I am looking at doing a trip to Wabakimi next year but have found it difficult to find information. But this also adds to my desire to make this trip a reality! The trip would be 2 or 4 people total coming from Minnesota and Iowa for probably 5 nights in the park. We have been doing annual trips to the BWCA but would like to try something new. Typically we base-camp. We determine where we want to go and get there, stay around the area and fish. Mostly looking for Northern Pike but are happy with anything that bites. Not looking at doing a fly-in. I guess I am just looking for some recommendations from starting from the southern region of the park. Where would you recommend us go? What about the train? I can't find information on where it all goes. Would it be best to just drive to a entry point? Where could I get more detailed maps of this area? Sorry for the questions, but have found very little on-line besides on the FOW website. Thank you for any help you can provide!

From the south end you can take the train in. From what I understand you can request to be dropped off at any mile marker along the rail, although I've only gone to Allenwater Bridge. Be aware that the train goes "in" (west) in the evening, so you usually get dropped off as it is getting dark. We usually just set up our tents and head out canoeing the next morning. From Allenwater Bridge you can head north into Wabakimi proper or South into Brightsand river Provincial park. Also be aware that the train "schedule" is very flexible. We've waited a couple hours past its due time to get picked up on the return trips and I've heard that is not all that unusual. Either will give you ridiculous Pike fishing. There is no drive in entry point per se, however you can paddle in from roads. If you talk to Bert or Brenda at Wabakimi Outfitters they will sell you a planning map (and then more detailed route maps should you go through them). Otherwise, the wabakimi project maps are available for purchase by printing off the order form from their website.

Check the Drive Up Access thread on this forum for several spots and how to get there.

Maps: Wabakimi project maps are best for campsites and portages. Print off some topo maps and between the 2 sets you will be fine.

ViaRail: If you choose to train in or out, then contact Wildwaters or Mattice Lake out fitters. they can help with coordination on how to get the train to stop at the correct spot.

Thank you both for the information. The train option is appealing. If they can stop at curtain spots, Onamakawash Lake entry is appealing to me. Has anyone navigated this lake? Any campsites built around this area? The Wabakimi Project maps - Which set would you recommend?

Thank you,
Thomas

I paddled Onamakawash in 2011.
It may not be exactly what you are looking for...
BUT
**hit the envelope under my name and email me.
I have lots of info.

quote scsuspitzer: "Thank you both for the information. The train option is appealing. If they can stop at curtain spots, Onamakawash Lake entry is appealing to me. Has anyone navigated this lake? Any campsites built around this area? The Wabakimi Project maps - Which set would you recommend?


Thank you,
Thomas"

I paddled through there in 2015. There is definitely a railroad stop there known as "Schultz's trail". There are some cabins on the lake (in the bay by the railroad tracks) and a few boats. IIRC it's a problematic put in for a canoeist because there are really no options for camping and the train lets you off very late. The local outfitters up there could help you with that question. If it was me I'd want to get away from boats if I was fishing out of a canoe, but that might not bother you. One option you would have out of there would be paddling the Lookout River to Smoothrock though that might not fit your basecamping plans. There is a very nice camp site on Onamakawash...let me know if you want the location. Not that sure about the fishing.

Can't help you much with the WP maps. I used this map to plan my trip;



map

Here are a couple pics of Schultz's Trail.
The Via Rail picked us up there in August 2011.









P.S. One might note that I have a couple extra inches of belt hanging. This is after only a week in the bush. I wonder how many inches I would lose around the waist if I did 21 or 30 days in.