We love to help our guests reserve their Quetico Park permits for their annual wilderness canoe trip. Our jobs just got easier because the Quetico Provincial Park finally accepts reservations online. Most of the details are the same including the overnight camping fees for children and adults at $8.50 & $21.50 respectively. There's still a reservation deposit of $100 required that gets applied to your overnight camping fees upon your arrival at the Ranger Station. Reservation and cancellation fees depend upon whether you make your reservation online or call it in. You can find those rates on their website.
We'll gladly still reserve your Quetico permit for your canoe trip but if you want to reserve your own online then visit their website and follow the directions below.
Pick your reservation type- Quetico is a backcountry reservation
Choose your arrival date(can only reserve 5 months in advance of the start date of your trip)
Pick your park- Quetico Park
Pick your party size- 9 or less* Next you start an entry search by choosing one of the options to the right. Find on Map, In a List or On a Calendar.
Pick your Residency- Non-Resident or Canadian
Pick your entry Point- Cache Bay is our closest
You'll then be prompted to reserve or start a new search. As with any website it's easier to create a profile before you begin the reservation process so you don't lose any of your reservation information. You'll need to submit payment in the form of a credit card so have one nearby.
If you'd rather make your reservation by telephone then check out the information below. For questions regarding reservation policies you can find those ONLINE.
From the Quetico Park website...
To make a reservation, cancellation or change by phone, please call: 1-888-ONT-PARK 1-888-668-7275
Simply call our toll free hotline (14 hours a day, 7a.m. to 9p.m. EST, seven days a week, 363 days a year).
Before you call remember:
When making a telephone reservation, you will be asked for the following information:
park name
arrival/departure date
type of site required (hydro, tent or trailer, lakefront etc.)
your name, address, postal code, telephone number and email address
number in your party
method of payment (e.g. credit card number and expiry date)
Yesterday we received a letter from the USFS outlining changes made to Boundary Waters entry point quotas and campsites. According to the Forest Service 114 campsites were affected by the fire. Not all of those received equal fire damage and out of those only 75 campsites will be closed at the beginning of the 2012 season.
The Forest service will open the BWCAW campsites when the sites are safe and rehabilitated. Some campsites just need some snags removed while others need attention to prevent erosion. The USFS said, "Forest Service crews will be opening most campsites early in the 2012 season."
The were 23 lakes with campsites that were affected and of course none of these were near the Gunflint Trail. The lakes included are, One, Two, Three, Four, Hudson, Insula, Horseshoe, Brewis, North Wilder, South Wilder, Harbor, Clearwater, Gull, Pietro, Hudson Pond, Baskatong, Bog, Isabella Lake, Isabella River, Kawashong, Quadga and Rice. The reductions range from 1 campsite removed up to 13 on Insula.
In order to prevent crowding in this area of the Boundary Waters the USFS has reduced quotas for entry point lakes. According to their document there will be no quota for Little Isabella River, Bog Lake or Island River and the Pow Wow Hiking Trail is closed until further notice. Isabella Lake will have 1 permit a day as will Snake River. All of these areas have restrictions regarding day use and directions which one may go so be sure to check with an outfitter or the USFS before traveling. Lake One lost 4 permits a day but gained 2 permits called Lake One Restricted.
The Lake One Restricted will be in place until the other four permits are added to the regular Lake One quota. Folks entering the BWCA with the restricted permit will not be allowed to camp on Lake One, Two, Three, Four or Hudson at any time. This isn't a problem for people who want to travel on the fist and last day of their canoe trip.
On the Gunflint Trail we're thankful to have all of our entry point permit quotas in place and campsites ready for use. We can start reserving BWCA permits on January 25th so give us a call 1-888-CANOEIT or send us an email to get yours reserved.
Have you ever spent 77 consecutive days in a canoe? A few friends and I spent our summer between the mesh seat and the portage pads of a couple of Wenonah Champlains. Wenonah makes awesome canoes and the Champlain was nothing but impressive. It's the perfect canoe for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the perfect canoe for any trip! It is obvious that Wenonah got it right when they designed this boat. It has plenty of room for packs, gear, fishing tackle, and even a duffer (or two). The canoe tracked like a dream across the big water of Lake of the Woods and Lake Winnipeg. In the white water on the Hayes and God's Rivers in Northern Manitoba it did exceptionally well! Even though the canoe measures at about 18 feet, it paddles like a 16 footer in the rapids. Easy to maneuver around obstacles and keep pointed down river. Voyageur Canoe Outfitters outfits their BWCA canoe camping trips with Minnesota Made Wenonah canoes. You can test out the Champlain on your next Boundary Waters or Quetico Park adventure with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.
Name: Andrew Spaeth City: Truckee State: California Voyage: Boundary Waters Canoe Trip
A forecast for sunshine and 50's for Thanksgiving Day on the Gunflint Trail. With the snow melting and warm temperatures it feels more like Easter than Thanksgiving. The temperatures will cool off soon so we'll just enjoy the nice weather while it's here.
