"My pickup would be easier,but cost a whole lot more to drive up there,and I'd miss out on the 360 degree view...I might miss a warm dry cab on the way out...'

be sure you do miss any moose crossing the highway -

and at least goggles if not a full face shield on your helmet (not sure of motorcycle laws in CA, but you likely need a helmet)  for bug deflection if nothing else

there are two first come first served permits available for Pickeral Lake entry  (at least I haven't heard that that has changed).  I did get one of those one short trip I did in 2005 - just ask at the Dawson Creek ranger station -( not sure if you can get one of those at Atikokan) - they told me that they can't pre-issue them the day before, that I had to show up at the office in the morning of the day I wanted to enter, and suggested that if I was there when they opened, I'd be first in line.

but the last 3 or 4 years or so, I have found openings from Atikokan thru Batch entry to be available for Sundays (I have had Monday entry dates reservation to be conservative considering a 1350 mile drive to get there) - I have just changed my entry to the day before with no problem - the office was empty when I got there on Sunday - likley, that would be much tougher to change to a Saturday which is a busier day.

but if you know when you want to go, just contact an outfitter and they will get your permits for you.  since the outfitter will have to drive you and the canoe to the put in, and also pick you and the boat up, I'd assume you would be leaving your cycle at the outfitters, not at the lake.  Be sure to ask them how much they charge for this, as well as the rental fees -- It is possible that it may be cheaper for you to drive up with your truck and pick up the canoe yourself - be clear on what you want the outfitter to do for you, and be sure they give you the total cost, including the taxes.

and one other thing, just in case you aren't aware of it - IF you have a DUI on your license, it  will give you a lot of problems entering canada.  there was a thread on here about a change in this policy, but not sure if its come about as yet ?  scroll down in the general forum to find it if interested/needed          otherwise, with a DUI, you can buy your way into Canada for $150  - does not seem to be an issue if you go with a RABC

Jim J Solo wrote on Apr 11^th, 2012 at 1:17pm:


What?  Typo with my name? 

prouboy

IMO - an RABC wouldn't be required to paddle into the US after a legal entry into Canada.

Hmmm, that's right isn't it?

I think that is correct, but technically you need to clear US customs after returning from Canada.  You can do this at the customs station near Ely.

I'm getting alot of fat to chew on here... and some pretty good suggestions,too! This is just an idea that gelled up in my little head this week,though I,ve been trying to mesh my passion for canoe tripping with my love for my "big two wheeler"for some time now,it's just now-maybe-hopefully,that the planets can be pushed into place and I could make this happen!   The UPS idea is good(I should of thought of that). The lean on an outfitter to help on either end idea is something that should have been obvious. The reverse trip makes a lot of sense ,too. I will have to focus on the' pick up an entry permit there 'deal a bit,too. Travelling on the bike is a little bit like in the canoe,you've got to give weather it's due regard...and be ing in an exact place at an exact time can be stressfull at the least.  You know,I never been there,but Ithink it actually is up hill headed south. Anyway,going from 'less people' to 'more people',seems like it might feel better after already having been out in the elements and the 'unknown' for awhile.   ...for  what?...how long? I'm just now thinking this out at all. I'm sure I should already know,but what's to be done about this park/specific RA... stuff? I'm really glad I have you guys to ask about this stuff_(priceless!)

if you are really trying to do a trip as cheaply as possible, maybe you should consider the BWCA side of the border ?

there is a single flat fee ($15 per party, or per person or something like that for BWCA)  Quetico fees ("Backcountry camping fees") are 21.50 Can $ per person per day  non-resident if you enter  Quetico from the south - $17 per day from west, and $15 per day from the North.  depending on how long a trip you are doing, that can put a hurt on your budget bigger than the gas bill.

not sure if 1986 data is in the computer database they check at border crossings, so may still be on thier radar;  I don't think its an issue with the RABC but I don't know that for a fact.