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LayoverPLEEZ
  
08/28/2022 07:41PM  
We're still undecided on our entry point into Pickerel Lake next week. It seems Stanton Bay would be the straightest shot toward Pine Portage (Camp Quetico would shuttle us there).

What is the Stanton Bay Portage like? I heard it was an old logging road, but that's a crap shoot as far as "quality," especially if it's raining. That could be more impassable than some pine forest portages. Still, I think this would be quicker than going in from Nym Lake.

I'd welcome any insights, thanks!
 
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08/28/2022 09:43PM  
I don’t think they have issues getting in. It’s a rough road but they do it all the time, I stayed with Camp Quetico in July and Barry was great! Food was awesome and the hospitality was great! I’d definitely recommend Stanton Bay as the entry if you are looking to get to Pine Portage Bay.

As far as the actual Stanton Portage goes, it’s got boardwalk and is really no issue other than the distance. Down going in, but up coming out. I don’t think with how it’s constructed that wet would be an issue either on the actual portage.

If you are going to do the Deux Rivière, I’d ask about water levels and expectations. When I went through and came back out mid-July, it was 3 beaver dam liftovers and one paddle around. Was pretty easy with higher water levels then!

I just did the Horse River section in the BWCA on Wednesday this week and it was a slog of rock gardens and unmarked portages before we got to the three marked portages!

Ryan
HowardSprague
distinguished member(3419)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/28/2022 09:48PM  
Pretty easy haul from the parking lot.
08/28/2022 10:28PM  
After reading your question and responses I am confused on what you want or know?

The road into Stanton is terrible…the shuttle price is worth it to not ruin your vehicle…just my opinion. It is really slow going.

The portage from the parking lot to Stanton Bay is pretty easy.

T
mapsguy1955
distinguished member(583)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/29/2022 09:36AM  
Portage is just down and then up on way back. I've done it many times in all conditions with few issues. Know that the shuttle is a must unless you are a Canadian citizen and can park there. As of today, water levels are normal.
Old salt
Guest Paddler
  
09/30/2022 08:52PM  
My suggestion is to use Stanton bay going in, while leaving your vehicle parked at French Lake. Plan to paddle out. The prevailing winds make it an easy paddle. Also, you don’t have to meet an outfitter. If you’re early or late, it doesn’t matter.
rick00001967
senior member (75)senior membersenior member
  
01/08/2023 02:59PM  
timatkn: "After reading your question and responses I am confused on what you want or know?

The road into Stanton is terrible…the shuttle price is worth it to not ruin your vehicle…just my opinion. It is really slow going.

The portage from the parking lot to Stanton Bay is pretty easy.

T"

Is the road really that bad? We are starting to plan our summer and one option was trying to go in at Stanton Bay this year to spend a few days at the far end of Pickerel Lake.

We have read various reports on that road. Obviously, the condition can change, especially with bad weather, but we were still hesitant to bring our SUV in there.
Your comment about the $100 being worth it to avoid damage to our own vehicle sounds like the smart way of thinking.

We were considering using the shuttle to get in, but then exiting at Dawson Trail. The only down side is I believe we need to stay at Camp Quetico for the first night (added cost), otherwise we cannot book a shuttle.
01/09/2023 07:17AM  
rick00001967: "
timatkn: "After reading your question and responses I am confused on what you want or know?

The road into Stanton is terrible…the shuttle price is worth it to not ruin your vehicle…just my opinion. It is really slow going.

The portage from the parking lot to Stanton Bay is pretty easy.

T"

Is the road really that bad? We are starting to plan our summer and one option was trying to go in at Stanton Bay this year to spend a few days at the far end of Pickerel Lake.

We have read various reports on that road. Obviously, the condition can change, especially with bad weather, but we were still hesitant to bring our SUV in there.
Your comment about the $100 being worth it to avoid damage to our own vehicle sounds like the smart way of thinking.

