Canoe Trip Planning for Summer 2010

This is a work in progress and will be frequently updated. If you come across this post and feel like I am missing or mis-representing something, please comment! I would be thankful for any piece of advice!

I am following up on James' and Jack's request for a trip north of the border and have done some research. Got a book, Kevin Callan's Quetico & Beyond and scoured the Internet. By far not as much literature and resources as for the BWCA.

There are several issues.

1. Expense. $20/adult/day and $8/youth/day. For five days with three adults and four youths that would be $140 for the Martis and Langes and $180 for us. (We could have one adult solo, or we need to invite a seasoned paddler, either adult or youth). Plus, there are other incidentals.
   
   
   
2. Remoteness. Direct entry points are in Ontario, or via the BWCA.
   
   1. 262 miles from St. Paul. (Map) The least remote access point is via the Prairie Portage station, from Fernberg Road, about 25 miles NE of Ely. It is almost necessary to take a water taxi at about $60/person round trip to avoid two extra days of canoing across large lakes (e.g. at Williams & Hall). Also, various fees for remote entry into Canada are required. (haven't quite figured out whether this is per person or per group).
      
   2. Similar is via Crane Lake, at 268 miles from the Cities. (Map). Tow via Anderson Outfitters  is about $370/person, which includes a night at the motel, kevlar canoes and the shuttle.
      
   3. 320 miles. Gunflint Trail End. (Map)   Far. $65/person RT for the shuttle by Seagull Outfitters of about 8 miles
      
   4. 391 miles 129 miles farther than Moose Lake. Nym Lake, near Atikokan, ON. (Map) There are more entry points in the vicinity, others further away. Advantage: No need for a shuttle. Disadvantage? Border crossing by car, greatest distance.