We have 15 years of BWCA trips under our belts. We typically do trips that are 50 mile loops in 5 days 4 nights. Most of our days are 15 mile days, plus or minus depending on needs.

We are trying to find some loops or in and out in a 7 day trip. Is it possible up there to see some cool areas in this timeframe? Any areas folks would suggest? We are not opposed to train but the cost to fly in is not in the cards.

Sent an email to the Friends of Wabakimi (friendsofwabakimi.org). They have trip advisors who will respond with advice.

Train in Armstrong is Monday and Thursdays so the trip would have to start one of those days if you start by train. I’m not certain what day a pick up to get on the train opposite direction would be though. You also have to keep in mind they only are allowing 3 canoes in the baggage car which is a recent change. That is going to factor into planning big time now!

If taking the train you have tons of options North or South. You could easily do the Kopka river portion by being dropped off by train in that time. Epic bucket list trip but you need to research the waterfall portions so you know what you’d be getting into. It’s on my list of trips I’ll be doing.

You can park or get dropped off and go in at Little Caribou lake and out at the same. Downside to that is how much time you’ll spend getting into the park proper since you’ll need to also cross Caribou Lake. All of that portion though feels like being in a park though. You’ll see a boat or two but nothing like you’d see on Moose lake. I did find out this year that the Postmaster I forget his name has a boat with canoe carriers and can shuttle you across Caribou lake like they do in the BWCA. He could also do a pick up as well I’d assume. This would open up some nice loop options in that time frame.

I’d recommend also checking g out PP since they have mapping with distances for Wabakimi and the surrounding parks.

Friends of Wabakimi will be a great source of information.

Ryan

I spoke with Bruce today about this trip. We're likely at least a year out on the trip. The river trip mentioned sounds great. I'll have to look into that.

Well he’s a great source of information! Also probably most important he provides you with maps with all the details you need of the route you pick! If you are going to go in by train though lock in early on the dates and get it booked!

Wabakimi is great and you should love it! One thing to note though is you will not be hanging the food in Wabakimi. It’s Boreal Forest so nothing to hang from. We just take a 60 liter barrel which is where we keep our food. I pile some rocks on it every night so I would get notified if anything was messing with it. Obviously you can use real bear barrels and Ursacks. If you’ve been hanging you’ll really appreciate not spending an hour of each day dealing with hanging the food. This is less of an issue in the far north since the campsites are used way less frequently. I’d also guess that it’s more seasoned canoe trippers not making messes in camp with smells and attracting bears in.

You’ll be in areas where portages start with or near current so make sure you get comfortable with that idea and talk about it prior to trip.

Fishing is pretty amazing in Wabakimi! So much less pressure especially compared to BWCA. I would tell you to focus on areas at the end of fast water or rapids/falls. Fish in the pools below. Bruce will have exceptional fishing areas marked on the map.

Lots of videos on YouTube of the Kopka.

Ryan

Another source of info, shuttles, safe parking for trips out of armstrong ON is Clem Quenville 807-372-1346 (c), wabakimiclemq@outlook.com.