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Ely, MN Base
Our flagship base located on the edge of the Boundary Water Wilderness Area. Home to premier wilderness canoeing and camping.
Atikokan, ON Base
Our Canadian satellite base 50 miles from Ely that opens the doors for more remote treks and point to point expeditions.
Contact
Get in touch with us.
Conferences and Retreats
Book your next Conference or Retreat at our facilities on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Summer & Autumn Canoe Treks
Summer & Autumn Canoe Treks

About Canoe Treks
Explore Northern Tier’s wilderness.
Summer Registration Details
Fees, Dates, and Schedules.
Autumn and Get Your Feet Wet Registration Details
Autumn Registration Details
Planning Guides
Get detailed planning resources.
FAQs
Common questions about Canoe Treks.
Winter Expedition Treks
Winter Expedition Treks

About Winter Treks
Winter in Minnesota is like no other. Learn to thrive in a winter environment.
Winter Registration Details
Fees, Dates, and Schedules.
Planning Guides
Get detailed planning resources.
FAQ
Common questions about Winter Treks.
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Jobs
Want a job that gives you new experiences and a chance to a explore while making a difference? Apply today!
Store
Check out our store to find gear for treks, and a souvenir to remember your trip.
Training Opportunities
From wilderness first aid to leave no trace, Come to the great Northwoods a grow though one of our training sessions.
Crew Photos
Visit our photo site to view your crew photo.
Resources
More resources regarding our programs.
Gift Planning
Bequests and non-cash giving options to support Northern Tier now and into the future.

Northern Tier > About Northern Tier > Ely, MN Base

Ely, MN Base

Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base

The flagship base of Northern Tier, the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base has hosted Boy Scout canoe expeditions on the shores of Moose Lake since 1941. Located twenty miles outside of the town of Ely, MN, the Sommers Base outfits over 4,000 Scouts each year on wilderness canoe trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in Minnesota and the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario. Trips out of the Sommers base are limited to 8 total participants plus an Interpreter.

Not everyone can attend Northern Tier with their Troop or Venturing Crew, but Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base is home to several unique individual Scout programs: the Order of the Arrow’s Wilderness Voyage; Forest Corps, a coeducational environmental leadership program; and Lone Voyage, a program that allows for individual Scouts and smaller troops to take out a Northern Tier trip.