I became addicted to Quetico in 1982 when some buddies and I outfitted with Adventure Canoe Trails (now defunct) on Lerome Lake. I gradually acquired enough gear to be self-sufficient and have returned nine times, going in through Sue Falls and Beaverhouse. I have been to BWCA once, and it was a strikingly different experience than in Quetico. Each man in my party felt that we were glad to have gone to BWCA once, but our preference for Quetico was reinforced by that experience.
I don't mind promoting the Canadian side of the best canoeing wilderness in the world. I feel confident that the quota system will endure for the remainder of my paddling years perpetuating the virtual solitude.
Paraphrasing Will Rogers, I have never met a Quetico traveller I didn't like. Whether we met negotiating rigorous portages or drifting by the petroglyphs, folks have been cordial and accommodating, aware of the need for expanded personal space in the wilderness. There has always been ample space in Quetico to provide at least one or two days in which we encountered no other paddlers. In the BWCA, we queued up at portage trails like golfers jockeying for optimum tee times. Some irritated (and no doubt fatigued) sherpas in BWCA were hostile in their aggressive ego-centric expression of their trail etiquette.
As for the campsites, I prefer the slightly higher expectation in Quetico that I will have to be resourceful and self-reliant to efficiently and comfortably make that particular bump of granite home. Just a little convenience, e.g. the woodland throne or a built-up fire grate or canoe rests found in BWCA diminish the effort and related reward of the less developed Quetico sites.
Though the big lakes in both Q and BW held pure, tasty water, I found the water clarity on small lakes in Quetico to be better than the small, turbid lakes in BW.
I agree with Kim, that I am willing to pay more and drive further for the Quetico experience. I expect that the comments favoring Quetico in response to Randy's query may result in increased competition for the entry permits throughout Quetico and possibly push the user fees even higher. I accept that as a natural consequence of supply and demand economics. I, however, have not reach the point of satiety nor could I envision any moments spent in the Quetico wilderness accumulating to the point of diminishing returns.
We can all enjoy our precious experiences in the wilderness if we follow the simple predominate logic of not overextending ourselves, and leaving each area better than we found it. Make yours a good trip.

Posted by Yeehaw! on October 30, 2000 at 20:17