Thanksgiving is a reminder for us to be thankful for everything we have. We at Voyageur are very thankful for all of our past guests and readers of our blogs. We thoroughly enjoy outfitting canoe groups into the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park. We love to introduce people to the wilderness waters and share our love of the Gunflint Trail. We are thankful for your support that allows us to live year round in this magical place next to the BWCA.
We hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thanks to you, we'll be enjoying ours at the end of the Gunflint Trail.
You can help slow the spread of invasive species in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and surrounding areas. There are a number of things you can do and you can encourage others to do the same as well. Spotted Knapweed is one of the invasive species the Cook County Invasive Committee hopes to control with their newly installed boot brushes.
Check out the Boundary Waters Blog for more information about the boot brush stations in Cook County.
Nothing gives us greater satisfaction than reading about our guests positive experinces in the wilderness canoe country. We take great pride in offering the best service and quality there is in canoe trip outfitting in the Boundary Waters canoe Area Wilderness. At Voyageur Canoe Outfitters we know your time is important and that's why we want to make the best of it when you're depending upon us for a wonderful BWCA canoe camping trip. Want to share your experience? Then please do so on this blog or on Trip Advisor. We'd be very appreciative and would love hearing all about your trip.
The last thing any canoe country enthusiast wants is more people in the wilderness. HR 1505 could put not only more people into the widlerness but possibly towers, buildings, roads and basically whatever else they wanted there. Would it ruin the character of the BWCA? Let's just say HR 1505 doesn't make any sense in the border country where we reside. This is a time for people to get involved and contact their representatives in congress. The reasons for HR 1505 may make sense for the border country down south but it certainly doesn't make sense for the wilderness areas along the border of Canada.
I've posted an excerpt from this full article for you to ponder.
The stated reasons for HR 1505 are:
1. Reason given: To stop the turf war between federal agencies. The Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) don’t like DHS on their land. Hmmm. Maybe they have good reasons to keep DHS off their land.
Solution A: Let the county sheriff decide who comes into his county, as according to the US Constitution. This is Rehberg’s proposed amendment.
Solution B: Return all federally confiscated land back to the states. This should be done anyway.
The irony is DHS-CBP never asked for power to overrule land managers or ignore environmental laws. Last spring the Government Accountability Office found,
“Most agents reported that land management laws have had no effect on Border Patrol’s overall measure of border security.”
2. Reason given: Drug growers are hiding in our forests.
Solution A: Declare state sovereignty over federal drug laws. We don’t need feds coming into Montana enforcing federal laws that conflict with Montana laws.
Solution B: Stop America’s War on Drugs.
America’s War on Drugs is a scam. It keeps the price of drugs high by limiting supply, so drug cartels and our CIA can make money selling drugs. It hires police to catch pot growers and smokers who overflow our prisons. But wealthy drug dealers who pay off the police have a free run. The solution is not to give DHS control over our land. The solution is to stop the War on Drugs.
Solution C: Rather than a War on Drugs, how about a massive information campaign in media and schools telling people how bad drugs are? Think we can’t do it? Why did we make Joe Camel illegal? Because Joe Camel proved good advertising will influence people’s behavior. Look at what the government has done to influence people to “believe” in global warming. With massive spending, media hype, and school indoctination they have accomplished a virtual miracle in causing people to believe in global warming when no evidence exists. This proves it would be easy to get most of our population to give up drugs, and this would be far cheaper and more effective than the War on Drugs.
Solution D: Let DHS prove themselves on our southern border first.
Virtually all drugs used in America come across our southern border and DHS has not been able to stop it. So why should we allow DHS to control non-existent drug traffic over our northern border when they can’t stop the problem where it exists?
The National Drug Intelligence Center, a branch of the U.S. Department of Justice, recently released a document entitled the “National Drug Threat Assessment 2011”. The Assessment’s Executive Summary states
The illicit trafficking and abuse of drugs present a challenging, dynamic threat to the United States. Overall demand is rising, largely supplied by illicit drugs smuggled to U.S. markets by major transnational criminal organizations (TCOs).
Major Mexican-based TCOs continue to solidify their dominance over the wholesale illicit drug trade as they control the movement of most of the foreign-produced drug supply across the U.S. Southwest Border. The estimated economic cost of illicit drug use to society for 2007 was more than $193 billion.”
One of the contributing factors is the high demand for drugs in the United States. This high demand finances the drug cartels, allowing them to spend more and expand their operations.
The Southwest Border remains the primary gateway for moving illicit drugs into the United States. Most illicit drugs available in the United States are smuggled overland across the Southwest Border…”
Despite enhanced detection efforts and better countermeasures, Mexican drug traffickers will continue to build tunnels under the Southwest Border.
That DHS would be involved in controlling drug operations begs the question of what is the role of DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)? Is DHS is taking over all police powers of the federal government?
