Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Quetico Forum :: RABC - Canadian customs
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Kendis |
In late June or early July 2020 my wife and I want to enter Quetico. We will be starting in the BWCA at Fall Lake (EP24) and paddling north through Basswood Lake. We would like to enter Quetico without having to go to Prairie Portage or any other customs point first. Is this allowed under the terms of the RABC permit? |
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timatkn |
As far as I know, there is no way to enter during the season without entering at a check point station such as Prairie Portage. The only option, I swear I read this on this site, was where a party paid the outfitter to pick up their permit at Prairie Portage for them. I am not even sure that this is an option because the officials want to meet the whole group when they issue permits. Theoretically, you could could paddle or tow to Prairie, pick up your permit, then go back out and enter somewhere else, but the cost and time would be prohibitive - might as well just enter through Prairie. I am sure this isn’t following the rules as well so there is that. T |
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marsonite |
A few years ago, Latourelles supposedly had the ability to pick up a Quetico permit for you, but I don't even know if that is even in force any more and I don't think many people did it anyway because it was sort of expensive. |
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marsonite |
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Ausable |
Kendis: "... some older posts on this website and various other locations state that you must check in while other sites are either silent about it or say you do not have to check in." What Marsonite said. If other sites say you do not have to check in, they are presenting wrong information. The entry stations, such as that at Prairie Portage, are not customs stations. They are park ranger stations at which you pick up your camping permits. |
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billconner |
To enter Quetico, you must get a permit at one of the ranger stations. All you can get in advance is a reservation. The current park superintendent in particular wants all visitors to have face time with a ranger before entering. And besides those two separate government bureaucracies - customs and parks - fishing requires another branch of government. And since you seem to be entering and exiting through the BWCAW, you have US forest service (permits), US customs, and perhaps MN DNR if you fish in US. |
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GraniteCliffs |
I had done so in years past by having an outfitter pick up a form for me to mail in and on a couple of other trips when outfitters had the form in their offices to simply mail in, keeping a copy with me when in the Park. I think those days are gone. In fact, I was told I should not pull the permit at Prairie and then head back down Moose Lake to enter from somewhere further east---such as Fall Lake. Lots of ever evolving rules and interpretations. On the other hand it just seems easier to go to Prairie and start your trip there. Lots of great country and less hassle. |
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marsonite |
timatkn: "The only option, I swear I read this on this site, was where a party paid the outfitter to pick up their permit at Prairie Portage for them. I am not even sure that this is an option because the officials want to meet the whole group when they issue permits. " Tim, About 5 years ago, I talked with Latourell's and they told me they had permission to pick up Quetico permits and issue them to people. They were apologetic about how much they had to charge. I never did it and never heard of anyone actually doing it either. I suspect they they don’t do it at all now but who knows? |
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joewildlife |
I still think there is no way to enter Quetico without a trip to a ranger station. I do know at woodland caribou you can pick up your permit from the park office or a number of different outfitters. The biggest problem I have with the ranger stations...the SW part of the park is pretty dang remote to get to from Prairie Portage. Lac La Croix is a big lake with big water, and I'm not too interested in going in that way. Guess I will just go in from PP and make it a longer trip! Joe |
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mgraber |
Like Bill said, you are dealing with six government agencies going from the BWCA to Quetico if you fish, and all have requirements. You will have to check in with US Customs when exiting Quetico. Most find it easiest to do either the BW or Quetico, but not both on same trip. |
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nctry |
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