|
|
We have done many Quetico trips over the years and love it. We are considering a 2026 Aug trip with our daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grandchildren (12, 8, 6). The kids have camped, some canoeing/fishing, and are good swimmers. We would love to take them to Quetico, but have always entered through Cache Bay and are concerned about the wind that can sometimes blow up as you travel from Hook and through Cache. Are there any suggestions for another way to do Quetico? We love the remoteness/lack of other people? Or would we be better to start them with a BWCA trip and have success there? If doing BWCA, any route suggestions where we are not moving daily, but have fewer fellow paddlers? Thank you in advance!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Thanks: 1 times
Was thanked: 55 time(s) in 47 post(s)
|
I don't know how the current suspension of the RABC program affects this, but enter from north possibly. Lots of wonderful sites on Beaverhouse and Quetico Lake, even sandy beaches. One portage into Quetico, though it is a big lake.
For BWCA, I've always thought Clearwater Lake - north of Bald Eagle - would be a good basecamp lake. Simpler, and haven't been there, the southern line of Lake Three would seem like a good candidate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks: 1 times
Was thanked: 2 time(s) in 2 post(s)
|
The reality of Quetico is that all of the main access lakes (Pickerel, Nym, Beaverhouse, La Croix, Basswood and Saganaga) can get whipped up in a wind. Whatever route you plan, especially with kids, you need to work in enough flexibility to travel when its calm and park if the winds aren't cooperating. But I took my own kids out on Pickerel when they were 3 and 5, and I've taken inexperienced Scout Troops out via Pickerel and Nym, and they all came back without mishap.
As for crowds...I guess that depends on what you consider crowded. I've seen the Nym Lake parking lot completely full. Last summer when I came off at Beaverhouse, the parking lot was full and overflowing nearly a kilometre up the road (the Beaverhouse access road is barely wide enough for one vehicle. A bunch of cars parked along the road makes for an interesting drive, especially when you meet someone coming in the opposite direction). On the same trip my partner and I essentially raced another group to get to the last decent campsite. I love Quetico Lake, it's one of my favourites in the Park. But I won't go back to Beaverhouse in August again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Thanks: 102 times
Was thanked: 175 time(s) in 151 post(s)
|
My parents took us to Pickerel every year when I was growing up. On our first trip, we were ages 16, 15, 14, and 9. We always went to a campsite near the Rawn Narrows. There were a couple of really windy, scary days, but we are still alive.  I took my son when he was six with a couple of other dads and their sons (around the same age) to Pickerel. The first day was windy, so we just stayed at The Pines. It is a great spot if you don't want to brave the bigger lake. No portages required. We even had good luck fishing at the point (from shore) and trolling in front of the beach (not along the beach itself, a little ways out). The day after was calm, so we continued on to the Rawn Narrows and then came back to The Pines for the last day of our trip. I think this would be a great trip for your family - you have the option to stay at a great beach if the wind isn't working in your favor. No pressure to handle anything that you are not prepared for.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks: 1 times
Was thanked: 2 time(s) in 2 post(s)
|
I agree, the Pines is a pretty neat spot...historically significant too, the park has a little pamphlet about how the Indigenous people used the site and what to look for when you visit. Plus you can hike out if things get really dicey. Ontario Parks has an excellent map of the trails here: https://www.ontarioparks...uetico/Hiking-Trails.pdf
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Users browsing this topic |
|
Guest
|
Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.
