Learned from Trevor Gibb, new Q superintendent, they are phasing out the permit providers in an decision to require all campers to meet with park ranger. Apparently just two outfitters left in program. I don't know if they have a date for total phase out but it's coming.

that's confusing, can you explain in more detail? do you mean canadian outfitters that issued permits? no americans issue permits.

I mean the the goal for the Park is that permits are only issued by rangers at the ranger stations. It will no longer be able to have an outfitter issue a permit. Same for all - Canadian, US, other. (I'll admit, I don't know how the first nation is affected.)

Is that clear?

well, a pilot can still pick up the permit for guests flying in to Clay/Mack. so you're saying the other canadian outfitters such as canoe canada, wytecki, quetico outfitters (doug chapman) can NOT issue permits?

i can see it affecting people who arrive in atikokan after the office closes (and outfitters might still be open) and wanted to get started before the ranger stations open.

can the permits be issued 24 hours ahead of time (like the BWCA?)

I'll ask today, but correct I think other than I don't know about the pilots and fly ins.

Any other Q questions while I have face time with the superintendent?

i could use some books, t-shirts and laminated maps....um... let's see, oh yeah! patches and pins?

Just to follow up, I'm told the Mack fly in process is the one exception - you can get the permit from the outfitter/pilot. Otherwise, Canoe Canada Outfitters and Voyager Wilderness are the only two outfitters who can pick up a Q permit in advance for a customer. That will continue for an undetermined period. You can pick up a permit the day before, hopefully not so early that you are delaying people picking up permits for that day. Only one member of the party has to be there for the orientation. There may be exceptions - call the office and ask. They are very customer oriented and want to accommodate campers.

quote Mocha: "i could use some books, t-shirts and laminated maps....um... let's see, oh yeah! patches and pins?"

+1 How about Canada eliminate the staffed ranger stations, reserve and pay everything online, lower their operational expenses and lower the daily camping fees. Now there's a thought.

quote BnD: "

quote Mocha: "i could use some books, t-shirts and laminated maps....um... let's see, oh yeah! patches and pins?"

+1 How about Canada eliminate the staffed ranger stations, reserve and pay everything online, lower their operational expenses and lower the daily camping fees. Now there's a thought."

Won't happen. They want to see folks in person, educate them on park rules, etc. I believe that current fees keep the park financially solvent--and not dependent on tax revenues from the Province.

I should follow up on the detail but understood Ontario Parks peoples to say the Q is better funded and staffed in proportion to the users and camper nights than most of the other Ontario parks, I think because of size.

FWIW in season I believe they said there are 5 "wardens" in the park, plus of course the staff at the six ranger stations.