wrote on Jan 18^th, 2010 at 3:56pm:

Algonquin is much closer for me, but I go to Quetico anyway for the reasons people have already mentioned.  Fwiw, I've also noticed (on maps) that the portages tend to be longer in Algonquin. -tom

Your right about the portages being longer on average. However the 2x I was there, I found them extremely well maintained and especially for a novice, easy too find.

ALL the campsites and portages are marked by a large orange triangle from what I remember. In either case you can't miss them. I always carry a small pair of binoculars. Rather than paddling over, I would scan for unoccupied sites or portage saving time and energy.

The longer portages have plenty of corduroy and the longest I was on, a mile+, had canoe rests about every 1/4 mile. With so much usage, unless you were on a interior remote route, I doubt you'd get off the trail, unless there was a seasonal flooding or blow down.

I agree, for novices or first time solo paddlers who wanted a little "security" blanket, Algonquin isn't the worst choice.
But, after a BW/Q trip, you can't really expect the same experience there IMHO