I am considering a Quetico trip with a friend who is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident, so we can't do RABC. I've never been to Quetico only trips in the BWCA.

We'd like to paddle for five or six days and have 1-2 days layover if we happen upon a nice spot or if weather requires it. Nothing too grueling, while she loves the outdoors and has been canoe camping, she's never done the BWCA or Quetico. And I want this friend to go with me again. Don't care it it's loop, out and back, partial loop with a shuttle, or requires a tow in.

I am OK with a bit of burn area, but on my last trip we entered on Lake One, paddled to the northern end of Insula and then back the same way we came. That felt depressing to me as most of the paddling seemed to be in burn area. I know it's part of the forest cycle. It still makes me sad.

Where should we go?

I've only done three trips from the Canadian side - one entering from Beaverhouse and two from French. I'd love to go back to Beaverhouse and do another trip through the northern tier of lakes - Quetico, Cirrus, etc. That would be my suggestion.

We crossed the border at International Falls/Ft. Frances, stayed in Ft. Frances overnight and parked at Beaverhouse, looping back. While we were never really that far from the park border, it seemed very remote and we only saw maybe two or three other groups that week (late May).

You will most likely go through either Pigeon River or I’Falls/Ft. Frances to enter Canada.

There are five northern Quetico entries to choose from, each different in their own way. Buy a few maps or books and look at your options. It costs more to camp in Quetico since you pay a daily fee per person. Otherwise it’s a great place.

Tom

You can enter through Lac La Croix (LLC) w/o an RABC. Get a tow from Crane Lake - the tow service will take you to the Canada Customs at Sand Point - just need the passport. Then the tow service will take you to the LLC ranger station to get your permit, and then to the Quetico EP. I’ve used Anderson’s several times, they are great.

I’d recommend Beaverhouse or Stanton Bay entry. Beaverhouse you could drive into and loop back to. If you got shuttled in I’d recommend Beaverhouse then exit at Batchewaung or Stanton Bay. You wouldn’t have to loop back then. I’d recommend Seine River Lodge for shuttling and outfitting. My son used them last year and the6 were great to work with. Not sure how the gear is since we have everything needed now and don’t need to rent anything anymore. The outfitter in Atikokan only provides services if you are fully outfitting through them otherwise you can pound sand as far as they are concerned.

Camp Quetico was also great for us year prior. Those are the two I’d recommend. You’ve got a ton of options and wouldn’t be in a lot of burn areas in the north.

Ryan