I'm going on a 14 day solo trip starting @ Beaverhouse on September 4th. I realize that is Labor Day weekend, but the holiday helps my vacation time. If anyone will be up in that area of the park then, let me know, maybe we can meet up!


I'm sure of my EXACT route yet, but Jimbo has already given me some GREAT advice on a good plan. I'll give more details closer to the launch date.

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. I'm planning on getting my permits from the ranger station the day before and heading out early in the morning (I'm correct in that I can do this, yes?).

PJ,

I think I may have confused some things. I'll probably be able to check in on Friday and enter the park then (I haven't made my reservations yet so I'll just add an extra day)....I'll just have to leave VERY early in the AM. Any idea when the stations close down for the day?

"I've never been able to get my permit on any day other than the day my confirmation letter says I will be entering the park.  As far as I know and in my experience, I've never heard of an exception being made to the daily quota."

I've had different experience, but using the Atikokan office may give me more opitons.

I have been able to change my entry date to one day earlier than my reserved date, at least twice - that depends on availablility of entry permits for that earlier date of course.  Typically, I plan my long drive with a "cushion" in case I can't make good time traveling.  So I often get to Atikokan the day before my reserved entry - if its early enough when I get there, I go ahead and try to rearrange my entry date - I either add a day to my canoe trip, or shift my timing a day ahead.

I have also picked up my reserved entry permit the day before my entry date on several occasions - you typically can't do that until later in the afternoon though - they don't want to hold up the people entering on that date - so it depends on time of day and how busy the office is, but I've been able to pick up the permit the day before I enter the park.

That'susing Atikokan, I don't know how the remote ranger stations like Beaverhouse would handle it, but I'd think it would be the same?

Have used the method db & Mad_Mat describe many-a-time out of the Atikokan office with great success (usually headed in early the next morning at Beaverhouse & not willing to wait around for HQ to open shop).  One caveat... don't make your HQ arrival time too close to the office's quitting time (call ahead to check on that).  They are not merciful in my experience!  The door closes at quitting time whether the entire line has been served or not!

Least-ways, that was what I saw a few years back.  Could be that Robin has fixed that problem....

Jimbo   

Duly noted on getting there early. That will make things so much easier and faster getting on the water.

I'm excited to be going this way, I've never visited Atikokan....PS, I've looked and looked and looked and never actually spoken to somone who's been there or knows of it etc.....HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE IT?!

LOL

ah-da-KO-kin is how I hear it.  Elongate the O sound a bit like in Copenhagen.  And then it's said a little like you're asking a question.

My wife and I stayed at the White Otter Inn this past August.  A very basic motel room.  The walls are like dorm rooms and are simply cement blocks painted white.  Our room was $100 for the night.  The White Otter is better than the other motel.  The Atikokan Hotel is on the same road as the other two motels, but is hard to find because there is no sign which says Atikokan Hotel.  We drove through the rest of Atikokan and did not find any other motel/hotel in the town.
I agree with Web-lackey on the prononciation of Atikokan.

Westwood

You could always try the "Old Rose Motel".  On second thought; nevermind.   

Is your trip still on?  It's less than a month away if it is.