After entering Quetico for years using the RABC permits through Cache and Prairie Portage, we are entering at French Lake in a week or so. We will paddle down to Sturgeon and thereabouts, maybe even head down to Poohbah if we want to stretch our legs. Probably will have to stay off the Malign River if the water levels are what I think they are. Instead using Allan Creek, through Allan Lake and Berniece Lake. I think we will spend some time on Russell and Chatterton as well. 13 days on the water.

I'm excited about experiencing the northern part or Quetico!
I wonder how many additional US paddlers are doing the same thing. It's a bit easier to cross the border now that a negative covid test isn't needed within 72 hours of the crossing.

Joe

I’m doing a Northern entry. I’ve wanted to do the Quetico for a while now. I would have done a southern entry the first few times and then gone Northern eventually. With the RABC unknown I just decided early on to plan for the most likely to happen this year which is a Northern entry and crossing over at a border checkpoint.

To be honest though after really studying the Quetico the North has a lot to offer. I’m planning on bringing the wife and daughter next year and I just think the Northern routes are a bit easier and a little less gnarly. Give them that step up from the BWCA and work them into the change a little easier.

Ryan

Considering I got skunked the past two years by the border closure, I’m trying to make up for it with three trips scheduled this year. Two from the north side, and if RABC is revived, maybe one from the south. TBD
Have a safe trip guys.

AdamX

Adam, I wonder what the status of the Grail is?

I'll report back later...but I'm looking forward to the trip to the north side of Quetico. I've been to Woodland Caribou and Wabakimi and love the remoteness and lack of people in those parks. But with it comes a lot more travel and expense, and logistic challenges. The downside at both is you can be in the middle of the par and see a powerboat, a cabin, or have a float plane land on "your lake". Northern Quetico "might" be the best of all worlds for a Provincial Park, we'll see!

Joe

joewildlife: "Adam, I wonder what the status of the Grail is?


I'll report back later...but I'm looking forward to the trip to the north side of Quetico. I've been to Woodland Caribou and Wabakimi and love the remoteness and lack of people in those parks. But with it comes a lot more travel and expense, and logistic challenges. The downside at both is you can be in the middle of the par and see a powerboat, a cabin, or have a float plane land on "your lake". Northern Quetico "might" be the best of all worlds for a Provincial Park, we'll see!


Joe
"

That’s a good question, Joe. Think I’ll start a new thread with that topic. Let me know how your experience is on the north side. I’ve got over 20 trips in the northern half of the park under my belt, but still doing another one a week or so after you get out. Would welcome your thoughts.

AdamX

Edit: see the Ted Lake thread for the Grail info

Border crossing was easy; asked for passports, did we complete the arrive Can app, firearms, alcohol and eggs?
They were, however, making life hard for a group towing a motorboat. Those guys had been in and out of their vehicle (while waiting in line) enough that I found the extra scrutiny they received from Canada Customs unsurprising.
Off we went; entered Stanton Bay.

Back from 13 days on trail. Went in on French lake to Pickerel, down to Sturgeon, over the staircase portage to Russell for a few days. Up to Olifaunt, to Dore', and back to Pickerel.

Fishing below the flowages was the way to go!
We ate fish every night we were NOT on Pickerel. Couldn't catch a fish on that lake. Reminds me of Agnes. Clear water, big lake, and just didn't score.

Portages were all in great shape. Campsites were in great shape, most haven't been used in a couple years. Lots of firewood everywhere. Water was high, of course.

Joe

Joe,
Glad you had a great trip. What did you think of the Staircase Portage? That thing put a few beads of sweat on my brow a few years back!

After being spoiled by going so far with only 2 easy portages, the Staircase Portage was a wake up call!! I breathed hard in that one!

That portage into Russell is one of the harder ones in Quetico for sure. I did that one a few weeks back.

Of all the campsites I was on, all but one had not been used for a long time.
I can’t wait to go back. Probably this year.
Tom

Hey Joe. Just got back from 9 days in Quetico. Nym to Russell loop. When we came upon the Russell Rapids on our approach from the north, we were able to reach the bushwhacked trail just to the right of the little island. Took that for maybe 50+meters, then put in in calmer waters where we paddled to the 80 meter portage shown on Chrismer map (not indicated on Fisher map). Paddled close to right shoreline entire time. Would not recommend for first-timers, but water level had dropped enough for this to be a viable option. Rode the lower half of the rapids on the way back - exciting ride!

BTW: We had Russell all to ourselves for 3.5 days. Never had that happen before. Four star campsite across from falls is drying out. Tent pads are ok; fireplace area still mushy, but no longer under water, on 6/17.

AdamX

And the second entry...
for a fall trip I went in through Beaverhouse, to Quetico lake EP. my sherpa wasn't much up to the task so we took it easy, going down to Jean for a few days, and then over to Jesse for a few more. It was a great 10 day trip. Never donned a rainsuit, had fish every night. Son caught his first grand slam.

Joe

Is it a canoe trip if it doesn’t rain? ??
Sounds like a great trip! This was the year I was really glad I had a well set up and awesome rainfly


Ryan

LOL, didn't say it didn't rain. Because I have an awesome CCS tarp, no need to don a rainsuit. It actually didn't rain during the day when we were out and about!

The lakes in Northern Quetico are big! Pike are big too.

Joe