Hello. My dad, two friends and I are planning a trip to Quetico Provincial Park on August 18th for 4 nights. We all have been to the Boundary Waters 10+ times, and are Eagle Scouts with ample knowledge in first aid and wilderness survival.

The one thing is, we have never been to Quetico, and we want to give it a shot!

Our group is looking for remote lakes with nice campsites 10 or so miles from a "put-in" point. (not sure if "put-in" is the right terminology). Our plans are to drive up and camp one night close to where we start (the drive is 7 hours, we leave at 6am), and then go from there. I'm not sure where to actually enter the park however, and would want some help with that. We are coming up through Minnesota via Highway 11. I'm sure some research on my part would yield a result sooner or later, but I'm sure one of you has knowledge on the best place to start and some real gems of lakes to camp at that is not somewhere on the internet.

Thank you,
Vincent

after a bit of googling to figure out where hwy 11 is located i see you'll be crossing the border at I-Falls? so which Q entry points are closest to that? Beaverhouse? Nym? Lac La Croix? i can only speak for the beaverhouse entry. 4 nights is a short trip so do you plan to basecamp? Beaverhouse is a beautiful (and large) lake. you could probably stay all nights on this lake and even change your campsite during the trip. you could also take the portage to Quetico lake and make a loop up through Cirrus and back to Beaverhouse.

hopefully you'll get loads of responses from others who have spent most of their trips in Quetico and could recommend options for 4 nights.

oh.. welcome to the site!

Everyone has their own idea of what remote means. If you come to the northern entry points of Quetico, you will be more remote at the entry point than you will be in most of the BW. Beaverhouse is a big lake and can get rough with prevailing winds, so be prepared. Quetico and Cirrus lakes are easy to reach and provide excellent fishing. Let us know if you have more questions.

I agree with Mocha. If you're coming east on MN 11, head straight to Beaverhouse access and consider the single portage into Quetico Lake. Falls, beaches, pictographs, good fishing, and all without portage's. Plus by entering on the CA side, no RABC and lower permit fees than entering on US side. Not much near the entrance in terms of stores, campgrounds, etc. Consider starting early and entering that day. Lots of sites just 30-45 minutes from the landing.

Here's a map showing all Quetico entry points.

There are some great options all along the northern portion of Q. Beaverhouse, Cirrus, Kasakakwog, Quetico, Pickerel, etc. all offer great paddling and fishing, although they're all big water. If I were you, I'd strongly consider entering at Nym Lake. Located just east of Atikokan, you could pick up your permit at the Atikokan ranger station, then head to the put-in spot. You'll paddle south from the put-in and go through the bigger water of Pickerel, but then you'll be into some smaller lakes with excellent fishing.

One thing to keep in mind is, if you decide you want to enter at Stanton Bay, it's required that you use a Canadian outfitter. No parking of non-resident vehicles is allowed at that entry point.

If you do one of the northern routes looks like you will have time to pick up your permit the day before in Atikokan. Don't know where you could camp though.

French lake

If you are looking for lodging near Nym and French Lakes check out THIS thread. Very convenient and at a good price.

quote Jackfish: " Here's a map showing all Quetico entry points.

There are some great options all along the northern portion of Q. Beaverhouse, Cirrus, Kasakakwog, Quetico, Pickerel, etc. all offer great paddling and fishing, although they're all big water. If I were you, I'd strongly consider entering at Nym Lake. Located just east of Atikokan, you could pick up your permit at the Atikokan ranger station, then head to the put-in spot. You'll paddle south from the put-in and go through the bigger water of Pickerel, but then you'll be into some smaller lakes with excellent fishing.

One thing to keep in mind is, if you decide you want to enter at Stanton Bay, it's required that you use a Canadian outfitter. No parking of non-resident vehicles is allowed at that entry point. "

I have found that stanton bay is worth the extra money for outfitter transport. It gets you right into the heart of things a lot faster than going through Nym. Also, if you go through Nym to Batchewaung Bay, get an early start. Batchewaung Bay can be brutal of the winds are kicking up.

quote AmarilloJim: "If you do one of the northern routes looks like you will have time to pick up your permit the day before in Atikokan. Don't know where you could camp though."

There's a campground at Bunnel Park that I've used a couple times on the edge of Atikokan. It's out at the end of the road past the golf course. There's hot showers and picnic tables too.

I've also camped at the Nym Lake put it. Just thrown my bag down in the trees. I'm not sure if it's legal, but I've never asked either.

quote Chicagored: "I have found that stanton bay is worth the extra money for outfitter transport."

I would advise that you check with a north-side outfitter (e.g., Doug Chapman, Quetico Outfitters), to verify the condition of the Stanton Bay access road. When I was there this past July, the road was impassable due to washouts. From the sounds of it, there were no immediate plans to rectify the situation. So, if you plan on using this route, I'd recommend that you establish a "Plan B," just in case.

dd