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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 05:36AM
Quetico maps

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
billconner 06/09/2019 05:27PM
Cant recall exact portages but it was from Agnes to Silence through Trant. Two portages were on opposite side of creek shown on my older Chrismar.


My favorite online Q map seems not working or i would be more specific. Towards Silence end of that trek.
TomT 06/09/2019 12:18PM
Jackfish: "TomT... that sounds like the Yeh-to-Lonely portage. Both your description of the “trail” and finding the real portage in the next bay. That was our exact experience when we went that way several years ago. "


No I think it was going to Ted from McIntyre in the south. I skipped the Yeh portage last year and took Sturgeon to Lonely. I’ve heard from multiple sources to stay away from that portage.
Jackfish 06/09/2019 08:09AM
TomT... that sounds like the Yeh-to-Lonely portage. Both your description of the “trail” and finding the real portage in the next bay. That was our exact experience when we went that way several years ago.
TomT 06/09/2019 06:34AM
billconner: "I bought first edition of Chrismar Quetico map and discovered it was out of date several years later when I was confused by portages being relocated and a 3 or 4 year later version had them correct. Somehow the MacKenzies last long, albeit with inaccuracies, but Chrismar doesn't."


I forget where I was in the Quetico but I found the portage and started making my way only to find many downed trees, This was September and I started noticing that the trail was getting grown over too. I put the canoe down and backtracked to check the Chrismar in the big pack. Sure enough, they had the landing in another bay a short paddle away. Ever since then I stay up to date with Chrismar and put corrections on my McKenzies.


billconner 06/09/2019 05:59AM
I bought first edition of Chrismar Quetico map and discovered it was out of date several years later when I was confused by portages being relocated and a 3 or 4 year later version had them correct. Somehow the MacKenzies last long, albeit with inaccuracies, but Chrismar doesn't.
TomT 06/08/2019 09:04PM
I use McKenzie maps to navigate and carry a Chrismar as backup. But, I've also had experience with both McKenzie and fisher maps showing inaccurate portage locations so before each trip I compare my route on both maps and will draw in any locations of portages that conflict between the maps.


Jackfish 06/05/2019 10:08PM
bmu92: "I picked up a Chrismar map for the park so I'm good to go. Thanks for the offer!


...but we'll either make the loop back to Quetico up through Badwater with possibly a stop at Omeme or checkout Sturgeon and Russel and head back through Jean to Quetico."

The Chrismar will get you there and back. However, like some others have mentioned above, most people like the detail offered by Fisher or (my preferred) McKenzie.


As for your loop back to Quetico Lake, if you come through Badwater, look for a green Mad River and a red Souris River. My son and I will be in the Mad River. Swing by and say hi.
bmu92 06/05/2019 11:21AM
Jackfish: "bmu92... what is your plan for maps for your trip? My offer still stands to lend you the McKenzie maps you would need. Gotta let me know pretty soon though so I have time to mail them to you."


I picked up a Chrismar map for the park so I'm good to go. Thanks for the offer!


In a previous reply you asked about my route so here's what I'm thinking as of now.


We are entering into Cirrus, then planning on going Quetico, to Conk, to Jean, to Burntside. From there I haven't decided, It depends on how the fishing is going but we'll either make the loop back to Quetico up through Badwater with possibly a stop at Omeme or checkout Sturgeon and Russel and head back through Jean to Quetico.
tumblehome 06/04/2019 10:45AM
The Beaverhouse Ranger station does sell the Chrismar map. I bought one from the lady last year. They don't sell McKenzie or Fischer.


I don't know why people like that map (Chrismar) so much. It does show all the portages but keep this in mind: The entire Quetico is on a map 3' x 4'. If you feel you can navigate your trip on the scale of that map, you are a better navigator than me. I take the map strictly for a reference and it's fun to look at it in camp.


McKenzie or Fischer maps are a must for navigating. And since you are about out of time, I hope you have made your purchase. You can buy them at outdoor stores.
Tom
SummerSkin 06/04/2019 07:40AM
I have always used McKenzie maps. I like that they're larger (you order sections of the park) and show more detail.

