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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Quetico Forum Driving to Atikokan from Duluth |
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05/10/2018 08:18PM (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
My wife is joining me for the first time for a trip to the Q and would like to show her as much of the beauty of the north country as possible (we live in Ga). On previous trips I have always driven to International Falls/Ft Francis for entry. The drive from Duluth to Grand Marais is very scenic. I am thinking of driving up through Grand Marais to Thunder Bay and then to Atikokan. Is the scenery worth the extra two or so hours to drive up to Thunder Bay and then over to Atikokan? Time is not an issue.
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05/11/2018 08:33AM
Castaway: "Since you're taking the longer scenic route, IMHO it is worth a stop to see Kakabeka Falls, just west of Thunder Bay. "
Since you are doing Quetico, I suggest that you consider doing the falls on your exit. If done the same day as your exit, your Quetico permit will cover your entrance fee for the falls (unless that has changed recently).
dd
"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs" chances are you missed something. (Inspired by Rudyard Kipling.)
05/14/2018 04:51AM
Absolutely worth it, even when not with spouse.
Just be aware that the stretch from TB to Atikoken
can be hazardous at dusk and beyond. Moose are
big. Nice to know about the falls and Q permit. May
visit that this year.
Just be aware that the stretch from TB to Atikoken
can be hazardous at dusk and beyond. Moose are
big. Nice to know about the falls and Q permit. May
visit that this year.
05/14/2018 06:06AM
If your schedule permits, check out Fort William Historical Park near Thunder Bay. If you are entering at French Lake you could save miles by not going all the way to Atikokan. You could then visit Atikokan after your canoe trip.
05/15/2018 08:39AM
You know, the drive from the Soo to Thunder Bay is also very beautiful. I can almost guarantee you will see bear. That rout would have you avoid both the Chicago nightmare and "Minnesota Nice" trash :-b
Just be shore to gift the bridge workers on the Mackinac and make sure you fill up when you see a gas station in CA. They can be spread thin.
Hex
Just be shore to gift the bridge workers on the Mackinac and make sure you fill up when you see a gas station in CA. They can be spread thin.
Hex
05/16/2018 02:06PM
Going the north route through Canada is beautiful. Be sure to gas up before you cross the border, whereever you cross. Any gas in the USA is cheaper than any gas in Canada. Kakebeka Falls and Fort William in Thunder Bay are both well worth the time. Have fun!
Livin' the dream. Just another day in Paradise...
05/17/2018 05:38AM
One more thought. Be aware, if you stay in Thunder Bay, that there is a one hour time difference between TB and the Q. We usually stay at the Holiday Inn Express and get to the French Lake EP for permits at 8:00 but don't leave TB until 7:30. Works great since we get into TB pretty late the evening before.
05/18/2018 03:02PM
Like others have said, take the scenic route. You might actually be *saving* time, too, depending on when you enter/exit. The border at IF can be a nightmare on Fridays and Sunday as all the U.S. fishermen head back and forth to their Canadian honey holes.
05/20/2018 09:35AM
Well worth it, when I took my son up for the first time we went in through IF to see some of our families old stomping grounds, then came home down the North shore, spending the night at the Lutsen lodge.
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