Canoeing Quetico Provincial Park
By Mary M. Alward
Quetico Provincial Park, is located on the Canadian/USA border near Thunderbay, Ontario.
It is a remote wilderness area that includes over 900 miles of interconnected waterways. As you travel along these waterways, you will pass forests of aspen, birch, fir, pine and spruce trees that tower above the earth. The landscape of Quetico is rugged. Thundering waterfalls and majestic cliffs are breathtaking. Ancient Indian pictographs take you back in time several centuries to the early days of civilization. This is the place to enjoy some of the best wilderness canoeing in the world.
Quetico Park, except for Dawson Trail, is only accessible by water. The Park’s strict regulations of no logging and no roads keep the wilderness pristine. Visitors are not allowed to bring bottles or cans into the Park and the number of visitors each day is limited.
During the 17th century, what is known today as Quetico was a regular route for fur traders. The area hasn’t changed much since that time, so you will enjoy the same pristine beauty as the fur traders. Before Europeans came to the area, this was the home of the Ojibwa Indians. Today the main visitors to the park are canoeists who are seeking a unique wilderness experience.
As you travel the waterways of Quetico in early morning and at dusk, you will hear the haunting cry of a loon echoing over the water. Throughout the day you will see black bear, deer, lynx, moose, red fox, ducks and geese, as well as other mammals, waterfowl and small game. Bird species are abundant in Quetico. Keep your eyes on the sky and watch bald eagles and hawks gliding on the wind currents.
There are hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams within the boundaries of Quetico, which makes portaging necessary. However, the average portage is approximately 400 meters.
Printable Map (PDF)
Suggested Canoe Routes
Atikokan Ranger Station
The canoe route from Atikokan Ranger Station is one of the most popular. When you reach Pickerel Lake, paddle east. Upon reaching Pickerel Narrows, steer southwest. Continue through Dore and Twin Lakes until you reach Sturgeon Lake. Enter Jean Creek at the west end of the lake and head north to Burntside and Jean Lake. From here, paddle east on Quetico Lake and canoe through Oriana, Jesse and Maria lakes. From Maria Lake, portage to Pickerel Lake, continue on the Nym Lake and reverse the route. This canoeing expedition is known as the Batchewaung, Twin-Jean, Jesse Loop and it is a great outdoor adventure. This route is classed as challenging and includes 18 portages and 14 lakes. Allow six days minimum for this 69.6 mile (112 kilometer) trip.
Sue Falls Loop
If you enjoy paddling for long periods of time, the Sue Falls Loop is the canoeing trip for you. Begin your trip at Beaverhouse Ranger Station. When you reach the northeast corner of Beaverhouse Lake, portage east. You will come to an unnamed lake and from here you will continue to Cirrus Lake. Steer your course to the east end of Cirrus Lake for a breathtaking view of beautiful Sue Falls. Allow yourself ample time to take in the scenic beauty of this spot, as it is truly amazing.
From Sue Falls, paddle south where you will find a challenging portage that will lead you to Kasakokwog Lake. Head west down McAlpine Creek and paddle to the north shore of Quetico Lake. Here you will view ancient Indian pictographs on towering granite cliffs. The pictographs are centuries old and it is an awesome experience to view them.
Once you’ve viewed the pictographs, paddle to the west end of Quetico Lake and follow the Quetico River back to Beaverhouse Lake. This is an easy trip that consists of 40 miles (64.3 kilometers) with seven portages and five lakes. Allow a minimum of four days for this canoeing adventure.
Other trips include:
- • Carp Lake – Hunter’s Island Loop
- • McAree Lake
- • Baptism Creek – Cache Lake Loop
- • The KKK Loop
No matter what route you choose, you will experience sights and sounds of Quetico Provincial Park that will stay with you forever. Quetico is a canoeing paradise, so be sure to add it to your canoeing destination list. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.