3. Reason given: To catch criminals who are hiding in our forests.
Solution A: This is a county sheriff problem. The idea that we need HR 1505 to find Dave Burgert who is hiding somewhere in the mountains is ridiculous. He did not commit a federal crime. Besides, he may be found innocent if he could get a fair trial but he cannot get a fair trial. Finding Burgert has nothing to do with controlling our borders. The Burgert problem may have more to do with corruption in our law enforcement and legal systems that should be investigated by our FBI.
More importantly, using the Burgert example shows the real intent of HR 1505 is to control American citizens.
4. Reason given: To stop illegal aliens from coming into America.
Solution A: Stop all the benefits the illegal’s receive free from the American taxpayer.
Solution B: Elect a president who will get serious about stopping illegal immigration.
The fact is, the U.S. government is not doing its job to secure the border and stop the flood of illegal aliens from rushing across it. Even though Congress passed legislation demanding that a fence be built, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has dragged its feet, deliberately holding up the project.
Moreover, DHS is fighting efforts in local communities to allow police to arrest illegal’s. There is little effort to tighten visa security, or allow law enforcement to track down and deport those who stay here past their allotted time. Those illegal’s caught committing crimes are still allowed to leave, only to easily and surreptitiously return at their will. The border is a sieve. There is no border control – period.
DHS imprisons border guards who actually do their jobs, like stopping an illegal from crossing our border. Our Justice Department sues Arizona for attempting to do the border control job DHS is supposed to do. Does this sound like they are serious about stopping illegal immigration?
Obama recently announced he would allow illegal immigrants to remain in the US so long as they are not caught committing a crime. As a result, our Border Patrol has halted its long-standing routine searching of buses, trains and airports for illegal immigrants at transportation hubs. This routine has long been considered an effective tool for finding illegal immigrants. Now, these border patrol agents spend their days doing crossword puzzles.
Do you see a pattern here? All the claimed reasons for HR 1505 are the result of federal laws or lack of enforcement of our Constitution. Now the feds want another law to supposedly cure the problems they created.
Our canoe camping guests at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters are loving the fall colors and solitude of the BWCA. "This is my favorite time of the year to paddle!" exclaims one of our campers. Of course, there's plenty of reasons to love a fall canoe trip into the BWCAW and one of them is because it's even more of a wilderness with far fewer people out enjoying it.
I love being the only person on a lake and not seeing anyone else for days. It's the time of the year when I go out to do a solo trip because I really enjoy the solitude. I like to swing in my hammock and sit by the lake without any bugs buzzing around. It's a great time to gaze at stars and sleep beneath them. Some people get lonely or don't like being in the woods alone but I crave it. And as I write about it I get even more anxious to get out canoe camping in the Boundary Waters.
I suggest you come up and enjoy a fall canoe trip with Voyageur. It doesn't have to be solo and I guess you could come and enjoy the BWCA on day trips and stay in a cabin. Whatever you do, just don't miss this awesome time of the year in the Boundary Waters or Gunflint Trail.
Thanks to the total fire ban being implemented we'll now know any smoke we see or smell is from the Pagami Creek Fire. Unless it gets down to 22 degrees again then it may be from someone's chimney. Otherwise open fires of any kind are no longer allowed in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and much of northeastern Minnesota.
NOTICE TO CAMPERS, HUNTERS, AND OTHER FOREST VISITORS:
Campfires and Open Fires Prohibited on the Superior National Forest
Despite cold temperatures and frost, fire danger remains high to very high in the state. To reduce the potential for new fire starts, the USDA Forest Service and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources have restricted the use of campfires and open fires in specified areas.
On the Superior National Forest, as of Friday, September 16, 2011, it is prohibited to build, maintain, or use a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills anywhere on national forest lands within the boundaries of the Superior National Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Use of pressurized liquid gas stoves is allowed.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued restrictions on the use of campfires and open fires on private or state-owned lands within the Superior National Forest administrative boundaries, no open burning is allowed including burn barrels, campfires and recreational fires, except that charcoal fires are allowed in a grill or other receptacle designed for such use and associated with a residence, and pressurized gas stoves may be used but must be attended at all times. In addition, no burning permits will be issued, and no use of fireworks is allowed. Minnesota Parks and Trails facilities that are included in these restrictions are Judge Magney, Cascade River and Temperance River State Parks, Hinsdale Island on Lake Vermilion, Sullivan Lake Campground north of Two Harbors, and any other forest campgrounds, waysides and day use areas within the Superior National Forest boundary.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Forest Service have issued restrictions on campfires in several counties in Northeastern Minnesota. Counties with campfire and open fire restrictions are Cook, Lake, Koochiching, Itasca and northern St. Louis.
On federally owned land in the Superior National Forest (parts of Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties) all open fires and campfires are prohibited except for pressurized liquid gas stoves. – Forest Service restrictions.
