We haven't been to Quetico since 2019. Had permits for 2020, but COVID cancelled the trip, and the Park stayed closed to US citizens for much of 2021. When Canada opened her border in August 2021, we grabbed a northern entry permit, then the week before our entry date the Park was closed by wildfire. We REALLY want to get back into the Q, but don't know if/when the RABC might be reinstated. Our work-around is that I've reserved a Prairie Portage entry date and my wife has reserved a Beaverhouse entry date. We'll cancel one as soon as the RABC status is determined. So, am I being unethical, or are we simply covering our bases?

TZ

Ordinarily, I would say doing what you and your wife did would be unethical. However, because it's very unlikely that RABC permits will be issued in 2022, your Quetico permit for PP will simply end up being a waste of money with no affect on other people looking for permits.

Enjoy the Beaverhouse entry.

I don’t have an issue with that at all since we can’t control the variables. I’m sure a lot of people who plan well in advance accounted for a back up plan in case the border is closed or in case the southern entry points stay closed.

Ryan

Is there a permit quota system for Quetico EP's . . . ?

boonie: "Is there a permit quota system for Quetico EP's . . . ?"

Yes

TrailZen: "We haven't been to Quetico since 2019. Had permits for 2020, but COVID cancelled the trip, and the Park stayed closed to US citizens for much of 2021. When Canada opened her border in August 2021, we grabbed a northern entry permit, then the week before our entry date the Park was closed by wildfire. We REALLY want to get back into the Q, but don't know if/when the RABC might be reinstated. Our work-around is that I've reserved a Prairie Portage entry date and my wife has reserved a Beaverhouse entry date. We'll cancel one as soon as the RABC status is determined. So, am I being unethical, or are we simply covering our bases?

TZ"

I think you're fine, not unethical. The only way into the PP EPs is to go through PP ranger station to pickup your permit, of course. If the RABC program is not operational, I doubt the PP ranger station will be open.

FYI, they updated the RABC website today and no mention of the program opening. I’m guessing we will be lucky to see it open later in the year.

RABC CBSA link

plander: "FYI they updated the RABC website today and no mention of the program opening. I’m guessing we will be lucky to see it open later in the year.


RABC CBSA link "

Thanks for the update link, plander--except for the date at the top of the page, the verbiage hasn't changed since I checked it a couple weeks ago. Like many on this forum, I remain hopeful that the RABC system might be reinstated before summer, but I'm willing to drive a few extra hours to enjoy a Quetico trip this year.

TZ

Jackfish: "Ordinarily, I would say doing what you and your wife did would be unethical. However, because it's very unlikely that RABC permits will be issued in 2022, your Quetico permit for PP will simply end up being a waste of money with no affect on other people looking for permits.


Enjoy the Beaverhouse entry. "

Yeah, I felt a bit slimy when we did it. Like many, we've missed Quetico. I've had a 10-day east-side route in mind for three years now that requires Prairie Portage or Cache Bay entry, which in turn requires the RABC system to be reinstated. Like you, I feel that's unlikely. If I cancel the PP reservation by July 30, I'm only out ~$20, and I've paid more than that for trip 'insurance' before...

We haven't paddled the Beaverhouse area, so that will be a great trip if the RABCs don't come through.

TZ

Sounds like strategic planning to me. Typically there are a lot of permits available for the Northern Quetico entry points. I did something similar if not more controversial, I reserved a BWCA and a Quetico permit for June. I staggered them though, so if for whatever reason I can't do Quetico, I have the option of the BWCA a week later. If all goes as planned I will be cancelling my BWCA permit and hopefully someone will feel lucky to snag it.

I settled on a BWCA Lac La Croix trip last year. It was a great trip, but not Quetico, a bit too crowded at times.

TrailZen: "

Jackfish: "Ordinarily, I would say doing what you and your wife did would be unethical. However, because it's very unlikely that RABC permits will be issued in 2022, your Quetico permit for PP will simply end up being a waste of money with no affect on other people looking for permits.

Enjoy the Beaverhouse entry. "

Yeah, I felt a bit slimy when we did it. Like many, we've missed Quetico. I've had a 10-day east-side route in mind for three years now that requires Prairie Portage or Cache Bay entry, which in turn requires the RABC system to be reinstated. Like you, I feel that's unlikely. If I cancel the PP reservation by July 30, I'm only out ~$20, and I've paid more than that for trip 'insurance' before...

We haven't paddled the Beaverhouse area, so that will be a great trip if the RABCs don't come through.

TZ"

No need to feel slimy. Given the unusual situation these days, it’s actually smart planning. Enjoy your trip.

AdamX

Zero ethical problem in my mind. You pay for it, after all. I've gotten and cancelled a few BWCA permits since Spring 2020 that turned out to be unnecessary backups. It's a bonus to other folks when a permit suddenly becomes available. Even though there is a quota for Quetico permits, they don't always get filled up anyway.
Last fall I had a BWCA permit I cancelled minutes after I successfully got across the border, heading to Wabakimi. The whole situation was kind of dicey with pre-crossing covid testing, random testing, not to mention an expired passport.

Joe