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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 03:39PM
First Quetico Trip, need advice

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
HighnDry 01/29/2018 07:25PM
marsonite: "The most economical Quetico trip is to drive across the border and enter from the north. Saves you the cost of a remote border crossing permit and you will pay a lower nightly fee for camping. Beaverhouse would be my recommendation."


+1. Nym's not a bad option either but another hour or so down the road and just past Atikokan.
GraniteCliffs 01/26/2018 06:56PM
Butthead's advice and perspective on having clean records is very important. If you have six college age guys you do need to be sure everyone has a clean record.
It does not take much to have entry denied: DUI, assaults and even some misdemeanor assaults. I used to work in Corrections many years ago and we would field calls regularly from folks stopped at the border that could not get into Canada. A few times they were denied for charges that had been dismissed. If anyone has any doubt they should find out in advance if they will be allowed in. Spending a week in International Falls, alone, without a car and in a cheap place to stay waiting for the group to return would be a real bummer!
billconner 01/26/2018 06:36AM
Just to clarify one point, you don't need a tow to enter at Prairie Portage. Permits do cost more and you each do need an RABC.

Good advice on Beaverhouse access. Only deficit is it's not real close and convenient to outfitters if you need canoes or gear.

If you do spent night before in/near Atikokan and can make the time - an hour or so - schedule a tour of Souris River factory by calling in advance.

I don't know where you are coming from but I have found it's just fine to enter late in the day - avoiding a night's lodging. The tradition of entering at dawn is not sacrosanct. Plus you get a head start on those entering the next morning.
Pa2five 01/25/2018 07:36PM
I have several oven racks we use as fire grates. They work well as they have rounded corners. If you would like one I live near Appleton Wisconsin. Call me at 920 460 0011
butthead 01/12/2018 10:30AM
Much good advice given, do not want to sound the Scrooge on this but make sure you have clean records as Canada Customs will check. A bit of research will indicate many dismissed and misdemeanor charges in the US are felonies in the eye of Canadian law. You do not want to find out about such when crossing the border.

Beaverhouse is probably the best recommendation. Not a long drive from the border, short paddle to the Beaverhouse Station to pick up permits, lots of travel options, and less expensive than stations on the border like PP or Cache Bay.

butthead
mapsguy1955 01/12/2018 06:28AM
White Otter is easy and affordable. Restaurant is good with huge portions.
dbpmw3 01/08/2018 12:18PM
Last year we used Michelle with Voyager Wilderness Programmes. She picked us up at the Nym entry point landing. She took us by pontoon to their island half way across the lake. They have very nice rooms and marvelous dinner and breakfast. Next morning we pushed off from their dock all ready halfway to the portage. Got showers and a haul back to the entry point after the trip. 1st class people.
BnD 01/08/2018 10:51AM
We've stayed at Indiaonta Resort when we go into Beaverhouse. Very nice cabins not bunkhouses, restaurant and reasonable prices. It is located right across the street (hwy 11) from Flanders Road. I don't think you could stay closer to the parking lot at Beaverhouse. Good luck.
Jackfish 01/08/2018 07:44AM
As others have said, arriving in Atikokan in the afternoon the day before your entry date allows you to stop at the ranger station and pick up your permit so you're ready to go first thing the next morning.


We've been entering Q at Beaverhouse for 30 years and for a large portion of those years, we've stayed at the White Otter Inn. It's clean and comfortable enough, around $100 per night per room, and there's a restaurant attached. There are also a couple pizza places downtown and probably some other establishments that we haven't bothered to experience.


The White Otter Inn is conveniently located just down the street from the Atikokan ranger station so it's on the south end of town. The Souris River canoe factory is between the two.


I've timed the trip from the White Otter to the Flanders turnoff toward Beaverhouse Lake at about 25 minutes. From that point southward, you're on a gravel road. At almost exactly 10 miles, you'll turn left onto the final four mile stretch to the Beaverhouse parking lot. (A large sign will direct you. You won't miss it.) Those last 14 miles should take you about 30-35 minutes now. So, from the White Otter to the Beaverhouse parking lot, plan on roughly an hour.
OldFingers57 01/07/2018 09:09PM
connor96: "Thanks for the insight! Right now I am leaning towards entering at Beaverhouse and working towards Jean as a basecamp spot, since I hear the fishing is quite good there. Any advice on a place to stay the night before that is within reasonable driving distance of the Beaverhouse parking lot? And as far as permits go, do we have to check in at the Ranger Station the day of?"



We did Beaverhouse to Jean last year around Labor Day. Easy portages and short. Lots of great campsites. Didn’t see too many people.
billconner 01/07/2018 05:54PM
No experience but quite a few folks speak highly of http://indiaonta.com. Quite close to Beaverhouse park access (it isn't an entry point really). They may still be able yo issue a permit but the park superintendent has said he will be ending that practice.
TomT 01/07/2018 09:33AM
I was able to get my permit for French Lake the day before. Going to Atikokan is what I would do. I would make reservations very early to reserve a bunkhouse or motel.


billconner 01/07/2018 06:19AM
You can stay in Atikokan - several hotels and Canoe Canada Outfitters; and pick up permit at Park office day before. Around 1 1/2 hour drive.
connor96 01/07/2018 12:54AM
Thanks for the insight! Right now I am leaning towards entering at Beaverhouse and working towards Jean as a basecamp spot, since I hear the fishing is quite good there. Any advice on a place to stay the night before that is within reasonable driving distance of the Beaverhouse parking lot? And as far as permits go, do we have to check in at the Ranger Station the day of?
dentondoc 01/06/2018 10:44PM
marsonite: "The most economical Quetico trip is to drive across the border and enter from the north. Saves you the cost of a remote border crossing permit and you will pay a lower nightly fee for camping. Beaverhouse would be my recommendation."
Of course you will need a passport (or card).


There are no drive to EP's on the south side. There are several (including Beaverhouse, Nym and French Lake) on the north side where you can drive to or near the lake, although the actual EP is one lake beyond.

Quetico College is closest to French Lake, which is on the eastern end of the north side. Dawson Campground and a Park Ranger station are also located at French Lake.

dd
TomT 01/06/2018 11:08AM
marsonite: "The most economical Quetico trip is to drive across the border and enter from the north. Saves you the cost of a remote border crossing permit and you will pay a lower nightly fee for camping. Beaverhouse would be my recommendation."


Agreed! Just please be responsible with the fishing. Try not to kill breeders (mature fish). If you need a place to stay in Canada the night before you enter check out The Quetico College. Very reasonable motel like rooms.


marsonite 01/06/2018 10:15AM
The most economical Quetico trip is to drive across the border and enter from the north. Saves you the cost of a remote border crossing permit and you will pay a lower nightly fee for camping. Beaverhouse would be my recommendation.
connor96 01/06/2018 10:09AM
Hello All,

My friends and I (6 college age males) have made BWCA trips for the last 3 years, and this year we are set on upgrading to a Quetico trip. We are heavily focused on fishing, and generally base camp, staying at 2 sites per 8 day trip. Since the Quetico is a whole new ball game as far as trip planning, any advice on an 8 day trip that preferably doesn't involve a tow or any unnecessary expenses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!