steer clear of those named after landfills.

Our facility is located on East Sheridan St, Ely, MN with plenty of parking, wide deck space for packing your gear or lounging while waiting for your group to gather. Check out our retail store that includes trail-tested items, outdoor clothes, footwear, camping and canoe gear.  Our bait shop is stocked with lures that our guides, guest and we use that catch those big ones. Need live bait? We offer 5-6 types of minnows, 3 sizes of leeches and night crawlers. Seasonal availability apply.

Spirit of the Wilderness is your one-stop location before you enter the BWCA or head home after your adventure.  We offer complete or partial outfitting, canoe and kayak rental, equipment rental, transportation to your entry point, routing, maps, live bait and fishing tackle, outdoor clothing/footwear, camping gear, trail food, northwoods gifts, books and more. Shop for last minute items you may have forgotten or browse our aisles for that special BWCAW item to take home. Our staff is ready to help. Store hours: 6am-9pm each day, May-September.

Looking for the right canoe or kayak to paddle? We have chosen the top canoes available to match your skill and comfort. Whether it is kevlar or aluminum, we fit the canoe to you. All our canoes are in top condition and come with carrying yoke with pads, paddles, and life jackets.  We will strap your rental watercraft on your vehicle for no additional charge. Or we can provide transportation to your entry point for a nominal charge.