I don't remember there being a grocery store in Atikokan - you would have better luck buying groceries in Ft Francis if coming from the West, or Thunder Bay if coming from the East.  You could always get fz dr foods from any of the outfitters in Atikokan.

getting a permit starting out of French Lake is just a matter of getting in line there at the ranger station the morning you want to enter (unless the unlikely happens and two other parties are ahead of you that day for the two unreserved spots).  fairly likely to be able to get a permit for a Batchewaung entry as well, especialy if you are flexible and able to start on a weekday.

shuttle?  contact any of the outfitters in Atikokan (just google for atikokan outfitters) and see waht they would charge you for a package - canoe rental and shuttle - alternatively, you could arrange to leave your cycle in US, ad get an outfitter to rent a boat and shuttle you up to Atikokan, and you paddle back to your bike - you would have to have the outfitter meet you at the take out of course, so they could get thier boat back.

what do I think ?   - I think it is gonna be expensive - I did pay for an outfitter to shuttle a group of four from Ely to Beaverhouse Lake entry, and we paddled one-way back to Moose Lake in BWCA - that was in mid-nineties sometime, and cost about $250 at that time, just for the shuttle ride north.

only way you'll find out is to contact outfitters now and ask them how much

I only did a one-way trip that once -mostly I just plan a loop trip and finish back at my truck where I started - lots easier

Thanks.After getting off this site last night,I got Beymer's Quetico Guide off my shelf and had a  lot of my questions answered. It now seems to me that a loop would make much more sense.By "open"permit,I ment available. It's not getting too late?  If Atikoken is a town,and not just
an out post,many of my concerns are taken care of. Any pitfalls to watch for? This would be my first trip to Canada. I'm just now applying for my passport. Being semi- selfemployed,the time is not as important as the money. Again,thanks for the imput,and even more so for your patience.

I've never had a problem with my vehicle at a parking lot on the north side of Q but I've never parked a motorcycle either.  Chain it to a tree?  Atikokan is a small town with year round residents so it has everything one might need but since you will be renting a canoe anyway you can leave your bike at the outfitter I assume.  I would pick a date and get a permit and hook up with an outfitter and rent your gear too.  What you save in gas you would spend in rentals.  Sounds like fun though.

You did not say when and how long you were going nor did you mention where you were coming from. With gas prices the way they are it may be possible to find a ride in a nice warm dry vehicle by chipping in for gas. I know there have been times traveling up there alone when I would have welcomed a paying rider and/or extra driver. Of course you may have to conform to someone else's schedule. Just a thought.

Wally seems to have his logistics down.  In addition, for low cost, you can UPS stuff to that outfitter, allievating the bulk on the cycle.  Has to be least option, but you don't get to motorcycle to Atikokan.

Based on looking teh other day, I think you can find a permit - perhaps second choice for weekend entry but still lots of options.