Epilogue:
Wabakimi is a vast, wild place. The Park is over two times the size of Quetico, with a fraction of the visitors. There are huge lakes in the Park perfect for sea kayaking, and there are small, intimate waterways perfect for a canoe. Some of the Park was damaged by a burn, especially around Kenoji Lake, so I would try to avoid those areas. Unfortunately, many of the larger lakes also have fly-in lodges on them, along with motor boats. But a determined paddler could always route themselves around those lakes. Very few people paddle Wabakimi. Last year Phil paddled 42 days without seeing another canoe. This year he’s already paddled 44 days without seeing another group. However, that level of solitude makes safety all the more important. You cannot assume that someone is going to come along behind you if you get into trouble. A satellite phone is probably a good idea, as is traveling in a group of at least two. Apparently, there are virtually no Ranger patrols like in Quetico.

There are a few primary routes used by paddlers, and that would be where you might expect to see some other folks. Currently, there are very few drive-in, drive-out options for trips. And there is only one train-in option. So a floatplane flight at least one way is generally a given.

Fishing is limited to walleye and northern pike, with a few lakes housing lake trout. The number of fly-in lodges attests to the fact that the fish are there, you just have to find them. There are no bass in the Park. Most of the lakes are tea-stained, so bright colors will work the best. Leave the naturals and blues and blacks at home.

Overall, I would say that Wabakimi is today what I imagine Quetico was 60 years ago. It’s remote, vast and wild. There are no portage or campsite databases. Both can actually be somewhat difficult to find. And when you arrive at a portage, you have no idea what it will be like. Canoe tripping in Wabakimi is not for the uninitiated! But it’s all there for you to go and explore. Take an adventurous spirit and enjoy the boreal forest!

Photos from this trip can be found in my Inukshuk photo album, under "Wabakimi Park, May 2006". Hope you enjoyed the read!

Ranger