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Snowbank Lodge and Outfitters

Stay at Snowbank Lodge and Outfitters in Ely, MN. Enjoy motellike rooms, cabins, free Wi-Fi, parking, and easy access to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

14564 Snowbank Lodge Rd, Ely, MN 55731, United States View on map
9.8/10
Exceptional Based on 74 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Parking
What recent guests emphasize

Cozy outfitting hub with attentive service and convenient location

Guests value the helpful staff, especially Adam and his team's support, as well as the well-equipped lodging and rental options near Boundary Waters entry points for a seamless trip start.

Guests often praise

  • Exceptional and supportive staff providing personalized assistance and reliable outfitting advice
  • Convenient location close to Boundary Waters Canoe Area entry points and Snowbank Lake
  • Clean, comfortable motel-like rooms and traditional cabins with a cozy, rustic vibe
  • Reasonable prices for canoe and gear rentals with a full range of supplies available on-site
  • Helpful services including permit processing and shuttle arrangements during trips

Worth knowing

  • Lodge does not have an on-site restaurant or fitness center, but a small fishing store is available
  • No swimming pool or extensive resort amenities; the focus is on outdoor outfitting and lodging
  • Cabins are somewhat dated but maintained clean and comfortable
  • Snowbank Lake conditions can be challenging in windy weather, affecting outdoor plans

Best for

  • Outdoor adventurers and canoe campers starting trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
  • Visitors seeking practical lodging combined with outfitting services in a quiet, wooded setting
  • Families and groups wanting easy access to fishing, canoe rental, and wilderness gear
  • Those needing reliable local support for permits, shuttle help, and last-minute outfitting needs
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About this property

Welcome to Snowbank Lodge and Outfitters

Snowbank Lodge and Outfitters is a rustic lodge offering motel-like rooms and traditional cabins set within a wooded resort environment. Located at 14564 Snowbank Lodge Rd in Ely, Minnesota, the property provides practical accommodation options with an easygoing, cabin-style atmosphere. Guests can expect clean and comfortable rooms, complemented by a small American restaurant and an on-site fishing store, catering to outdoor enthusiasts preparing for trips into the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

The resort is positioned overlooking Snowbank Lake, a short distance from downtown Ely and near the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This makes it a convenient base for visitors aiming to explore the vast canoe routes, hiking trails, and stunning natural scenery offered by the region. Reviewers have noted the property's helpful staff and the availability of canoe rentals and outfitters, marking it as a solid starting point for fishing and canoeing expeditions.

While the lodge provides essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi and parking, there is no pool, fitness center, or full-service restaurant on-site. Guest feedback reflects a generally positive experience, with praise for the staff's support and the comfortable accommodations, though some mention that the cabins are somewhat dated. The quiet, wooded setting suits travelers seeking a straightforward, nature-focused stay rather than luxury amenities.

Nearby attractions include the Superior National Forest and Snowbank Lake, both offering extensive opportunities for camping, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The lodge is accessible within approximately two hours by car from Range Regional Airport, making it a practical choice for those venturing on wilderness adventures in this part of Minnesota. Several other lodges and cabin rentals are located within a few miles, providing additional nearby lodging options.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Parking

Not available at this property

Pool
Restaurant
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JG
Julia Grams Apr 18, 2026
10

Picked up our permit, rented a canoe, got last minute supplies, and stayed in the motel before our trip. Adam was so so helpful with everything, could not recommend anything better!!!

JL(
Josh Lubrecht (Josh) Apr 12, 2026
10

one of the best places to start a bwca trip. prices for canoes are very reasonable and its right down the road from the entry point. they offer everything you need if you dont have the gear for good prices.

BM
Beth McDonald Mar 24, 2026
10

Super lovely staff with lots of good advice for our first canoe camping trip. We did our permit and outfitting with them, as well as a night in the motel beforehand (very comfy, cabin vibes). Snowbank Lake is tricky if the winds pick up, but we still had a great time!

KO
Karen Olson Feb 24, 2026
10

Adam, Aaron and the crew at Snowbank have been great to us over the last several years now. This last week we had a sick kid while on a BWCA trip and Adam picked us up at another lake as we had to end the trip early. Cannot tell you how grateful we were as we were in a bind. Snowbank lodge and outfitters have been so helpful on several other occasions too. Adam is a genuinely good person, just willing to help, honest, can't say enough good things about him and his lodge and staff!!

NS
Nate Simpkins Feb 24, 2026
10

This is a great location with easy access to Snowbank. I've stayed here overnight on two BWCA trips and will be coming again. They have canoes and any additional gear you may need to rent. It's a perfect place to crash for the night and getting an early morning head start on the water. Thanks Adam!

GO
Gabe O'Hara Feb 09, 2026
10

An overall amazing experience staying at the lodge and renting a canoe from Adam and the team! We stayed here the night before setting off for a 5 day loop. Adam made sure everything was taken care of and helped us transport our car to the pickup location. 10/10 experience! Highly recommend for all outfitting and lodging needs.

RE
Ricke Englund Jan 10, 2026
8.0

We went to the lodge during winter so things were pretty quiet,but we had a great time ice fishing. The cabins were fairly dated but very comfortable and clean. We'll definitely come back again.

RM
Ross Mau Dec 22, 2025
10

Great starting point for a trip to the BWCA. Staff were helpful and friendly. Our group just rented canoes and stayed overnight, but it appeared they had everything else you'd need for a successful trip. Rooms were clean, canoes were fast

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Snowbank Lodge and Outfitters

Prairie Portage, Minnesota, USA

Overlooking Snowbank Lake, by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, this wooded fishing resort is 21 miles from downtown Ely.

  • Range Regional Airport 1 hr 47 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Minnesota. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Superior National Forest 2,340 reviews

Superior National Forest

8901 Grand Ave Pl, Duluth, MN 55808, United States

4.8 · National Forest
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness 263 reviews

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Minnesota, United States

4.8 · Nature Preserve
Snowbank Lake 11 reviews

Snowbank Lake

Fall Lake Township, MN 55731, USA

4.9 · Lake
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