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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Wabakimi :: Outfitters out of Armstrong
 
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paddlefamily
04/25/2011 11:50AM
  
Thanks. I should have clarified that we will be self-outfitted but after looking over float plane services, etc, that I was wondering if you prefer one outfitter over another. I know there is only a few to choose from.


Already ordered map through uncle phil! :) What is "drop and pool paddling?) Think I have an idea, but want to clarify.


Thanks for your help jdrocks.

 
jdrocks
04/26/2011 06:59PM
  
here's the report from that 21 day trip.


http://littlenorthcanoetrip.blogspot.com/
 
paddlefamily
04/26/2011 08:54PM
  
quote jdrocks: "here's the report from that 21 day trip.

http://littlenorthcanoetrip.blogspot.com/"
So, you're CIIcanoe?


 
paddlefamily
04/18/2011 06:40PM
  
Do you have a favorite outfitter that you've used out of Armstrong, ONT?
 
jdrocks
04/24/2011 08:18AM
  
most paddlers going into Wabakimi are self outfitted, although Wildwaters (the B&B people) do outfit to a degree and Mattice Lake Outfitters does have some canoes, although their main use is for float plane service. the last really good outfitter in Armstrong was Jim Pearson, but he said he was quitting when i saw him in Armstrong in 2007, and has since sold all his boats and gear.


do not expect the same outfitter selection as you would find in Ely, it's not there, and has never been. there are not enough paddlers using the area to make it economically feasible, as there were more paddlers 30 years ago than now.


good maps for most of the area are now available through the Wabakimi Project and these maps accurately identify portages and campsites. this is drop and pool paddling on various river systems with big water lakes in the mix. wonderful canoe country, but not like the BW. did not see a single canoe on my last 21 day trip in that area.
 
jdrocks
04/25/2011 08:08PM
  
if self outfitted and you have the Wabakimi Project maps, then i would get all the rest of the services through Don Elliot at Mattice Lake Outfitters. float plane service if required, permits/fishing license, lodging, shuttle, etc.


they have two real nice cabins right at their base, and i have used those on both ends of trips. make a reservation.


you should have section maps in addition to Phil's. Mattice may have the maps on hand, or order them from a different source.


Don coordinates logistics and provides the planes for the Wabakimi Project. old school bush pilot, and a real character. if you have the opportunity to fly with him, jump in the right seat, put on the headset and enjoy a conversation on everything north country...one of those rare pleasures.


drop and pool refers to a river pattern that alternates swifts or class rated rapids (drop) with flat water sections (pool). Water level in the Wabakimi fluctuates constantly, and i have seen both extremely low water and extremely high water. you don't want either of those.
 
paddlefamily
04/25/2011 08:43PM
  
Thanks for the info. Mattice outfitters just emailed me back a few days ago.


How many times have you been to Wabakimi?




 
jdrocks
04/25/2011 09:10PM
  
been in there since before it was a park, starting about 30 years ago. fewer people in the park now than there used to be.


last trip was in 2009, missed 2010. i was on another venture in northern quebec and labrador.


there's a report from that 21 day 2009 trip on here somewhere.
 
paddlefamily
04/26/2011 07:48AM
  
quote jdrocks: "been in there since before it was a park, starting about 30 years ago. fewer people in the park now than there used to be.

last trip was in 2009, missed 2010. i was on another venture in northern quebec and labrador.

there's a report from that 21 day 2009 trip on here somewhere."
What is your interest for going to Wabakimi so much?

Going to look for your report. Thanks! Found this one on the web that was interesting.

CIIcanoe Canoes Wabakimi