On private or state-owned lands within the Superior National Forest administrative boundaries, no open burning is allowed including burn barrels, campfires and recreational fires, except that charcoal fires are allowed in a grill or other receptacle designed for such use and associated with a residence, and pressurized gas stoves may be used but must be attended at all times. In addition, no burning permits will be issued, and no use of fireworks is allowed. Minnesota Parks and Trails facilities that are included in these restrictions are Judge Magney, Cascade River and Temperance River State Parks, Hinsdale Island on Lake Vermilion, Sullivan Lake Campground north of Two Harbors, and any other forest campgrounds, waysides and day use areas within the Superior National Forest boundary.
For the areas of Cook, Lake and northern St. Louis counties, not within the Superior National Forest, and for Koochiching and Itasca counties, campfires or recreational fires are allowed only in a designated fire receptacle designed for such use and associated with a residence, dwelling, campground, or resort. In addition, no burning permits will be issued to the general public and no use of fireworks is allowed outside of municipalities. Special permits and prescribed burning may be allowed. The portion of St. Louis County covered by these restrictions is north of a line from Silica to Central Lakes to Brimson (with the exact line being the township line between T55N and T56N such that it includes all of T56N).
There are discussions and debates taking place all over the Midwest about how the USFS has handled the Pagami Creek Fire. The policy of the USFS is to let a fire burn if it was started by a natural cause and if it is not threatening private property or life. But should that policy be null and void when the USFS is allowed to purposefully ignite the forest surrounding the natural lightning caused 200 acre fire with the intention of burning more acres?
The 200 acre Pagami Creek Fire could have been left to burn as the USFS policy states however the USFS made a decision to intervene. They didn't put the fire out but they did start a bigger fire in order to create a fire break around popular BWCA lakes Lake One and Lake Two. Also in their plan was to prevent the fire from reaching the populated Fernberg Road. This disruption of a natural forest fire caused the fire to grow from 200 acres to over 2000 acres.
Was the fire forecast predicting strong winds from the south that would put private properties on the Fernberg Road in danger? Was it necessary to light the small Pagami Creek Fire in order to save a couple of popular canoe routes in the Boundary Waters? Someone in the USFS thought so and signed their name to a burn plan that resulted in one of the biggest forest fires of this century in Minnesota.
If a canoe outfitter can see a forecast calling for 90 degree temperatures and strong winds from the North then surely an experienced fire expert has access to the same if not better information. It was unseasonably hot weather that helped spread the Pagami Creek Fire but that weather was in the forecast. There wasn't rain in any of the forecasts I saw and I questioned the act of a prescribed burn under such conditions.
There is no doubt prescribed burns are useful and helpful in preventing the spread of wildfire. The Gunflint Ranger District has completed many of them since the 1999 Blowdown and these have been successful at protecting private properties. These have all been done after weeks of careful planning and monitoring of the weather. None of these prescribed burns have ever gotten out of control.
If the Pagami Creek Fire is defended by the USFS on the basis of a hands-off, let it burn policy then they should not have ignited the surrounding forest when there were no properties or life in danger. The additional acreage they lit on fire could very well have been what caused the Pagami Creek Fire to explode. Had there only been the 200 acres around the lightning strike to worry about when conditions rapidly deteriorated then would the fire have grown to over 100,000 acres in size?
There is no question forest fires are part of the history of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Fires have been suppressed in the BWCA in the past while fires are proven to be wonderful for the forest ecology and are a part of nature. This all makes sense to me but what doesn't make sense is saying, "We're going to let nature take it's course because it was a lightning strike and we're going to add a couple of thousand acres by starting more fires oursevles. Doesn't the saying "You can't have your cake and eat it to." apply to the USFS?
I don't know whether or not the USFS should let things burn but I do believe they should make a decision and take responsibility for their actions no matter how the situation turns out.
The Pagami Creek Fire made a bold move on Monday, September 12th and grew from 11,000 acres to over 60,000 in just one day. Due to the rapid advance of the fire and lack of moisture in the forecast the USFS has decided to close multiple entry points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. While the fire is not in the Gunflint Ranger District there will still be closures for public safety. Unofficial word is entry points on the west side of the Gunflint Trail such as Poplar and Round will be closed while entry points on the east side of the BWCA remain open. Saganaga and Seagull Lake only will be open for camping and travel but guests will be required to stay on those main lakes only. While to me it is unfathomable the Pagami Creek Fire will reach the Gunflint Trail the USFS doesn't want to worry about possible evacuations. Keeping wilderness travelers off of the interior lakes of the BWCA will help firefighters concentrate on their firefighting efforts. Aircraft will need access to lakes for filling up their water supplies and do not want to worry about canoes in their way. When we receive official closures from the USFS we will post them. In the meantime please keep the safety of the firefighters and residents of the north country in your thoughts and prayers.
The Pagami Creek Fire is prompting entry point and campsite closures in the Boundary Waters near Ely, Minnesota. Fire activity increased over the weekend due to temperatures in the 80's, low humidity and wind. The forest is dry and the USFS has issued fire restrictions beginning tomorrow. Fires will be allowed from 6pm to midnight in the BWCA.
