Hi all,

I hope this question is posted in the appropriate forum.

I'm sifting through lots of map data of the BW/Q region for a project I'm working on, and something a little odd shows up in Quetico's park boundary area. Right off the northeast edge, just on the other side of highway 11, there's a little rectangular island/extension of the official park boundary. Does anyone know why it's there? Is there some park facility there? I guess I'm just curious more than anything.

I've attached an image showing the area. The official park boundary is highlighted in red.

Thanks,

Tom

You mean I've finally located Atikokan's "Area 51"!?! 

Phoenix wrote on Dec 16^th, 2013 at 12:58pm:


Bingo, we have a winner.

Phx, Did you ski any of the X-C trails near French Lake?

Jim J & Quiet Wild:

My wife and I are snowshoers so I haven't done any skiing in that area.

I believe that the current trapper's trail that runs from Highway 11 to the site of the former logging camp (and beyond) is on the roadbed that the logging company used. At the site of the former logging camp on the bank of Baptism Creek all that is left is a large clearing. In winter, Quetico park staff have set up a large warming tent with a wood stove for skiers and snowshoers passing through (at least, that was the case 2 years ago when were there).

The following excerpt about this area is from Jon Nelson's book Quetico: Near To Nature's Heart...
The French River enters into French Lake near the eastern boundary of Quetico Park. The French Portage, which went from Windigoostigwan Lake to French Lake, by-passed this section of the French River which has numerous rapids. This portage, which parallels what is now Highway 11, is no longer used. There is now a hiking trail which follows along the French River to French Falls. This trail is seldom used and is particularly interesting in the fall and winter. (Jon Nelson is a former park employee who was stationed at Cache Bay in the early 80s; he probably knows more about Quetico than anyone alive today)