📍 Ely Area
Gateway to the BWCA — Entry points, lakes, and downtown Ely
Birch Lake / Kawishiwi River
Updates frequently
Looking south across Birch Lake toward BWCA Entry Point #32. Great for tracking ice conditions.
River Point Resort →Fall Lake
Live stream
Just outside the BWCAW boundary. Popular entry point for canoe trips.
Packsack Canoe Trips →Moose Lake
Updates every 15 min
Moose Lake in the BWCAW — one of the most popular entry points from Ely.
Vosburgh's Cabins →Farm Lake
Updates frequently
Across from a BWCA entry point — great for tracking ice and weather.
ElyMinnesota.com →Shagawa Lake Float Planes
Updates frequently
Watch float planes take off and land on Shagawa Lake.
ElyMinnesota.com →Downtown Ely - Sheridan Street
Town cam
Main street in downtown Ely. See the weather and activity in town.
ElyMinnesota.com →North American Bear Center
WildlifeWatch the bears at the North American Bear Center in Ely.
Bear Center →📍 Gunflint Trail
57 miles of wilderness — Lakes, lodges, and BWCA access from Grand Marais
Gunflint Lake
Live streamLive view from Gunflint Lodge at the end of the Gunflint Trail. Iconic BWCA gateway.
Gunflint Lodge →Seagull Lake
Updates frequently
View from Seagull Outfitters dock — direct access to BWCAW and Quetico.
Seagull Outfitters →Poplar Lake
Updates every 15 min
Looking south across Poplar Lake from Rockwood Lodge.
Rockwood Lodge →Golden Eagle Lodge
Updates frequentlySki trails in winter, swimming beach in summer on the Gunflint Trail.
Golden Eagle Lodge →Chik-Wauk Trail Cams
WildlifeTrail cameras at Chik-Wauk Museum capturing lynx, wolves, and more.
Gunflint History →📍 Grand Marais
North Shore gateway — Harbor views and Lake Superior
Grand Marais Harbor
Live 24/7Live rotating view of Grand Marais Harbor on Lake Superior. Starting point for Gunflint Trail adventures.
Visit Cook County →🧊 About Ice Out
Ice out is one of the most anticipated events of the year for BWCA paddlers. It typically occurs:
Southern BWCA
Late April - Early May
Lakes near Ely and the Echo Trail typically open first.
Central BWCA
Early - Mid May
Most interior lakes and the Gunflint Trail corridor.
Northern BWCA
Mid - Late May
Border lakes and Quetico typically last to lose ice.
📋 What to Watch For
- Color changes: Ice turns from white to gray to dark as it weakens
- Shore gaps: Open water appears along shorelines first
- Honeycombing: Ice becomes "candled" and breaks into crystals
- Wind events: A warm windy day can clear a lake in hours