Jayhawk,
You're gonna love this trip! Last year was my first trip, and I'll be back this year, and hopefully, many more times in the future. I have all three of Beymer's books on BWCA/Quetico...great stuff to ponder as you plan. As for maps, Fisher makes a book of maps that contain all areas of the "Q" and BWCA. The book is large...probably 18"x24" and contains 15 (I think) different maps. Too small for navigation, but a great trip planning aid, as it contains portage lengths and campsite locations. I got mine at www.piragis.com but I'm sure many other places sell them too. Once I had my route planned, I ordered both the Fisher and the McKensie maps for navigation (may be overkill, but cost is minimal and I like maps!).

Like you, I am outfitting myself (mostly) this year. I will be renting canoe and packs, and am using an outfitter in the Ely area. I am also arranging some transportation & lake tows and overnight accomodations with them the night before the trip. They also arranged my permit. Any outfitter will work with you on whatever you need and are a big help for those of us who are relative novices to the area. Hope you have a great trip.

Almost forgot...If you go to the Ely chamber of commerce site you can ask them to send you information. A few days/weeks later you will get some excellent information from a number of different outfitters, listing prices, services offered, etc. I found it very helpful.

Posted by Bill/TN on March 09, 2000 at 10:10