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We have been going to Kawnipi via the Falls Chain, with border crossing via an RABC, for over 20 years. We contacted the CBSA offices this week and they informed us that they will not be issuing or renewing any RABC permits in 2025. (They did extend those RABC issued after Sept 2023 but ours were issued prior).
The only way to get into Quetico from the US is by first crossing into Canada via a land border crossing. However, this makes getting to Kawnipi a 2+ day paddle with lots of portages.
One option is to float plane into Clay lake on the eastern side of Q and paddle the Wawaig River into Kawa Bay. This looks like a one day paddle with a single portage.
I have reached out to a couple of float plane companies to see if they fly to Clay.
Does anyone have experience in paddling the Wawiag River to Kawnipi in the Fall and will it be passable given the typical water levels?
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I can't speak to the Wawiag, but entering at Stanton Bay and going through Sturgeon isn't that much farther than going through the Falls Chain. Yes, it would take two days, but there aren't that many portages going through Sturgeon. (The Route Finder by default goes through Alice and the Sauvage and Bonhomme portages because, technically, it is a little shorter timewise, but go through Sturgeon - it's easier.)
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Hey Ranger. I did part of this route in August 2019. I entered at Cache Bay, worked our way up to Mack Lake, and then entered Wawiag via Mack Creek. Unfortunately, that means I don't know anything about getting out of Clay and onto Wawiag itself, or the part of the Wawiag upstream from Mack Creek.
That said, the Wawiag at Mack Creek and below is super wide and deep, no issues at all with just one easy portage around some rapids. When I was on Mack Creek, the water was low, but we packed light and were able to push through the tall river grasses. If the Greenwood River is anything like Mack creek, it could be a 50/50 shot for you. If it is more like Wawiag itself, no problem.
The last thing to remember is that there is no camping allowed at the north end of Kawnipi where the Wawiag flows in (counter to the normal "camp wherever you responsibly can" approach in Quetico). You have to get to the middle "crossroads" part of the lake to find camping locations. So that is going to add even more length to your day from Clay, maybe about 20 miles total?
I realize this information is only marginally helpful since you are probably most curious about Greenwood. I don't know if I would risk it without more intel, particularly when Ben's suggested alternate route is available with more certainty. But then again, if you are into the adventure and unknown - this could be fun! :)
Let us know what you decide to do, and if you do the fly-in be sure to report back in for the benefit of us all!
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