I double portage with the food pack (heaviest pack) and my small day-pack attached to it as a chest pack. Take double paddle as walking stick.

I take GEAR pack which is a set weight with canoe.
Rods and spare paddle attached to canoe.
I go way heavier than Mad_Mat becasue I bring more 'luxury' items/cookware and food items than he does.
I'm also about 200# so that makes a difference too.

I had my share of ultralight ( for the times) backpacking) so for me right now I'm willing to haul more to have more if that makes any sense.

I try to double portage BUT safety is my first concern, so IF the portage is more strenuous or conditions slippery etc, I'll drop part of the load going across, maybe day-pack, then drop canoe with day-pack and go back for a partial 3x.

It all really boils down to how little you WANT to do without. I could get by with ONE big pack and canoe and someday that's what I'll do but right now I like to trip in "style".

I know the fewer portage trips the more time you can paddle and the farther you can go, but for me in the big scheme of things 2x or 3x isn't that big of deal in a place like the Q. It's not like your at work.  ;) ;D