Burntside Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving to Burntside Lake, start from Ely, Minnesota. Head east on E Sheridan St toward 1st Ave N, then turn left onto 1st Ave N. Continue onto MN-1 E. After about 6 miles, turn right onto Van Vac Rd. Follow Van Vac Rd for approximately 2 miles until you reach 2769 Van Vac Rd, where Burntside Lake is located. There is parking available near the lake.

• Public Transportation

  If you are using public transportation, take a local bus or shuttle service to Ely, Minnesota. Once in Ely, you will need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to take you to Burntside Lake at 2769 Van Vac Rd. Confirm with the driver that they are willing to take you to this location, as it may be outside city limits. Be sure to check for any applicable fees for the taxi or rideshare service, which can vary.

• Bicycle

  For those who are more adventurous and would like to bike to Burntside Lake, Ely offers bike rentals. Start in the center of Ely and head east on E Sheridan St, then turn left onto 1st Ave N, and follow the same route as cars onto MN-1 E. Be cautious of traffic, especially on the highway. Once you turn onto Van Vac Rd, the ride will be more scenic and less trafficked. The total biking distance is about 8 miles from downtown Ely.

• Walking

  Walking to Burntside Lake from Ely is quite a trek, approximately 8 miles, and is not recommended unless you are well-prepared. Start on E Sheridan St and follow the same path as cars until you reach Van Vac Rd. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and plan for about 2-3 hours of walking time. Consider the weather and time of day before embarking on this journey.