I've been thinking about this all day and trying to find the right words. Both the BWCAW and Quetico are very similiar, however, they are managed differently. I've spent 23 years canoeing both, but Quetico is by far the fairer of the two in my opinion. Because they allow fewer people, you do have a more true wilderness experience. I'm willing to pay more, and drive farther for that.
Some of my friends think the Q is getting too crowded. They spend more time even further north (Woodland Caribou) but there are disadvantages to that park also as there are many cabins still in the park.
You do not necessarily need more experience to go to the Quetico, however, you are further away from help and as always, need to be very careful. Many portages are more rocky. They are maintained even though that is something I always get asked about from people that have never been there. There is just a feeling I get when I'm there. I get that feeling while in the BWCAW also, I just dislike seeing so many people. I agree with Greg, going further north is usually better.

Posted by Kim Young on October 29, 2000 at 17:08