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MEPPS
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My wife is joining me for the first time for a trip to the Q and would like to show her as much of the beauty of the north country as possible (we live in Ga). On previous trips I have always driven to International Falls/Ft Francis for entry. The drive from Duluth to Grand Marais is very scenic. I am thinking of driving up through Grand Marais to Thunder Bay and then to Atikokan. Is the scenery worth the extra two or so hours to drive up to Thunder Bay and then over to Atikokan? Time is not an issue.
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Banksiana
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Totally and completely worth it.
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old_salt
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Banksiana: "Totally and completely worth it."
Absolutely worth it. Catch the Fish & Chips at Angry Trout in Grand Marais. Seats with view of Big Lake harbor.
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Castaway
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Since you're taking the longer scenic route, IMHO it is worth a stop to see Kakabeka Falls, just west of Thunder Bay.
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AdamXChicago
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+1 on Kekabeka Falls
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dentondoc
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Castaway: "Since you're taking the longer scenic route, IMHO it is worth a stop to see Kakabeka Falls, just west of Thunder Bay. "
Since you are doing Quetico, I suggest that you consider doing the falls on your exit. If done the same day as your exit, your Quetico permit will cover your entrance fee for the falls (unless that has changed recently).
dd
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old_salt
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Going the north route through Canada is beautiful. Be sure to gas up before you cross the border, whereever you cross. Any gas in the USA is cheaper than any gas in Canada. Kakebeka Falls and Fort William in Thunder Bay are both well worth the time. Have fun!
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MEPPS
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Thanks to all. Much appreciate the comments. will definitely stop at the Falls.
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Thwarted
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One more thought. Be aware, if you stay in Thunder Bay, that there is a one hour time difference between TB and the Q. We usually stay at the Holiday Inn Express and get to the French Lake EP for permits at 8:00 but don't leave TB until 7:30. Works great since we get into TB pretty late the evening before.
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hexnymph
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You know, the drive from the Soo to Thunder Bay is also very beautiful. I can almost guarantee you will see bear. That rout would have you avoid both the Chicago nightmare and "Minnesota Nice" trash :-b
Just be shore to gift the bridge workers on the Mackinac and make sure you fill up when you see a gas station in CA. They can be spread thin.
Hex
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MN_Lindsey
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AdamXChicago: "+1 on Kekabeka Falls
"
+2
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AtwaterGA
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If your schedule permits, check out Fort William Historical Park near Thunder Bay. If you are entering at French Lake you could save miles by not going all the way to Atikokan. You could then visit Atikokan after your canoe trip.
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carmike
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Like others have said, take the scenic route. You might actually be *saving* time, too, depending on when you enter/exit. The border at IF can be a nightmare on Fridays and Sunday as all the U.S. fishermen head back and forth to their Canadian honey holes.
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Sloanstavern
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Well worth it, when I took my son up for the first time we went in through IF to see some of our families old stomping grounds, then came home down the North shore, spending the night at the Lutsen lodge.
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billconner
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When my wife came with we entered CA at IF and returned through Pigeon River. I sometimes do shore line from Ely for trip home. Worth the extra hour.
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OldFingers57
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Yes it is worth the extra two hours. Lots of waterfalls to stop at between Duluth and Grand Marais. Plus the scenic views.
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Eyedocron
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Well worth the extra couple of hours, and Kakabeka Falls is right on the highway. As mentioned, your Quetico permit on your exit day covers the Falls fee. 
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Thwarted
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Absolutely worth it, even when not with spouse.
Just be aware that the stretch from TB to Atikoken
can be hazardous at dusk and beyond. Moose are
big. Nice to know about the falls and Q permit. May
visit that this year.
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