OK - let's get a little activity on this new forum (and help me out in the process.)

The last time I was in Quetico was 1997. As I recall, I made a reservation by mail by selecting 3 preferred dates and 3 preferred entry points and mailing it to the Ministry Of Natural Resources. This was sort of a lottery system. My permit (I got my first choice of Falls Chain on my desired date) came in the mail.

We stayed at Voyageur's bunk house on the Gunflint trail and used their tow service. They towed us first to the Customs office, then to Hook Island. We paddled from there into Cache Bay and processed in through the ranger station -- paid fees and bought fishing licenses (and T shirts that said we'd been there!) The tow was essential in those days, because Customs was East and Cache Bay was West - and it was a whale of a paddle if you didn't use the tow.

Since then I've stayed on the US side of the border, but that was a great trip - and I'd like to do something similar next summer. My question for the board - and hopefully for the good of the future readers - concerns the logistics of getting a permit and actually getting into Quetico now.

Let's build Quetico 101 - Quetico Logistics.

Thanks,
-- Goat

Now it is best to call for your permit at 1-888-668-7275. They are not online yet and no plans that I am aware of to go online. You call 5 months in advance to the day you want to enter to secure your permit. Example If you want to enter the park on June 15th you call on January 15th for your permit. The office opens at 6am Central, 7 am Est so it is best to dial early and keep trying if you get a busy signal. Have a couple of possible entries ready in case the one you want is gone when you call. You must get up early and call if you plan on going during the busy months.

I'll add more info in another post on RABC and customs.

The last time we were in Quetico was in 1990. I remember it was easy to get permits, get into Canada and it was relatively inexpensive. Are there restrictions on what food can be brought in ie;beef?
Thanks,
canoe42

As for the 'beef' question, don't open a can of worms unless youre gonna use em. Yes, bring steaks, etc for your party, but don't say anything about your menu plans, unless you're inviting the rangers to join you. They have never asked us about menu or food.

And bogwalker is right on about his advice. Get your ducks lined up and call early.

It's a lot more expensive these days. You would think there was a Hilton on all the major lakes.

I think the only restriction on food is for fresh fruit. Beef can be brought north, but as of yet we cannot carry it across the border south, due to R Calf. Enjoy your trip to the Great White North.

Remember on your RABC's that they are good for 2 years but only from your birthday to birthday. Meaning that if your B Day is on March 20 and you apply for it on Match 21 it is good for 2 years. However if you got it on March 19 it is only good for 1 year.
qp

No fresh potatoes are allowed across the border.

And if you want to fish with leeches, you must buy them from a Canadian company.