A fly-in canoe trip is an experience like no other. From the moment you
climb into a DeHavilland "Beaver" or "Otter", or Cessna float plane ... to
the silence when it flies out of sight after leaving you on a remote
Canadian lake ... the start of your canoe trip will live in your memory for
years. A fly-in trip gives you a grasp of the magnitude of the wilderness as
it spreads out before you.A fly-in, by nature, can get you into less traveled
areas. For instance, the La Croix Ranger Station (fly-in) has about
one-third the number of paddlers starting there as does the Prairie Portage
Ranger Station (paddle-in). You can choose from a short 5-day trip with only
two camps, to a full 10 to 12- day trip taking you deep into the heart of
Quetico Park. About one third of our parties opt for flying-out; the others
return to a remote landing on the U.S.-side.
You will first fly to Sand Point Lake in Ontario for a
passport check, then on to Lac
La Croix and Quetico Park. After having your Park Permit and fishing licenses issued. La Croix, itself,
is a big lake bordering the boundary of Quetico Park. All parties are boated the 15 miles from
the float plane base to their specific Quetico Entry Point (Maligne
River, McAree Lake, or Bottle Rapids). This tow boat transportation is
included in our pricing,
not "strongly encouraged" and turning into a surprise extra charge
... simply to publish a lower
flight rate.
The
fishing pressure in these areas is significantly reduced, so larger fish are
regularly caught (and released). As a testament to the fishing quality, on a
few lakes you might even catch a glimpse of a Canadian/Ojibway Indian
fishing guide plying his ancestral trade. The Ontario government still
allows their natives to guide from small boats versus paddled canoes.
(Should you want to set-up a remote tent base camp outside of Quetico Park,
we can supply motorized square stern canoes for your fishing adventure.)
Because of the logistical considerations, rates must be based on a 2 person
minimum and pre-positioned canoes. It is our practice with our
Ultra-lightweight Gold Parties, however, to use 54# Dagger Passage or Mad
River Eclipse canoes whenever possible (100% in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001,
2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008
seasons; one miss in 2002 and 2004).
Pricing for these trips is charged by the aircraft seat.
We have combined the cost of either one-way or round-trip air transportation
with the outfitting costs of our SILVER or GOLD packages. Normal early
season, mid-week, large group, and youth discounts all apply.
Phone us at 800-552-5581 for a price quotation. All we
need to know is how many days you want to be out on the canoe trails.
The
fishing pressure in these areas is significantly reduced, so larger fish are
regularly caught (and released). As a testament to the fishing quality, on a
few lakes you might even catch a glimpse of a Canadian/Ojibway Indian
fishing guide plying his ancestral trade. The Ontario government still
allows their natives to guide from small boats versus paddled canoes.
(Should you want to set-up a remote tent base camp outside of Quetico Park,
we can supply motorized square stern canoes for your fishing adventure.)
