|
Transportation
This is not something that just falls into place. Personal
cars can easily be used for distances of less than 500 miles. In the
500-1000 mile range, renting 15-passenger vans makes the driving a lot
easier for the adults, and not much more costly than driving multiple cars.
BSA National Tour Permits limit the hours adults may individually drive; you
may need to plan for additional drivers or staying overnight somewhere on
the trip to and from our base in Ely. For parties coming longer distances,
or for large groups that would need many cars and vans, it is most
convenient to fly or charter a bus for the trip (see section below on
group air travel).
If you are using any commercial transportation, get everything in writing
before the trip (i.e. pick-up and drop-off dates, all charges and fees,
insurance coverage, etc.). If you are using a school bus, motor coach, or
other large oversized vehicle that must be parked here at the base while you
are out on the canoe trails, we must be advised in advance, and there is a
nominal charge for parking (there is, of course, no charge for other type
vehicles). Most long haul charter bus companies have their drivers stay at a
motel in Ely while you are on the canoe trails.
Sample Distances to Ely are:
-
Chicago 605
-
Cincinnati 900
-
Cleveland 972
-
Detroit 864
-
Kansas City 715
-
Minneapolis 255
-
Omaha 640
Ely is 125 miles (2:15 hours) north of Duluth, Minnesota via Highways 53
(to Virginia) and 169 (into Ely).
 Commercial Group Transportation
In
recent years, we have seen a marked increase in the number of groups that
are traveling by air to Minnesota. Traveling with a large contingent is not
difficult. It does, however, require some early advance planning and firm
commitments from the participants. Securing discounted rates takes a little
research, and the financial ability to move quickly when a low fare is
presented.
For those with a little
experience with both internet purchasing and air travel, “priceline.com” can
be a source of very low fares. The catch here is that you cannot “shop
around” or “just check” on fares. You put in a bid for the tickets you need,
and if the airline accepts your bid, the tickets are purchased … no “I’ll
get back to you”. The more popular
way of purchasing group tickets is to phone the group travel desk for the
individual airline companies serving your nearest greater metropolitan area.
Discounts run as low as 5-10% below the lowest excursion fare when
purchasing 10 or more tickets. The following are some of the airlines that
serve Minnesota:
-
American Airlines 1-800-221-2255
-
Delta Airlines 1-800-532-4777
-
Northwest Airlines 1-800-645-9696
-
United Airlines 1-800-241-6522
Flights can terminate in Minneapolis
where you can board a charter bus or rent vans, or you continue on with
Northwest Airlink to Bemiji, Brainard, Hibbing, Duluth, International
Falls, or Ely (seasonal service).
 From these northern cities, charter bus transportation can be reserved.
When seeking bus quotations, the mileage to North Country’s base is “Ely,
Minnesota plus six miles”. All of these companies can transport from any
airport:
|
|
From Minneapolis (4 ½ hours) , we
recommend:
Voigt’s Bus Company 1-800-468-6448 |
|
|
From Duluth, (2 ½ hours), we recommend:
LCS Coaches 1-888-743-3527 |
|
|
From the other listed northern
airports(2-4 hours):
Shubat Transportation 1-888-874-8228 |
In all cases, check on the total round trip price with all segments added
in, as well as flying into the various northern Minnesota destinations.
Rates can be surprisingly low on a per person basis.
One last thing: Going on past comments from many
groups, do yourself a huge favor …
spend the extra couple of dollars per person and get a coach, NOT a school
bus! |