We were considering using the shuttle to get in, but then exiting at Dawson Trail. The only down side is I believe we need to stay at Camp Quetico for the first night (added cost), otherwise we cannot book a shuttle. "

I don't recall the road being too bad - especially if you're in an SUV. But as far as I know, you still can't park there with non-resident plates on your car (you do not need to be a citizen). For insurance reasons, the outfitters cannot offer a shuttle service unless you're being outfitted in some fashion (I am not sure what the threshold is).
01/10/2023 06:58AM  
Argo: "
rick00001967: "
timatkn: "After reading your question and responses I am confused on what you want or know?

The road into Stanton is terrible…the shuttle price is worth it to not ruin your vehicle…just my opinion. It is really slow going.

The portage from the parking lot to Stanton Bay is pretty easy.

T"

Is the road really that bad? We are starting to plan our summer and one option was trying to go in at Stanton Bay this year to spend a few days at the far end of Pickerel Lake.

We have read various reports on that road. Obviously, the condition can change, especially with bad weather, but we were still hesitant to bring our SUV in there.
Your comment about the $100 being worth it to avoid damage to our own vehicle sounds like the smart way of thinking.

We were considering using the shuttle to get in, but then exiting at Dawson Trail. The only down side is I believe we need to stay at Camp Quetico for the first night (added cost), otherwise we cannot book a shuttle. "

I don't recall the road being too bad - especially if you're in an SUV. But as far as I know you still can't park there with non-resident plates on your car (you do not need to be a citizen). For insurance reasons, the outfitters cannot offer a shuttle service unless you're being outfitted in some fashion (I am not sure what the threshold is). "

As Argo reports, I am not an Ontario resident so a shuttle was my only option. Doug picked us up in a high clearance van, drove 5 mph, there were washouts that year, Doug showed us where a brand new vehicle got washed down a creek. So my experience was different, sounds like Argo went in fine. To me the $100 was worth it.

We used Doug at Canadian Quetico Outfitters. He secured our permits, we picked them up the day before our entry at his shop, then met him a week later at Stanton. Maybe him securing the permit was enough? I am not sure Doug often takes on just shuttles though…he seemed to be pulling back and to be on location might require a bigger purchase now a days. I can totally understand that.

T

rick00001967
senior member (75)senior membersenior member
  
01/10/2023 01:28PM  
timatkn: "
Argo: "
rick00001967: "
timatkn: "After reading your question and responses I am confused on what you want or know?

The road into Stanton is terrible…the shuttle price is worth it to not ruin your vehicle…just my opinion. It is really slow going.

The portage from the parking lot to Stanton Bay is pretty easy.

T"

Is the road really that bad? We are starting to plan our summer and one option was trying to go in at Stanton Bay this year to spend a few days at the far end of Pickerel Lake.

We have read various reports on that road. Obviously, the condition can change, especially with bad weather, but we were still hesitant to bring our SUV in there.
Your comment about the $100 being worth it to avoid damage to our own vehicle sounds like the smart way of thinking.

We were considering using the shuttle to get in, but then exiting at Dawson Trail. The only down side is I believe we need to stay at Camp Quetico for the first night (added cost), otherwise we cannot book a shuttle. "

I don't recall the road being too bad - especially if you're in an SUV. But as far as I know you still can't park there with non-resident plates on your car (you do not need to be a citizen). For insurance reasons, the outfitters cannot offer a shuttle service unless you're being outfitted in some fashion (I am not sure what the threshold is). "

As Argo reports, I am not an Ontario resident so a shuttle was my only option. Doug picked us up in a high clearance van, drove 5 mph, there were washouts that year, Doug showed us where a brand new vehicle got washed down a creek. So my experience was different, sounds like Argo went in fine. To me the $100 was worth it.

We used Doug at Canadian Quetico Outfitters. He secured our permits, we picked them up the day before our entry at his shop, then met him a week later at Stanton. Maybe him securing the permit was enough? I am not sure Doug often takes on just shuttles though…he seemed to be pulling back and to be on location might require a bigger purchase now a days. I can totally understand that.

T

"


doug is actually one of my old high school teachers. lol small world.

i just heard from him about shuttles. they are no longer offering that service unless it is just to transport gear. he said they will not be shuttling people any longer.

i also spoke to barry at camp quetico. the fee to stanton will still be 100 bucks minimum and requires either a canoe rental or a one night stay at his resort.

i have not had a chance to contact anyone else yet to see if anyone will do a shuttle without purchasing any other services
01/10/2023 09:41PM  
Small world…well if Doug was your teacher you must be able to drive in…if cost is an issue—I get that, why throw money away…Know that poster Argo made it fine…just go slow…plan on that…have a plan if the road is too bad.