Fire Activity Increases on Pagami Creek Fire Prompting Temporary Closures
Incident: Pagami Creek Fire Wildfire Released: 1 day ago
Contact: Fire Information 218-365-3177
Fire Activity Increases on Pagami Creek Fire Prompting Temporary Closures
Ely, MN... Unseasonably dry, warm conditions and low relative humidities yesterday allowed the Pagami Creek Fire to burn actively south of the Lakes One and Two area. The burn out operation conducted last weekend was successful in reducing the threat of the fire escaping the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and threatening the Fernberg corridor to the north.
To provide for public safety the Superior National Forest is temporarily closing the following:
- As a precautionary measure the campsites on Lakes Two and Three will be closed. Visitors currently in that area will be contacted by public safety crews. Alternatives include returning to Lake One for those leaving the area before Monday. Visitors who will be in the Wilderness beyond Monday are asked to head east into Lake Four or beyond. People intending to visit Lake One are encouraged to find other plans or paddle on the Kawishiwi River.
- All campsites on Clearwater Lake
- The portage between Lake Two and Clearwater Lake
- The portage between Turtle Lake and Clearwater Lake
- The portage between Camdre Lake and Clearwater Lake
- The Powwow Trail
Public Safety crews will be contacting BWCAW visitors in affected areas to alert them of any safety concerns.
As the Pagami Creek Fire moves south it is continuing to provide resource management benefits such as preparing seed beds for pine regeneration and decreasing fuels for future wildfires. As the fire burns to the south it is reaching older burned areas. These earlier burns may function like fuel breaks and decrease the likelihood of the fire moving further south.
Paddlers are asked to avoid the fire area.
People throughout northeastern Minnesota have been experiencing smoke from the Pagami Creek Fire. The increase in fire activity means an increase in smoke as well. The location of the smoke will be dependent on wind direction. Anyone with a history of cardiac or respiratory disease should be aware that visitors to the Lakes One, Two and Three area are likely to experience heavy smoke at times.
Persistent warm, dry conditions have raised the fire danger throughout the area. Visitors are reminded to be careful with all fire use and ensure that their campfires doused thoroughly until cool to the touch.
The USFS is taking advantage of the Pagami Creek Fire to complete a controlled burn in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The fire has consumed 130 acres 15 miles east of Ely and just west of Lake One and Lake Two. A controlled burn will help protect the popular canoe route and homes outside of the BWCA from future wildfires. If weather conditions cooperate today then they will start the burnout with their crew of over 100 firefighters from combined agencies.
Firefighters plan controlled burn today in BWCAW
Labor Day weekend vacationers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness might have to adjust their plans today as firefighters seek to contain a wildfire in a popular area.
By: News Tribune staff, Duluth News Tribune
Labor Day weekend vacationers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness might have to adjust their plans today as firefighters seek to contain a wildfire in a popular area.
In a news release, the U.S. Forest Service said a controlled burn is planned today to reduce fuel for the Pagami Creek Fire, which was first detected on Aug. 18 and has consumed 130 acres of woodland.
The controlled burn, or “burnout,” will take place between the fire and Lakes One and Two. The two portages between those lakes will be closed for a period of time during the burnout. Visitors with travel plans including those lakes are most likely to avoid delays if they cross the portages before 2 p.m. today, the news release said.
Visitors also should be aware that they probably will see and smell smoke today. People with a history of cardiac or respiratory illnesses should be aware that the smoke may be heavy at times and may be present for several days in the fire area. Visitors also should expect to hear pumps running as part of sprinkler systems used to dampen fuels along the portages. Aircraft will be heard and seen in the fire area.
The portages will be reopened as quickly as possible, the news release said. Public safety crews will be on hand to escort paddlers.
It also was noted that the operation is weather-dependent and could change on short notice.
The fire, which was caused by lightning, is being managed by more than 100 wildland firefighters from several agencies. Lightning-caused fires in the wilderness area are mostly allowed to run their course. But firefighters hope to use the controlled burn to reduce fuels that might allow the fire to threaten private properties along the Fernberg corridor or affect the Lake One and Lake Two area.
A drying pattern is expected soon, the news release said. Despite recent showers and cooler conditions, the fire danger in the Boundary Waters region remains high.
After our family trip to the Minnesota North Shore and a day trip to the Boundary Waters last summer, I was excited to see a Living Social deal at the end of the summer for an everything included Three Day Boundary Waters Canoe Trip, good for one year.
So after consulting with a friend, we decided it would be a great weekend getaway for the husbands and two deals were purchased. What is nice about going through an outfitters, is that they give you everything that you need for your trip, including canoe, tent, sleeping bags, cooking stuff, and even all the meals. You just bring your personal items and fishing poles!
