I'm leaving for my first Quetico solo on 8/18 out of Beaverhouse Lake with a permit for Quetico lake. I had originally planned on a seven or eight night solo trip, but changes in our family schedule have only made a three night trip possible. I have done three bwca trips this season, so I shouldn't complain.

I have taken four solo trips to the bwca and have done many group trips, but this will be my first trip to Quetico. I haven't planned anything beyond booking my permit and a room for the night before my entry date at Atikokan Hotel.

Can anyone offer advice on a nice three night route and/or campsite recommendations? I don't mind traveling each day, but I have no trouble spending two nights on a site and spending a day exploring a lake.

I own The Quetico Adventure Map; will this be enough to navigate a three night trip if I mark campsite locations ahead of time, or should I invest in a more detailed map(s)?

Also, I'm taking my Wenonah Adirondack 16 and plan to paddle it backwards (sitting in the bow facing the stern). I will probably need to add one or two 20L drybags filled with water in addition to my 40lb pack to help trim the canoe. This will be my first time using this canoe solo for an extended period of time--should be interesting. Doable?

Any advice appreciated.

Matt - Just a few comments:

The paddle from BH put-in to portage up the falls into Quetico is about 90 minutes to 2 hrs depending on your paddle speed. Assume you will have your permit already (from Atikokan ranger station) so you do not have to stop at the BH ranger station.

BH and Quetico are both very large water. Both have 5-6 miles of open water from all directions depending on where you are. Even a light wind can be a challenge. Canoe trim will be very important for best control as a solo. I also suggest you try to find a camp site that offers wind protection from West for sure and North also if possible. Select a bay or island camp site that offers sheltered water for you to fish on windy days. Westerly winds are most prevalent, but north wind when strong fronts push through. With only 3 days even one day lost is a lot.

Returning to BH take-out requires paddling NW from the bottom of the falls and possibly fighting westerly winds on large open water. Suggest an early morning exit before winds come up. Take note looking West going in and you will understand.

Beautiful place with great fishing. Have a great trip!

Old Hoosier

Thank you for the insight Old Hoosier. I will take your advice and look for sites with protection from the West and North if possible and make sure to get an early start on my entry and exit days.