I'm back... if you have any questions about WCPP as you plan your next adventures in this World Heritage Site, please do not hesitate to ask. Every year brings changes... the landscape sure has changed, the park staff has changed, the camp operations within the park have changed. But, there is a constant outfitter - Goldseekers - a good number of visitors here to offer feedback, and I have access to most current local information to assist in your trip planning.

Claire, welcome back!

Changes indeed - may I ask: what are the changes to the camp operators? Are they all still operating? Did any outposts close?

Glad to get confirmation that Albert is still at it. Hoping to get up your way this summer.

Cheers!

Thanks. It is good to be back… post “gag” order. Since a couple years, camp operators have changed hands. Hence new operations.

...happy to see your post!!!!

Thanks... it is good to be here again.

For anyone new to WCPP I want to point out that Que is the ultimate source of info for the area. She has shaped what we know as WCPP. No person has spent the energies she has in making WCPP a paddlers paradise. Great to see Claire back on the forum.

I’m excited to see some activity on this site!

Unfortunately I’ve only been to WCPP once, 2 years ago with my son for a short visit. My wife has been canoeing with me in BWCA and Quetico for over 50 years and she is really looking forward to seeing a new place (we’re taking a young couple along). Our plan is to start at Leano and make the loop down through and around Kilburn. Any insight would be appreciated.

Are things still the same? No advance reservations needed, just stop in Red Lake to pick up the permit? Our trip will be mid August.

Good route...one can still get permits at the Park Office in Red Lake or online thru Ontario Parks. Always great to talk with the people at the office, catch new information about the park, share maps, and get some info about camp sites in the area. Kilburn/the south end and parts of Sydney were burnt in the fire of 2021. Most of the north end of Kilburn wasn't burned and Sydney Lake experienced fire along the southwest shores. We hung out in this area in June 2023 as our dog struggled on a portage trail heading towards Paull Lake. Lots of water to paddle if you consider Kilburn, Upper and Middle Kilburn, and Sydney Lake...we spent 5 days on the northeast side of Sydney Lake, avoided most of the boat traffic from the lodge, enjoyed the long views, exploring the beaches/streams in that region, caught fish, and find good sites away from the wind. The long reach from Sydney Lake to the far west end of Kilburn still has sites for camping, lots of bays for fishing/exploring/moose haunts. Remember, you can portage into Middle Kilburn with a short portage, find several camps there, and find another short portage into Upper Kilburn. Middle Kilburn shows some fire regrowth from earlier fires and the south shore of Upper Kilburn has burnt recently. The regrowth should be interesting, a variety of plants, open spaces that give one easier access to hike. Upper Kilburn has at least 2/3 camp sites along the northerly shore. If you've paddled the BWCA, Upper Kilburn reminds us of Brule Lake/BWCA...with a long east to west fetch. Fishing for trout in Middle/Upper Kilburn is good: trolling for trout over our years on the lake. Kilburn for us produces walleye, Sydney gave meals of walleye...it holds trout but last year we were intrigued with exploring the northeast shoreline as didn't troll deeper waters for trout. Good loop is paddle Kilburn, Middle Kilburn, Upper Kilburn and add Sydney somehow in your paddle south. Last year the paddle down Leano Creek was shallow, this year the water levels are up...the creek is always good for beaver, a few moose, and the smaller lake above Kilburn holds swans. The fire landscape is unique, gives one a feel of regrowth, and in particular the power of this fire...We returned to the Woodland in August/west of Kilburns with a healthier dog and spent time fishing, studying/observing the fire landscape, walking the open ridges, long sloping rocks, and of course fishing...Note: the sand beach on the east end of Upper Kilburn is a great place: lots of animal coming and goings, visits from loons, and that wonderful portage trail that takes one back to Kilburn with mature popple, birch, mixed with jack pine and spruce...Enjoy.

Hi,
OldZip has given you some great information about the area of the Kilburns and Sydney. If you study the canoe route map, you will note many loop options in the area including Dragon, Paull Lake, and beyond depending on # of days you have to explore and the weather. The park crews have been very busy last season to re-open the portage trails post-fire and will be revisiting most trails again this season. A quick stop at the park office in Red Lake (weekdays) to get updates on portage and water conditions is always smart.
Permits can be obtained at the office but... most visitors will get their permits online now. No advance reservations needed for entry, but... permit and backcountry registration required. Follow this link - https://reservations.ontarioparks.ca/, and select the "backcountry registration" tab.
The drive down to the Leano Access from Red Lake is roughly 2hrs on a one-lane gravel road. No 4X4 required but good tires and take your time. The parking area at each access is safe from vandals but ensure you bear-proof your vehicle (no food wrappers, empty juice boxes, pet food, scented air fresheners, etc...). Camping at the parking area is not permitted but you are only a short paddle to the first campsite on Leano. If you prefer, a shuttle service is available from Goldseekers Outfitters in Red Lake - (807) 728-0038.

Que and oldzip, thanks very much for the helpful info.

Really looking forward to getting up there. It’s two long days of driving for us but well worth it.