Canadian permits used to be available online, now I don’t see that option. So, how do I obtain a Canadian permit?

Also, I have always gotten a BWCA permit for the same time as my Quetico permit, thinking that if weather forced me to camp on the American side. With 2 permits, can I camp on both sides of the border, if needed?

If I have a passport, do I still need RABC?
Thank you in advance for your answers

Easiest thing to do would be to contact Anderson’s Canoe Outfitters in Crane Lake. They can give you at the info you need - and give you a tow to Bottle!

Here’s the link to Anderson’s

As for your question I’m not sure what you mean by Canadian permit. If you are referring to a Quetico permit, yes you can get one online at this link

If you are arriving at the Bottle River EP (Quetico) by entering at one of the closer BWCA EPs by canoe, like EP 16, and not by tow from Crane Lake, you need the RABC. Also, you need to pick up your Quetico permit at the LLC Ranger Station before you enter Quetico. The LLC Ranger Station is about a 10 mile paddle northwest of Bottle Portage.

If you get a tow from Crane Lake they will take you through Canadian Customs at Sand Point and you don’t need the RABC. Then they take you to LLC Ranger Station to get your permit and finally drop you off at the Quetico EP. the entire tow is about 50 miles and takes about 90 minutes (+/-) with the stops. That tow is a blast and worth the experience at least once. When you do that trip, you can also get a BWCA overnight permit as well (from the outfitter, EP 12 typically) - and this way you can stay overnight in either Quetico or the BWCA (eg Iron Lake or Crooked). I suppose technically you’re not supposed to go back and forth but I suspect many do.

I’ve used Anderson’s for that trip at least 10 times. Mark Anderson and his crew are awesome. You can stay at the Pine Ridge Motel across from Anderson’s the night before you take off so you can get an early start. Anderson’s arrange that for you, if you want. I’m sure Zup’s is great as well but I’ve never used them.

“Do I need a RABC?”

It depends…if you go into Canada by water and never touch land…then no. They no longer require an RABC. If you touch Canadian soil at anytime (except a documented co-portage of the US-Canada) then you are required to have an RABC. An RABC is your remote option to go through Customs. Every Country on this planet requires people entering their country to go through customs as far as I know. If you go through customs at a station such as at Sand Point then that counts as well and you do not need an RABC.

T

I talked to Ontario Parks today, got my permit for Bottle Portage, solidified my plans with Anderson’s, made a reservation at Pine Ridge. Now I can dream about my upcoming trip. Thank you for your input.

Thank you. I will be going through SandPoint, and have just renewed my passport.