Let us know how it goes.

T
01/11/2023 04:23PM  
rick00001967: "
timatkn: "
Argo: "
rick00001967: "
timatkn: "After reading your question and responses I am confused on what you want or know?


The road into Stanton is terrible…the shuttle price is worth it to not ruin your vehicle…just my opinion. It is really slow going.


The portage from the parking lot to Stanton Bay is pretty easy.


T"

Is the road really that bad? We are starting to plan our summer and one option was trying to go in at Stanton Bay this year to spend a few days at the far end of Pickerel Lake.


We have read various reports on that road. Obviously, the condition can change, especially with bad weather, but we were still hesitant to bring our SUV in there.
Your comment about the $100 being worth it to avoid damage to our own vehicle sounds like the smart way of thinking.


We were considering using the shuttle to get in, but then exiting at Dawson Trail. The only down side is I believe we need to stay at Camp Quetico for the first night (added cost), otherwise we cannot book a shuttle. "

I don't recall the road being too bad - especially if you're in an SUV. But as far as I know you still can't park there with non-resident plates on your car (you do not need to be a citizen). For insurance reasons, the outfitters cannot offer a shuttle service unless you're being outfitted in some fashion (I am not sure what the threshold is). "

As Argo reports, I am not an Ontario resident so a shuttle was my only option. Doug picked us up in a high clearance van, drove 5 mph, there were washouts that year, Doug showed us where a brand new vehicle got washed down a creek. So my experience was different, sounds like Argo went in fine. To me the $100 was worth it.


We used Doug at Canadian Quetico Outfitters. He secured our permits, we picked them up the day before our entry at his shop, then met him a week later at Stanton. Maybe him securing the permit was enough? I am not sure Doug often takes on just shuttles though…he seemed to be pulling back and to be on location might require a bigger purchase now a days. I can totally understand that.


T


"



doug is actually one of my old high school teachers. lol small world.


i just heard from him about shuttles. they are no longer offering that service unless it is just to transport gear. he said they will not be shuttling people any longer.


i also spoke to barry at camp quetico. the fee to stanton will still be 100 bucks minimum and requires either a canoe rental or a one night stay at his resort.


i have not had a chance to contact anyone else yet to see if anyone will do a shuttle without purchasing any other services"


Rick, I don't really think you need to agonize about driving your own vehicle to Stanton Bay - especially since you have an SUV. I drove a Hyundai Sonata rental there with a canoe on top...not the greatest road clearance. It was a pretty unremarkable drive in the context of a rural Ontario mining/logging road. You're from TBay, I'm sure you've done it a million times by now.
rick00001967
senior member (75)senior membersenior member
  
01/12/2023 12:47PM  
Yes, I do have an SUV, and yes, I have driven many miles on bush roads, most of which I was familiar with, but I have a brand new vehicle, and not only did it not come with a spare tire, I am just not crazy about the idea of possibly damaging my new car. Given the choice, I would gladly pay $100 for a shuttle if I can find one.

The other consideration is that if we go in at Stanton, we would like to do an easterly trip and come out at French Lake. A shuttle would be necessary if we wanted to do that.

I am going to reach out to other outfitters. Just haven't had the time yet.
01/13/2023 07:27AM  
rick00001967: "Yes, I do have an SUV, and yes, I have driven many miles on bush roads, most of which I was familiar with, but I have a brand new vehicle, and not only did it not come with a spare tire, I am just not crazy about the idea of possibly damaging my new car. Given the choice, I would gladly pay $100 for a shuttle if I can find one.

The other consideration is that if we go in at Stanton, we would like to do an easterly trip and come out at French Lake. A shuttle would be necessary if we wanted to do that.

I am going to reach out to other outfitters. Just haven't had the time yet."


If you find a shuttle let me know. It may have to be some private contactor in the area. Pretty sure the outfitters are prevented from doing stand-alone taxi service.
 
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