This year's trip, my buddy brought an Adventure map (a map of the entire park). I was initially making fun of him because that map is to such a smaller scale than mine. However, he had the last laugh because my McKenzie maps were inaccurate on several portages, which was extremely frustrating (I plan to email them about it).

I'm glad we had his Adventure map, or we would have spent a lot of time looking for portages where there were none.
GraniteCliffs 06/03/2019 03:42PM
The Chrismar Map, or the Adventure map as we call it, is the best resource IMO. It is the most accurate for portages. I was up last week and forgot it somehow and wished I had it when I could not find a portage.
Many, many years ago I began to mark up my Fisher maps with campsite ratings. After all these years and so many trips to the Q I have accumulated a pretty good listing of campsites. I have learned from looking at online campsite data is that is very useful but fairly often the ratings do not reflect my values in a site.
My only problem now is that my maps are old, very old, and have faded with time so that portages and sites are sometimes not quite legible any longer. I keep thinking about buying new maps and transferring the data I have marked up.
Jackfish 06/03/2019 03:23PM
bmu92... what is your plan for maps for your trip? My offer still stands to lend you the McKenzie maps you would need. Gotta let me know pretty soon though so I have time to mail them to you.
billconner 06/01/2019 06:44PM
I would say most sites are easy to spot and there is very little or no competition for sites. And you can camp anywhere, but established sites usually make it easier and is preferred for LNT principles.
Banksiana 06/01/2019 03:25PM
Jaywalker: "
Interesting. So do you do you typically do research from the sources before hand, or do you just paddle until you see something that looks like a campsite? I've never been to Q, but hopefully some day. "



I have a mental map of campsites I've used or passed or heard of. I keep my eye out as I paddle and add more to the "map" each trip. I have favorites that I visit again and again. Sites are not difficult to find and the lower use levels in the Q usually results in much less competition for sites.


There is a campsite data base out there on the web. On the rated sites it's fairly reliable. On unrated sites (without commentary) they are often figments of someone's imagination. Google Quetico campsite database. Only oblique references to the database site are allowed on this site.
Jackfish 06/01/2019 11:04AM
I use McKenzie maps in Q. They show many campsite locations, as do Fisher maps. There are also other resources that can be found or discussions you can have here on the board.
Jaywalker 06/01/2019 10:58AM
Banksiana: "Chrismar map does not show campsite. Fisher maps show some campsites- a bit of a crap shoot if the sites actually exist where they are shown. Very few of the existing campsites are represented on any of the published maps."
Interesting. So do you do you typically do research from the sources before hand, or do you just paddle until you see something that looks like a campsite? I've never been to Q, but hopefully some day.
Banksiana 06/01/2019 09:55AM
Chrismar map does not show campsite. Fisher maps show some campsites- a bit of a crap shoot if the sites actually exist where they are shown. Very few of the existing campsites are represented on any of the published maps.
Jaywalker 06/01/2019 08:53AM
Banksiana: "Piragis sells the Chrismar Map the most accurate and all inclusive of the available options. Some feel the scale is too small but it is the only map I carry. I average 3-5 Q trips a year."
Just curious - does that map show campsites?
billconner 05/31/2019 06:44PM
They have had the Chrismar map for sale at PP ranger station so it might be at BH. Part of the Friends of Quetico store.


Banksiana 05/31/2019 03:32PM
Piragis sells the Chrismar Map the most accurate and all inclusive of the available options. Some feel the scale is too small but it is the only map I carry. I average 3-5 Q trips a year.
Jackfish 05/31/2019 10:35AM
I don't believe they do, but to confirm, call the park at (807) 597-2735. (If you call, post here what they told you.)

If they don't have them, the Duluth Pack store in Duluth would have them.

Another option, depending on your travel plans, is to check with Canoe Canada Outfitters in Atikokan. They may have them.

If you strike out on those options, let me know. I'll be happy to mail you the McKenzie maps you need.

By the way, we'll be entering Q at Beaverhouse on June 11th and will be staying overnight in Atikokan on June 10th. Which way are you headed?

bmu92 05/31/2019 10:23AM
I'll be heading to Beaverhouse on June 8th, does anyone know if the Ranger station there has maps for purchase or use?

If not, where is the best place to find maps for on the trip that I can order and have before June 7th?

Thanks