During the "off-season" permit seekers can typically show up at the Atikokan park office the night before their desired put-in, pick permit paperwork up from a box, complete the paperwork, seal in their money, deposit all materials into another box, retain their stub/permit, & enter the park the next morning.  Nary a park official is involved in the process.  It is as easy as it gets.

This is my typical fall trip routine.  Alas, this year may not be so typical.

Does anyone know if the same arrangements are available at the Beaverhouse Ranger Station/park office?  I DO realize that the B'house station will be closed for the season.  On the other hand, the Atikokan office is also "closed" when I arrive BUT - nevertheless - the paperwork is made available for trippers.  I'm just wondering if you can still pick up a permit at B'house during the off-season?  People don't seem to be necessary to the process during the off-season in Atikokan.  Why should it be any different at Beaverhouse?  

Anybody KNOW the answer?

IF NOT, I'll just call the park office on Tuesday morning, get the gospel from them, & post it here for anyone who cares about such things.

Basically, I'm trying to save myself 2-3 hours of backtracking from Flanders Road to Atikokan & back.

Thanks!

Jimbo  

My suspicions, exactly, dd.  Yet, a few QJer's of the contrary opinion have IM'ed me. 

I'll let you know what I find out.

Jimbo   

Looks like I'll be going with Jim J's advice... since I can't seem to get the Quetico Park office to either pick up the phone or return the messages I leave. 

If I get in there & find no place to pick up a permit OR deposit money, I MAY just take the attitude that the park owes me about 5-6 days of refunds due to the several times we've opted to come out a day or two early (due to forecasted storms or personal circumstances) & neglected to get my money back!  [Somehow I don't think this argument would hold much water with any official that might happen by].

Anyway, thanks for the inputs!

Jimbo   

I just got back from Q. I put in at Beaverhouse on Sun. 9/6 but picked up my camping permits at the Atikokan office. I heard from a local outfitter that the Beaverhouse station was closed on or about Aug. 21 due to problems with the "reliability" of the staffing.

I would NOT depend on getting the permits at Beaverhouse if I were you.

jimmar wrote on Sep 13^th, 2009 at 2:13am:

******************

Jimmar,

Their staffing at B'house has been iffy for the past couple years.  Also, Labor Day is always about the time they shut that office down.  However, "staffing" that office isn't necessary IF Beaverhouse offers the same outdoor self-serve process as is offered in Atikokan.  I've gone to Atikokan the night before entering the park, completed my paperwork through a self-serve outdoors process, never saw a park official, & never had an issue.  The real question I've teed-up here is: does the park offer the same service at the Beaverhouse station??  If it does, I can save myself time & miles.

Jim J says they DO offer self-serve at B'house... w/the caveat that the supply of self-serve paperwork may be gone by the time I get there.  

Anyway, db has suggested that I e-mail Robin Reilly for the official answer, since I am having difficulties contacting a live official via the phone.  I'll give that a try.  When I get Robin's definitive answer to that question, I'll post it here.

Jimbo