Last Thursday, my friend and I made the 7-hour trip north to the Boundary Waters. The first night is spent in a bunk house at the Outfitters, where they give you instruction on the equipment and how to survive in the Boundary Waters without getting eaten by a bear or losing all your equipment in the middle of a lake.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, they headed out for the wilderness. We spent the next 2-1/2 days canoeing, fishing,
cooking over an open fire, playing Camp Cards and reading by flashlight.
We had a little bit of stormy weather, which was not fun. Although we protected all of the food supplies by hanging it in a tree (like we were taught at the Outfitters), there was no sign of a single bear. Or coyote. Or eagle. Or even squirrel. Apparently all the wildlife in the Boundary Waters takes their vacation in August. Including the fish. My friend caught 4 fish the whole time. Me, I caught none. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
We did see some incredible sunsets though.
It was a great weekend of male bonding. We learned a lot and would definitely do it again.
The people at Voyageur couldn't have been better and we would definitely go back to them again.
We know kids these days don't spend enough time in the great outdoors. Soon they will get even less when school starts back up. Why not give them some time to play and take advantage of all of the benefits of outside play by bringing them to the BWCA?
The Boundary Waters provides a great place for kids to use their imagination. Yesterday my son and his friends were pretending they were Rescue Swimmers as they jumped off of rocks and swam to a small island in the BWCA. Pine cones have a number of uses for a child with an imagination as do sticks and other items found in the woods. Creativity explodes while kids are in the BWCA.
Kids learn self-discipline and enhance their problem-solving skills by spending time outside. There are so many things to learn and opportunities to grow while canoe camping in the wilderness. It's a great place to bond as a family before the busy school year starts back up. Give your children and yourself a lasting gift this year and come on up to the Boundary Waters today.
Thirty miles paddled on the 6th of August placing the Hudson Bay Expedition Crew just a days paddle away from their destination at York Factory near Hudson Bay.
My ears are tuned to the sounds of the river: the dull roar of white water cascading over rocks. Our three canoes huddle together in an eddy, out of the main stream. It's raining lightly. Mark stands in the stern of our canoe, supporting himself by moving his paddle lazily in the slowly moving pool.
"We could do it," he says.
Rob, standing in an adjacent canoe looks doubtful. "I think we'll take the left channel," he says, resuming his position.
"What do you think, Tony?" The expression on Mark's face tells it all. He wants to run this rapid and, as I'm his partner in the bow, I get to vote too. It's hard to ignore the wistful boyish grin.
"Okay, Mark," I'm sure there's a note of resignation in my voice, "if you want to try it - let's go."
I know this will be a rough ride - a wet ride. I tighten the chinstrap on my crash helmet and dip my blade in the water. "Alright. Let's do it."
This is the fifth day of a two-week wilderness canoe journey on Canada's historic Hayes River. Once the main thoroughfare for canoes and York boats carrying bales of furs from the interior to York Factory, on Hudson Bay, for the Hudson's Bay Company, the Hayes River today is rarely travelled. Back in the 19th century, each summer this river echoed with the shouts of tripmen racing down rapids; hand-lining up the rapids. The shouts on this day will come from me, and from Mark.
We dig our paddles deep, urging the long red canoe upstream about fifty metres, so we can set the line we want to follow for our planned route over the rapids. At Mark's command we ferry left and turn through 180 degrees. We are now one with the current, yet we must go faster.
From shore a canoe racing over rapids gives the impression of immense speed. On board, moving marginally faster than the current, our descent begins as if we are in slow motion. The lip of the drop, where snarling water washes smooth boulders clean, is shrouded in mist. I disappear into the miasma, leaving Mark no choice but to follow. The current changes our pattern of travel: it's no longer in slow motion. At full speed the canoe leaps over the rocks, nose first into a standing wave of icy history. Instinctively I shout, "Oh, ---!" The expletive out before my lips are sealed by an avalanche of river pouring over my head, into face, flooding the canoe. We break through, skidding right then left, searching for calmer water. Without floatation bags fore and aft, we'd be sinking by now. Loaded to the gunwales with our equipment and a full cargo of river, we ferry right, across the current, to the safety of an eddy and a convenient rock. Mark is jubilant, so am I. We're also soaked right through.
The Hayes River stretches 610 kilometres across the Province of Manitoba. It is one of the few untouched major rivers in Canada. There are no hydroelectric dams, only two settlements along its route. A few years ago I journeyed along the first part of the river, from Norway House to Oxford House, with twelve strong Cree tripmen in a traditional-style York boat. We dragged it over beaver dams, manhandled it a couple of kilometers through a burned out forest, sailed across lakes, some peaceful - some windy, and raced her down rocky defiles. That experience convinced me to see the rest of the river.
Rob Currie and Mark Loewen, both biologists, are licensed canoe/river guides. They are partners with their mentor, Bruno Rosenberg, in Wilderness Spirit Adventures, based in Winnipeg. In company with three others: two more biologists, Val and Herbert, and Barbara - another writer, we will run the 380 kilometres from Oxford House to York Factory, come rain or shine, fair winds or foul.
