"If you can get to Ft. Frances or Thunder Bay I have to believe there must be a bus system that follows that trans-Canadian highway."   

don't think so - I have never seen a bus anywhere in that region

my plan would be to ship my PakCanoe to somewhere I could pick it up, then try to arrange some shuttle service with a local outfitter.   I think I could ship via Greyhound and ride the bus to X as well, assuming it was on a greyhound route.  Of course, I'd have to take all my gear and food as well - so it is much easier to just rent everything from an outfitter if there is one at X.  much cheaper to just do the drive, assuming that you have the time for it.