I reflect the values and etiquette of the friend who introduced me to canoe country.  

I am a strong extrovert.  However, when in canoe country, I avoid people and hope they avoid me.  There is nothing anti-social or arrogant about this, but rather, I think it shows respect for other's privacy and experience.   I don't go up to canoe country to meet people.  

If there is a site occupied, I will travel as far away from that site as possible to look for a camp, assuming I have to camp on that lake.  I do this for the other campers as much as for myself, assuming they want a little solitude as well.

I also try to be quiet when I'm in a canoe, as I understand how far noise travels over water.   I actually have no problems with seeing a few other canoes if they're quiet and respectful.  

When I'm on a portage, my old extrovert self returns, and I'll happily engage in light banter with individuals I encounter there.  But if I meet large groups, I tend clam up and just try to get through pass.  Large groups, especially if they exceed the limit, bother me.  In fact, I'll ask the leader of those groups if they're aware they've exceeded the group size limit, just so they realize that other people notice this kind of behavior.  If they're using outfitter rentals, I'll ask them if their outfitter mentioned group size.  

I'm sad to see young kids up there who have never been taught any kind of backcountry canoeing etiquette.  I was on a site when two young boys anchored 10 yards off my site and started fishing.  I told the kids that one reason I go up to this country is to enjoy some solitude.  They were very nice, politely apologized, and moved on.  They just didn't know.  I think scout "leaders" do a huge disservice to their "troops" when they break the rules and never teach the kids about back-country etiquette.  

prouboy