We've already had our share of rain and high winds. Crossing Knee Lake we fought an unpleasant chop of over half a metre, for a few hours, while being blinded by rain. Fortunately, when the rain stops, the huge Manitoban skies welcome us and saturate our tired muscles with life-giving heat from a benevolent summer sun.
There are 45 sets of rapids from start to finish on the Hayes. Most of these are on the second half, where we are. The longest section, where we are now, is a non-stop watery stairway past Brassey Hill. Rapid follows rapid in quick succession. Their names evoke the strong ties this river has with the Cree nation - unpronounceable name such as: Neesootakuskaywin and Apetowikossan. I can't help but wonder how heavy freight canoes and York boats were manouevred back up this determined river.
Overhead we are entertained by bald eagles performing aerial ballets, and ospreys screaming out of the sky to snatch unwary fish from the middle channel. On the banks Rob's sharp eyes picked out a small black bear on day one or two. Taking a break from torrential rain on a narrow strip of beach we find fresh wolf tracks. Later, once we are beyond reach of the rapids, Rob will find us another bear, a cub this time, running away from the approaching canoes in panic.
Descending the rapids we camp each night on smooth rocks with the roar of tomorrow's adrenaline rush in our ears. Each night I attempt to supplement our larder with fresh Northern pike. Voracious eaters, prepared to take anything remotely edible, they are not hard to catch. Most nights, for those who enjoy it, we have pike, occasionally a choice of pike or walleye.
When the rapids are too rough even for Mark's enthusiasm, we carefully lower our fragile craft down the safest route by the use of hand-lines. We follow, scrambling over rocks to keep the canoes from getting away from us. Inevitably one does and the two guides race in pursuit in another canoe.
After Whitemud Falls, known as 'the rock' to the tripmen of old, the river takes a break from its mad rush down off the Canadian Shield. This is the last of the rapids, although there will be a few swifts ahead. From here we could let the current do all the work. It's fast enough, about 9 or 10 kph, to carry us long distances each day. We have a deadline to meet however. A chartered plane is due to pick us up at York Factory in one week. That fact doesn't stop us from being lazy occasionally. Holding the three canoes together we lay back and float for a few hours under a scorching sun, only bothering to paddle when a bend in the river threatens to put us ashore. The steep clay banks trap the sun and attempt to control the river's current. The river, imperturbable, carves its own passage as it follows its destiny.
At the confluence of the Hayes River and Fox River we camp on hard earth opposite Wachichakapasew, the Crane's Breast Cliff - a sheer climb of about thirty metres. Once again wolf tracks cross the site.
Just before noon on our eleventh day on the Hayes, we join God's River.
York Factory, once a small settlement with many wooden houses, is now administered by Parks Canada. The main building is a museum of Hudson's Bay Company activities on the Hayes and on Hudson Bay which can be clearly seen from upstairs windows. Close by a cemetery containing 161 identifiable graves, the latest of which - the final resting place of Albert Arthur Saunders - has a marker engraved in the Cree language.
Our final night on the river is spent on the north shore of Four Mile Island. We strip off and take a swim in the cold clear water, cleansing our bodies of two weeks of hard effort and revelling in our successful expedition. Tonight the heavens stage a spectacular display of thunder and lightning to celebrate our arrival.
An hour after leaving the island we tie up to the jetty at York Factory. One by one we climb the rickety wooden staircase up the cliff. At the top, on a field of green grass with the stark white façade of York Factory in the background, we shake blistered hands and congratulate each other on our achievement.
Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures Now, with two busy flows combined, the Hayes widens. Islands appear in mid-stream. The main banks drift far apart. With our paddles flashing in the sunlight we are joined by the Pennycutaway River and know that York Factory is only a day away - the end of our journey though history.
The Voyageur Hudson Bay Expedition Crew is passing time on God's Lake. They paddled about four miles yesterday afternoon according to the SPOT locator. They aren't in a hurry to get off of God's Lake because they only have about 300 miles left of their 1300 mile journey. Those 300 miles will go quickly because of the strong current pulling them towards Hudson Bay.
From the book Canoeing with the Cree,
The last tie with safety was being broken. More than three hundred miles of practically unexplored wilderness lay before us, down a river transversed, perhaps, by only a handful of white men in history, never covered by any of the whites or Crees we had met so far...
I cannot imagine how a lake could be more thrillingly beautiful than God's Lake. No wonder that name - God's country, indeed. Such sights as this are reserved for those who will suffer to behold them. The clear, calm level of the lake stretched as far as our eyes could see and, like the precious stones in a setting of silver, islets reflected the afternoon sun in splotches of color. The air was blue, so blue, as though the sky had settled down to earth. July 23 Another Day on Gods Lake for the Voyageur Crew
The Voyageur Hudson Bay Expedition didn't move much on the 16th of July. I'm wondering if they're experiencing a heat wave like we are on the Gunflint Trail and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area? If so, then I hope they are spending some time cooling off in the wilderness waters.
