I get e-mails about this every so often. Unfortunately, my best source for Quetico information died last year, and no likes to talk about it as you well know. I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong but...

You have always been able to fly in and out of Beaverhouse, I've done it myself, and I've seen motors on Cirrus even before the agreement. I understand what a shock it is when people first learn about it, but it's probably not as bad as your picturing right now. Unless something has drastically changed, my guess is that it won't have a major effect (if any) on the quality of your trip. I have yet to hear anyone come back and complain about motors, just the usual... garbage, bugs, wind, rain....

Remember, the most pristine wilderness in Quetico is still where it has always has been, in your mind. Don't let anyone spoil it. Challenge and that sense of accomplishment, a big part of any wilderness trip, is up there waiting for you too. Enjoy whatever your journey gives you, then come back and let us know how it was.

A little background history...
In 1973 Ontario designated Quetico as a wilderness park.

Wilderness parks are defined as: "... substantial areas where the forces of nature are permitted to function freely and where visitors travel by non-mechanized means and experience expansive solitude, challenge and personal integration with nature."

The result was a phase-out in the recreational operation of all outboard motors in Quetico. There was an exception made however, for the Lac La Croix Guides Association.

In the mid 90's an agreement of co-existence/co-management was reached. One of the intended goals was the eventual phase-out of mechanized guiding through attrition by 2015.

Posted by db on July 08, 2000 at 03:56