I'm looking for advice on a good outfitter near Beaverhouse L. who might 1)put us up for the night, and 2) --more importantly--shuttle a vehicle from Beaverhouse L. over to Lerome or maybe Nym lake. 

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

prouboy

Doug Chapman is the best

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While he does not have bunk houses, you can crash in his parking lot. You can also stay in Atikokan. We have done both. While he is closer to French Lake, he can handle all your needs. Low in frills, but great stories and great customer service.

Thanks.... is he right on the highway?

prouboy

You re-cooped from the blown out achilles already?  Amazing recovery!

dd

I wish DD!  No, I have months to go.  My cast comes off next week, then I get a walking cast, and physical therapy... My goal is to be ready for pheasant hunting in late October.  We'll see if that's realistic.

But as crazy as it seems, I'm thinking about next June, and thinking about routes.  We had one of our best trips in 25 years this past June, going north to south from Stanton Bay to Prairie Portage.

For next year, I'm thinking of a 14 day, starting at  Beaverhouse going southeast down to Poohbah, Sarah, and out to Basswood.  But then I thought another option would be a loop starting at Beaverhouse, down to Poohbah, then back up through Walter and Elizabeth, and maybe west up to Lerome or out through Nym. 

Obviously, I have too much time on my hands. But, I look at it as planning is good therapy for being housebound, and something I can do while I sit with my club foot all elevated.  I can't wait to get the cast off and begin the PT. 

prouboy

I was supposed to leave for a short trip into Little Indian Sioux tomorrow, and a 12 day trip into Woodland Caribou in early August.  Both history,   :(

Trying not to think about my lost season!

prouboy

Puckster wrote on Jul 5^th, 2011 at 11:08pm:

I'm looking for advice on a good outfitter near Beaverhouse L. who might 1)put us up for the night, and 2) --more importantly--shuttle a vehicle from Beaverhouse L. over to Lerome or maybe Nym lake.

We have used Jim at Canoe Canada for our outfitting and he/they have always come through. They are in Atikokan and have a bunkhouse. We used them for a Beaverhouse entry and Nym exit in '09. We didn't have a car to shuttle but if you are using them, they are not far from Nym and I expect you can leave your car with them and then use the showers after your trip. Good luck with the recovery.

J

Puckster wrote on Jul 5^th, 2011 at 11:08pm:

I'm looking for advice on a good outfitter near Beaverhouse L. who might 1)put us up for the night, and 2) --more importantly--shuttle a vehicle from Beaverhouse L. over to Lerome or maybe Nym lake.  Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

We used Branches Seine River Lodge this year for Beaverhouse put-in & take-out
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They're off of hwy 11 west of Atikokan (70 mi east of F.Francis)
Quent & Lori were very accommodating, good to work with, they have a bunkhouse and hot shower after pick-up.

When we did Poohbah a few years ago, we met Doug and he shuttled us down to the LLC village. From there we headed over to Tanner and then to Poohbah, eventually making our way up through Your, Badwater, etc, before exiting through Lerome. Was a good route, but I may consider trying the exit through Bernice if I where do it again. The paddle up the Maligne was strenuous. (We did the trip in August and everything I read said that the current shouldn't be a problem). Exiting at Lerome was neat because of the Sue Falls, I had concept just how large they would be. Not a lot of water, however but very picturesque.

I use Doug Chapman as my main outfitter... when it makes sense geographically.  He has the center & the east ends of the park covered nicely &, as mentioned, will keep you entertained.  I cannot say enough good things about this guy!  He'll do whatever it takes to ensure your trip's success.

On the other hand, years ago, I have also gotten fine service from Jim Clark at CC plus they DO have the bunkhouse.

However, travelling on west end, I'd have to look carefully at Seine River Outfitters.  They're based over there, can provide the shuttle (quicker, possibly best price), & can provide accommodations.  I've heard good things about this outfit though I've never used them personally.  My guy on the west end was always Dave Ribey of Quetico Wilderness Outfitters based on Flanders Road (even closer to BH) but I don't believe he is in business anymore.

You can't go wrong with any of these choices... though Doug is likely the most amusing of the bunch.

Jimbo   8-)

NO doubt, Doug Chapman is your man. Great guy with a great attitude and awesome stories.

Thanks to all for your excellent advice, as always.

prouboy

Doug Chapman is the best! We picked us up at the airport and we camped at his shop. We stayed up late with him to share paddling stories . He has a profound knowledge of the area and of Quetico in particular.

Top service, great guy and reasonable rates.

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Quote:

My guy on the west end was always Dave Ribey of Quetico Wilderness Outfitters based on Flanders Road (even closer to BH) but I don't believe he is in business anymore.

Sadly Jimbo Quetico Dave is still out of business.
I sent him X-mas card and he called me the other day ;D

He said that he sold about half his canoes but kept some in case he decides to get back into the outfitting game.

He's still the road grader driver keeping Flanders Rd good until the LLC village limits.
Said it keeps him fairly busy all year round.

By the way, he told something that I didn't know but maybe others here did?

As some know Atikokan has had rough times with the 2 paper mills closing. Now it seems they have found GOLD in the area and the mine is going to bring some much needed jobs to the area.

According to Dave, it's a pretty good strike, so who knows how that will change the area?

Might want to bring a pan/rock hammer your next trip to the park ;D

Heard all about the "gold fever" last September from Doug Chapman when I used him for my last trip.  LOTS of folks up there were giving serious thought to panning for the stuff.  Even Doug seemed to be juiced up about it and ready to do a little panning!  On the other hand, I was on the phone with him just this morning and heard no further mention of it so perhaps that was a passing fancy.  What I heard about was the lack of snow & the very low water levels.  If you're planning on much "stream travel" this year, you'd better hope for some serious spring showers!

Jimbo   8-)

last fall was the lowest water I've seen since I've been going up there

Definitely, Doug (Chapman) is an amusing and interesting guy. He may not be the best located for entry at Beaverhouse but he certainly is extremely knowledgeable and very reliable.

His building is right on Highway 11 about 5 minutes drive west of the French Lake visitor pavilion (about 30 minutes east of the Atikokan turnoff). Don't let the appearance of his building get you down; it's not much to look at.

But a sign inside the building says it all: "1 star building - 5 star service"!

If you use Doug Chapman, there is a terrific B&B about 5 minutes away on the Marion Lake road. It is Sommer's Point B&B   (You need to Login or Register Their only accommodation consists of a beautful two-storey cabin built by the owners - Larry and Sharen - a few years ago. You'll get a great breakfast early the next morning if you wish or you can ask for a self-serve breakfast if you're up and ready to go at the crack of dawn.

Larry and Doug Chapman are good friends and Larry often helps Doug out with the shuttles if Doug is really busy.

The rate may be more than you want to pay but if you do stay there you won't regret it. It is now the only place I'll stay the night before entering Quetico from the north.

The B&B sounds like a great place to stay. But, for an evening you'll never forget, camp at Doug Chapman's place near the park and share a few malts with him..you'll never forget that evening. He knows the land and he's a great guy.

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