Seems we all have our own ways to plan and trip, but there are many similarities.  Up until the past couple years, I planned in great detail--maps, numbers of days, routes, alternate routes, campsites, reservations months prior, portage information, food lists, hotels, tows, you name it. 

Now I just sorta sit around late winter and spring deciding how many trips, how many days, and the general area I want to visit.  I'll look at the forums and the PCD for campsite/portage/fishing info.  Last few trips I've found the campsite data to be hit and miss with someone's 5-star being a 2-star for me or vice-versa.  I'll get out my McKenzie maps and dot the prime campsites to look at along the way.  If I'm traveling to a new more remote area for me, I'll make a portage note or two if available on the maps.  I don't bother with GPS and other electronic means of navigation. 

Since I drive about 1000 miles each way, I'll make Q reservations 2 weeks or so in advance along with bunkhouses/hotels/tows.  Then I'll prep the canoes, tents, tarps and packs.  A couple days prior to departing, I'll update my checklist, permethrin my clothing, purchase food and start packing the camping and fishing gear.  Last thing I do is leave an itinerary with my wife, check everything off a list as I pack it and put it into the car, give her a kiss and I'm off.