BWCA Canoe rental, lodging, transport in Atikokan? Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
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cyclones30
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02/18/2020 01:05PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
For our trip later this year....does anyone have suggestions on outfitters to go through for canoe rental, a night stay before our trip, and possibly transport to/from the entry point? We're thinking Stanton Bay, so we'd need them to give us a ride for that one....so anyone in that area you'd recommend?
 
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Jackfish
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02/18/2020 01:45PM  
Been staying at the White Otter Inn in Atikokan the night before we enter the park for as long as I can remember. A very utilitarian motel with a restaurant attached. Around $100/night per room. We always get two connected rooms on the back side of the motel and back up to the door so we can reorganize the gear in our packs so we’re ready for the water in the morning.

There are a couple other motels in town which I’ve heard are similar.

The ranger station is just a few hundred yards away for picking up your permit the day before. Just be sure to get there no later than 3:45-ish or you’ll have to get your permit in the morning.

Google will help you with finding an outfitter.
dentondoc
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02/18/2020 01:53PM  
Unless you are just itching to stay in Atikokan, I'll make the following recommendations:

For outfitting and shuttle services: Canadian Quetico Outfitters (Doug Chapman: owner)
This is a fairly small operation, but they provide excellent service. They are located just a couple of miles west of the Dawson Campgrounds/French Lake entrance. (There is a full service ranger station at Dawson.)

For lodging and food service: Quetico Lodge and Conference Center (formerly the Quetico College School).
This is a facility with a lot going for it ... dorm/style rooms (with on suite bath), cabins, dining hall, day/game room (with swimming pool), tennis courts, lake front (Eva Lake) and the list goes on. Eva Lake is on the north side of Highway 11 just a mile or two west and maybe 5 minutes from the outfitter.

But if you REALLY want to be in Atikokan, I'd recommend Canoe Canada Outfitters. They are a full service outfitter, providing full service (including shuttle) and they also have a bunkhouse. (I believe you have to provide your own meals.) They can also arrange reservations at a couple of local hotels, if you prefer. (And yes, I've used the White Otter Inn several times also.)

I have used both of these services.

dd
cyclones30
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02/18/2020 07:24PM  
Thanks everyone, we don't really care where we stay as long as it's reasonably near the outfitter entry. I have no need to stay IN town, that's just where I figured places would be based out of.
billconner
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02/19/2020 08:03AM  
If you haven't decided on entry, based on your other comments you could consider Indiaonta and enter at Beaverhouse. Not sure they still can get your permit but used to.
cyclones30
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02/19/2020 01:38PM  
billconner: "If you haven't decided on entry, based on your other comments you could consider Indiaonta and enter at Beaverhouse. Not sure they still can get your permit but used to."


We're hoping for Stanton Bay at this point.
Castaway
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02/19/2020 06:23PM  
Another option is Camp Quetico. I have not used them myself but they provide rentals, shuttles and overnight stays with dinner and/or breakfast. Camp Quetico/Quetico Outfitters
02/19/2020 11:39PM  
I have used Canoe Canada a few times and they are good but their canoe rental rate has gone up a lot in the last few years. They do have a lot of canoes and rental gear and have the best t shirts on the Canada side of the border. I used Camp Quetico last year. They have their act together and their rental rate is better. Their main thing is being a fishing lodge. Both can get your park permit for you and are fairly close to Stanton. I think I will use Camp Quetico this year.
cyclones30
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02/20/2020 07:11AM  
Johnh: " I have used Canoe Canada a few times and they are good but their canoe rental rate has gone up a lot in the last few years. They do have a lot of canoes and rental gear and have the best t shirts on the Canada side of the border. I used Camp Quetico last year. They have their act together and their rental rate is better. Their main thing is being a fishing lodge. Both can get your park permit for you and are fairly close to Stanton. I think I will use Camp Quetico this year."


I noticed quite a difference in Kevlar rental rates too. Thanks!
AussieShep
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02/20/2020 10:10AM  
cyclones30: "
Johnh: " I have used Canoe Canada a few times and they are good but their canoe rental rate has gone up a lot in the last few years. They do have a lot of canoes and rental gear and have the best t shirts on the Canada side of the border. I used Camp Quetico last year. They have their act together and their rental rate is better. Their main thing is being a fishing lodge. Both can get your park permit for you and are fairly close to Stanton. I think I will use Camp Quetico this year."



I noticed quite a difference in Kevlar rental rates too. Thanks! "


As long as it's an apples-to-apples comparison. I seem to remember when I rented through Canoe Canada their canoes were in tip-top condition. I believe they also come supplied with portage pads as well. If Camp Quetico's inventory is comparable, the price difference seams rather significant.

Are they both quoting in the same currency?
02/22/2020 09:59AM  
Camp Quetico had Souris River Kevlar boats in good shape. Canoe Canada had their canoe shed collapse under snow weight a couple of years ago. Most of the boats were wrecked and they bought a lot of new ones . I think that contributed to their price change. I like CC and I will go there again but price is a consideration.
Troutbum77
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02/23/2020 09:59AM  
I prefer to paddle from the Canadian side whenever possible but I really dislike staying in Atikokan so I use Voyageur Wilderness Programme. The owner, Michelle, is great. She's located on an island on Nym lake and has a few cabins for rent. Food is good. She can shuttle you to Stanton Bay. Super good people. She's Metis and will gladly tell you all about that sub-culture.

All that said, if the goal of your trip is fishing, Canoe Canada has provided me AWESOME fishing spots in years past. They have very good equipment and a fantastic shower room post trip.

cyclones30
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02/23/2020 06:49PM  
Troutbum77: "I prefer to paddle from the Canadian side whenever possible but I really dislike staying in Atikokan so I use Voyageur Wilderness Programme. The owner, Michelle, is great. She's located on an island on Nym lake and has a few cabins for rent. Food is good. She can shuttle you to Stanton Bay. Super good people. She's Metis and will gladly tell you all about that sub-culture.


All that said, if the goal of your trip is fishing, Canoe Canada has provided me AWESOME fishing spots in years past. They have very good equipment and a fantastic shower room post trip.


"


We do plan on fishing a lot
 
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