Anyone here ever paddle the Experimental Lakes Area? From whom do you get permits? Are there issues with motor boats? Are there issues with crowded areas? I would be surprised if that were so, except maybe in the few areas that seem to have road access. I stumbled on this area while browsing the net for Wabakimi videos. I had never heard of this before, but it looks like it connects several smaller PPs. Are there some areas that are better than others for canoeing?? It looks like about a 5-6 day trip if one leaves from Vermilion Bay and goes to Ethelma Lake and back??

Vermilion Bay-Eagle Lake
The Gilbert Stretch
Crabclaw Lake
Winnange Lake
Manomin Lake
Geejay Lake
Lake 625
Porcus Lake
Highwind Lake
Ethelma Lake
That route actually looks to be 20-30km one way.
Hmmm...

It looks to me like you would need to contact the "Central and Arctic Region of Fisheries and Oceans Canada - DFO" for more information.

"Only research activities, or activities compatible with that research, are permitted within or adjacent to these watersheds" but it's possible that canoe camping with "Leave No Trace" principals might be permitted.

At one time I travelled and worked in that area quite a bit, your post has me thinking that I may need to check into this more. Maybe I need some new bushwacking boots.

Contact Info from the ELA/DFO websites for the Central and Artic Region:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
520 Exmouth Street
Sarnia, ON
N7T 8B1
Telephone: 519-383-1813 or
Toll-Free 1-866-290-3731

After doing some more web surfing I have to say this looks like a pretty popular canoeing area. Most of the forums and blogs I found with trip reports and accounts mention that it's a busy area. However, "busy" in NW Ontario is probably still less use than the BWCA regardless. If I find more info, as to where to find permits I will post it here.

Thanks.

this may be in an area of ontario that is open for camping to canadians only. americans may use the area but would need to prove that they are using a canadian outfitter. my map of this area is from the 1990's and the situation may have changed since then.

Of course I would call ahead and see what's what. As for now, I'm going to Wab this year, WCPP next year, and maybe the Everglades in 2013. A northern entry into Quetico or maybe a west to east Quetico crossing is also on the list.
Bucket List Item: Leano to Winnipeg.

got the map up,. think i might need to upgrade my control data cyber 203, don't know when this map is from, no date on it anywhere (good job, heh?).