I am ready to book permits for a group of seven. We will have 2 tandems and a three seater. We will have three two man and a one man tent. Here are my questions...
1). Because most campsites are on the small side I am thinking of getting two permits. Therefore we can use two marginal sites if a large site is unavailable. Does anyone know if that will cost more?

2). Do outfitters charge for picking up permits or are they compensated by "selling" permits? I do think I heard that they have their own reserved quantity. I would like to ask an outfitter to pick up my permit but I am renting very little and don't want to ask him to do something for free. I also don't want to pay more than it is worth. Thanks.

I don’t think you need two permits. There are tags issued for each canoe, identifying the party. If you get two, that prevents someone else from getting one. If you need further clarity, call the Park Office.

As far as three tents, we had no trouble with three on a scout trip. You may not take first site you come to but there are plenty in the Q.

Why not reserve permit directly? I don't think the outfitter gets any part of the permit fee, so there probably is a service fee.

If your group is going to occupy two campsites I'd be pretty sure you need two permits.

Decide what you want to do and call the office. They are very friendly, helpful, and accommodating.

billconner: "As far as three tents, we had no trouble with three on a scout trip. You may not take first site you come to but there are plenty in the Q.
Decide what you want to do and call the office. They are very friendly, helpful, and accommodating."

Duh, why didn't I think of that? I have called about other things and they have always been great. Thanks guys.

I agree that you should not need two permits.

old_salt: "I don’t think you need two permits. There are tags issued for each canoe, identifying the party. If you get two, that prevents someone else from getting one. If you need further clarity, call the Park Office."

I called the park office yesterday and I do indeed need two permits to do this. A permit holder must be in each camp. Since two names can be on each permit we can mix and match our groups. Our preference will be to stay together but in a situation where there is not a place for four tents we will split up.
There will be an additional cost to do this however. Each permit will include the reservation fee and $100.00 deposit.
As to the cost of outfitters picking up permits... They pay exactly the same as you or I would pay.

I misread your post. Four tents would be tough on some sites.

I thought park collected same for all permits. Some outfitters will add a fee for handling it for you.

Also, the superintendent has stated he is cutting back on outfitters issuing permits. He's somewhat keen on all campers having a face to face with a ranger. I'll see how that's going at Canoecopia. The Ontario Provincial Parks have generally had a large contingent at Canoecopia and it's a great place for these kind of questions.

Most of the well established campsites in the Q can easily handle 3 tents IMO. On our group solos, we have never had trouble finding room for 4 solo tents. I don't think you'll have any problems staying together.

billconner: "I misread your post. Four tents would be tough on some sites.


I thought park collected same for all permits. Some outfitters will add a fee for handling it for you.


Also, the superintendent has stated he is cutting back on outfitters issuing permits. He's somewhat keen on all campers having a face to face with a ranger. I'll see how that's going at Canoecopia. The Ontario Provincial Parks have generally had a large contingent at Canoecopia and it's a great place for these kind of questions."

I wouldn’t count on it. I just checked and they are not listed as exhibitors this year.

I see. They do say many will be added do maybe not too late