BWCA 1 or 2 nights in Canada Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
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Rustycards
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03/03/2016 10:39PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
We are doing a 12-day trip in August, going in EP16, Moose/Portage River North of Echo Trail, and are thinking of spending a night or two in Canada just to say we slept in Canada. I'm just looking into if it's worth it.

We will need an RABC for about $30. Is that one permit for the group or $30/person? If we get an RABC permit and add someone to the trip late, do they need to be added to the permit?

Looks like if we head north to Lac La Croix there are a few campsites that are not in Quetico. Do we need any kind of permit for these sites? Quetico permits are about $17/person/night, right?

 
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Rustycards
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03/03/2016 10:52PM  
One more question, is the RABC permit a set date for crossing the border and returning to the states or is that flexible? We don't want any set dates on the trip if possible.
marsonite
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03/04/2016 06:30AM  
The RABC is good for a year starting the date of issue, which will be a few weeks after you send them your complete application. Married couples and their children under 18 can be under the same permit, but each individual needs his/her own permit.

You will need a crownland camping permit to camp in Ontario outside of the Quetico. These are available online.

billconner
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03/04/2016 07:03AM  
The RABC is simply pre-approval to cross the international border. It has nothing to do with any specific park or place in Canada. Each person needs to be on an RABC. Spouses and children under 28 can be on one. You will also need a passport, passport card, or other whti document for crossing back into US.

When you say a night or two in Canada, do you mean in Quetico Provincial Park, or somewhere else in Canada? If in Quetico, you'll need a Quetico permit. If in crownland around Quetico, a crownland permit. The website Quetico100 is a great resource for this information.

Contrary to some views, you'll also need a permit to re-enter the BWCAW. If overnight on both sides of your Canada visit, then both overnight. Else you could use a day paddle for one side or the other if going directly to or returning directly from Canada at beginning or end of trip.

Fishing is a whole other issue, but suffice it to say that you need to meet all the Ontario regulations to fish in Ontario - outdoor card and license - each member over 17 (I think - check age).

I've done it and not all that hard but does take a little effort.

03/04/2016 08:41AM  
RABC is a Canada Border Services Agency pre-approved entry into Canada, alternative to crossing thru customs check points. Technically you will need to do the same when returning from Canada, needing similar paperwork like a US passport.

Touring/camping, fishing, each require different agency permitting.

butthead
GraniteCliffs
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03/04/2016 02:19PM  
In short, what you would like to do is possible but a real hassle and costs significantly more money.

BTW, remember not to cross the border just to say you were in Canada. That, too, could cost you a lot of money. Better to portage say at Bottle Portage where you are legal to cross but are in Canada.

billconner
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03/04/2016 05:08PM  
Well, you can do it, and I did and might again. If you think of it as a Quetico trip with a few nights in the BWCAW,it really isn't much extra work - just a BWCAW permit. And if you do the Q part first, and get a From Canada EP - which by contacting the USFS and and explaining your plans, getting your permit far in advance, it might be less work. Q trips have more work and cost, no question, and a two night Q trip may be what doesn't make sense.

(Also, with the RABC, it makes a difference if its all in the family - one RABC - or a unrelated group - each required to have their own.)

03/04/2016 08:40PM  
Maybe a nap along a border route portage on the north side of a border marker will do the trick?
Rustycards
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03/06/2016 08:09PM  
quote Exo: "Maybe a nap along a border route portage on the north side of a border marker will do the trick? "


This may be the best option!
03/07/2016 07:35PM  
quote Exo: "Maybe a nap along a border route portage on the north side of a border marker will do the trick? "


Well technically that is illegal :) the Ashburton-Webster treaty clearly applies to travel but not naps.

T
GraniteCliffs
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03/07/2016 08:43PM  
I am getting so old and tired that naps and portages may be synonymous with one another.....................
 
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