I really believe they will not be back, and I am very fortunate in my lifetime for being able to visit that area. Maybe a trip coming up in from the north.

I guess in theory, the Canadian review of the RABC program will get resolved in December since that is the time frame that has been given. I can't help but think this is going to be a bit of a political football though.

I didn't hold a permit to enter from the south, so my friends and I entered from Pickerel and had a good time. I suppose we can do so again, but my trip meter is starting to run toward zero and I wonder if I'll ever get to visit the southern lakes again. Time will tell. We can do nothing except wait as patiently as possible.

Yes, time will tell, and much is in the political winds.

The RABC program is bigger than a few Quetico paddlers. Canadian Resort owners and Canadian citizens use the program along with several US Citizens that own property in Canada. I'm sure that something will be done, even if the current permits are extended for one more year. There was a meeting last month. Canadian Border Services did not send a representative as promised, I guess that means there is no new information.

Found this online. No new news, unfortunately.

November 4, 2025, update via Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA):

We recently contacted Canadian authorities for an update on the Remote Area Border Crossing Permit Program, which is still on pause. Their website still states that permits issued after September 1, 2023, continue to remain valid until December 31, 2025. However, with that deadline approaching, U.S. visitors are left wondering what will happen when the new year begins. In response to an inquiry from Quetico Superior Wilderness News, CBSA Senior Spokesperson Rebecca Purdy confirmed via email that there were no updates to share this week. Purdy stated she will provide new information as soon as it becomes available.

For now, those who wish to cross the remote border between the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park may have to postpone plans until a public announcement by the Canadian government is made.

Thanks for sharing, Jackfish.

Fortunately my tripping buddy and I have RABCs from 2024, so hopefully they'll at least extend those. I'm hoping to base out of northern Agnes next June and hit some fishing favorites on day trips from there. Certainly much easier entering through Prairie Portage for a trip like that! Plenty of good routes out of the west and north if needed too.

We are all obviously just speculating. My two cents worth would be that it seems unlikely that they could extend the permits another year. That puts even more time between when they did their background check and the entry. As a holder of a 2024 RABC permit, I would love to see another extension but, to me, it seems unlikely.

Another issue, which has been raised previously is whether Canada really experiences an economic loss without the RABC. I see lots of examples where US residents are inconvenienced by the loss of access, but I wonder how many Canadians are impacted. Narrowing that discussion to Quetico, the park likely lost some fee revenue with less traffic through PP, but Canadian hotels, gas stations and outfitters likely gained from those who had previously used PP and had to enter from the north.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for the RABC permit to restart, but I am somewhat pessimistic. Traveling from Oklahoma is already a two day trip up and two days back, and a northern entry would add a day on each side. That makes it difficult to find co-paddlers who can commit that much time.

OklahomaPaddler01: " Traveling from Oklahoma is already a two day trip up and two days back, and a northern entry would add a day on each side. That makes it difficult to find co-paddlers who can commit that much time."

Not sure where in Oklahoma you start, but a quick check on Google Maps shows OKC to Atikokan as about 18 hours. OKC to Ely is 15 hours. Times can vary, especially given the distance involved, stops along the way, etc. Definitely farther to Atikokan, but I guess I wouldn't call it an additional day. Not trying to nitpick. You were probably just generalizing given the distance and border crossing.

Jackfish: "

OklahomaPaddler01: " Traveling from Oklahoma is already a two day trip up and two days back, and a northern entry would add a day on each side. That makes it difficult to find co-paddlers who can commit that much time."

Not sure where in Oklahoma you start, but a quick check on Google Maps shows OKC to Atikokan as about 18 hours. OKC to Ely is 15 hours. Times can vary, especially given the distance involved, stops along the way, etc. Definitely farther to Atikokan, but I guess I wouldn't call it an additional day. Not trying to nitpick. You were probably just generalizing given the distance and border crossing."

That's about right. Takes me 22 hours from Amarillo to Atikokan (and that's with a canoe on top going the speed limit or a little less).

I live in OKC, and we make it in 2 days to Atikokan. I'm retired though and have the luxury of leaving fairly early in the morning. We generally stay in southern Minnesota on the first night.

Thanks for the feedback, maybe I just need to change my perspective. It was the border crossing process which made me wonder whether I could really make the entire trip in 2 days. I guess I was just justifying why I hope the RABC is reinstated. I thought I traveled hard to get to Quetico and now I find out that paddlers from Amarillo are making the trek!

Crossing the border was a bit of a mess when Covid was involved. It's not really an issue at this point. They ask a few questions and send us on our way. We use Canoe Canada in Atikokan as our outfitter, and have always been very happy with them. My only issue in Atikokan is that dining out can sometimes be hit or miss. At times, you might have to look a bit to find a restaurant that is open.

We made our 3rd trip into the Canadian side this summer. It was our first into Quetico though. In 21' the fires forced us to go to another park north of Atikokan. Canoe Canada was instrumental in getting us set up for the change as it was kind of last minute. In 22' we liked the park so much we returned. This year we entered via Pickerel and had a very nice trip.

All-in-all, I would say don't worry about any big differences. It does take a few hours longer than Ely, but it's a nice drive. Just fill up before you cross the border..gas is pricey in Canada.

I really, really hope they either extend them another year or reopen the program, but I'm not holding my breath.

I'll enter from the north if I have to, but the extra travel time, possible hassle at the border, etc. means I lose a lot of time vs. entering at Ely. Still better than the BWCA, though. :)

Do you all at least expect an update on RABCs before the year ends?

We'd certainly like one.....but expect one? Me - no. I'd be happy to get one before I'm ready to book my trips, but not holding my breath. I have plan A and plan RABC so that I'm not scrambling last minute or booking with an outfitter hoping - then canceling on them later if things don't get resolved.

pd

portagedog09: "We'd certainly like one.....but expect one? Me - no. I'd be happy to get one before I'm ready to book my trips, but not holding my breath. I have plan A and plan RABC so that I'm not scrambling last minute or booking with an outfitter hoping - then canceling on them later if things don't get resolved.


pd"

many people have to make plans far ahead for vacation-so for some no RABC permit soon will mean no Quetico trip from the south this year. I see a point in time maybe like Prairie portage will not open at all until this is cleared up.

QueticoMike: " "

Thanks

At least right now - it looks like reservations can be made for entry points through Prairie Portage.

Who will make a reservation for a spring entry knowing it’s possible RABC’s wont continue? Essentially reserving something you may not be able to use?

Exo: "At least right now - it looks like reservations can be made for entry points through Prairie Portage.


Who will make a reservation for a spring entry knowing it’s possible RABC’s wont continue? Essentially reserving something you may not be able to use?"

Also your tying up plans during that time frame you would make plans-reservations to go somewhere else.
I think it is a accuse to explore much of Canada wild areas-so many choices.

Recent Paddle and Portage inquiry confirms Absolutely no information so far article ends with this appropriate quote….

“We used to say, ‘Oh, it’s just on hold for a little bit,’” Nelson said of the situation with RABC permits. “You know, you just thought, yeah, it’s just on hold. They’re just revamping the program or something. But there’s never been an explanation as to why this is happening. No explanation. No deadline. And no timeline.”

All RABC Permits expire December 31st…unless they do another extension.

Any Canadian official that gets asked about this subject literally has no idea what will happen. It’s pretty crazy if you ask me. There are Canadians that could lose their livelihood over this (albeit a small amount). We Americans have options to go other places. Inconvenient…yes…life changing…no big deal in the whole scheme of things.

T