Maybe they are spending their time fishing to supplement the food donated by Jack Links and Richmoor Foods for their expedition? We'll have to wait and see.
I was happy to see the guys taking another day off from traveling on the 10th. I envy their ability to be able to spend so much time in a wilderness area. If they are anything like me then they may be missing some of the luxuries of the real world but 2 minutes back in civilization and they'll be yearning for their tents. There's just something so amazingly appealing about paddling and camping in the canoe country. Another night on Logan Lake must be what their souls desired.
From Canadian Rivers Heritage... Rivers provided important routes of trade, transportation and communication for Aboriginal peoples in Canada for thousands of years. A multitude of archaeological sites along the Hayes, containing artifacts and remnants of an earlier way of life, shows that this river was a busy waterway long before the fur traders arrived. The Painted Stone Portage, a sacred place of worship, and pictograph sites are further testimony to the antiquity of human activity along the river.
The arrival of renegade fur trader and “coureur de bois” Pierre Esprit Radisson in the mid-1600s heralded the beginning of a new way of life for Aboriginal peoples on the Hayes River and throughout western Canada. Several key Hudson’s Bay Company posts were established along the Hayes as the fur trade became established as Canada’s first industry. York Factory, the Hudson’s Bay Company’s principal fur trade depot at the mouth of the Hayes, was the Company’s centre of operations for over 200 years.
York Boats, used to carry settlers, furs and cargo to and from Canada’s early settlements, have come to symbolize the Hayes River. Evidence of this historic era can be seen along the route– grave sites, trapper’s cabins, the ruins of Hudson Bay Company outposts, rock-log dams and the remnants of a tramway on the Robinson Portage.
The Hayes River route was also key to inland exploration and commerce by Europeans. Many of Canada’s great explorers traveled the Hayes, including Henry Kelsey, the first European to see the Canadian prairies; David Thompson, who mapped out huge areas of previously unsurveyed territory in western Canada; and Samuel Hearne, renowned for his legendary journeys through the barren lands.
Other important figures to journey the Hayes include Hudson’s Bay Company surveyors Peter Fidler and Philip Turnor, the legendary explorer Sir John Franklin en route to the ‘Polar Seas’, and famous surveyor J.B. Tyrrell, of the Geological Survey of Canada. National Historic Sites have been designated by the government of Canada at York Factory and Norway House to commemorate their significance in history of Canada.
Today, the Swampy Cree, descendants of the original inhabitants of the area, live in this region of northern Manitoba. Hunting, fishing and fuelwood cutting provide subsistence for area residents. Trapping and, in some areas, tourism are important economic activities. Stops along the route at Norway House and Oxford House can provide a special opportunity to view historic buildings, meet local residents and experience today’s way of life in a northern community.
Ten miles in just under ten hours of canoeing on the Hayes River for the Voyageur Expedition Crew. The day included a kilometer long portage around Robinson Falls and concluded with camping on Logan Lake. With a somewhat early quitting time I hope the Voyageur Crew had time to catch some trophy fish. Tomorrow they will experience some rapids along the Hayes River before they get to Oxford Lake.
On a website I read a person should have at least 18 days to paddle the Hayes River from Lake Winnipeg to the Hudson Bay. The Voyageur Crew has canoed almost 1000 miles and only have about 300 more to go. With the amount of current in the river and the way the Voyageur Crew has been paddling my guess is they could be done with their trip by the end of the month.
If they are going to take some time to enjoy the scenery and the wilderness then they are going to have to do so soon. Otherwise they will be in polar bear country where extended stays are not advised.
From the Canadian Heritage River Site...
The Hayes River provides an outstanding opportunity to learn about Canada’s history and experience its wilderness. Nine lakes and the connecting river offer alternating whitewater and flatwater paddling, the beauty and wildlife of the boreal forest, and outstanding fishing. Sport fish species include northern pike, walleye, perch, goldeye, whitefish, brook trout and lake trout. In the lowland portion, with the portages and obstacles behind, the paddler can quickly cover long distances in a very different environment, adding a new dimension to the traveling on the Hayes. Watch for foraging harbour seals, beluga whales and polar bears in the lower 10 km of the Hayes. Plan to spend time visiting the York Factory National Historic Site while in the York Factory area between June and September. The Hayes offers unparalleled wilderness canoeing and kayaking. Its remoteness and difficulty calls out to those experienced in whitewater navigation and familiar with the demands of the northern forests. Travelers should take special care to properly equip themselves and should take precautions to avoid bears, particularly polar bears on the northern reaches of the river. Paddlers should be prepared for challenging rapids, insects, extreme water and weather conditions and remoteness. Wilderness camping is possible at numerous sites along the river. However, camping is not permitted at York Factory National Historic Site due to the possibility of polar bear encounters. All fly-in/fly-out and provision arrangements need to be made ahead of time. Outfitters and guides are available to assist in trip planning and implementation.
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