Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How do I get to the trip?

All adventures are based out of Voyageur Island Lodge on Nym Lake, near Atikokan, Ontario, Canada. A boat transfer is provided from the Nym Lake Access Parking Lot.

By Car: We are easily accessible by automobile. From Thunder Bay, it is a 2-hour drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway then a short drive down a gravel road to the Nym Lake Access Parking Lot where you will leave your vehicle. You will be shuttled to Voyageur Island Lodge on a pontoon boat.

By Plane:  The nearest gateway city is Thunder Bay, which is serviced by Air Canada; United Airlines; Porter Airlines and West Jet Airlines. Voyageur Wilderness is happy to help you arrange for an airport pick up and shuttle. Please contact us for details.

How do I get/reserve a Quetico Park permit?

As Voyageur Wilderness is an official issuer of Quetico Park permits, we can reserve and issue park permits on your behalf at Voyageur Island Lodge at no additional cost.

What is a backcountry canoe trip?

Quetico Provincial Park is an internationally recognized wilderness paddling destination. It has an extensive system of canoe-portage routes that allow for a mix of short, easy or extended challenging trips. The backcountry campsites have no facilities, services or signs on campsites and portages.

Voyageur Wilderness makes its easy and fun to experience a backcountry canoe trip in Quetico Provincial Park. For over 60 years, we have been providing full canoe outfitting services from Voyageur Island Lodge on Nym Lake. We will teach you best practices for backcountry canoeing and camping and will provide you with all the gear, equipment and meals you need for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Voyageur Wilderness has an excellent rapport with Quetico Provincial Park and was instrumental in helping Quetico’s wilderness receive its special “sensitive area designation:” and complete mechanical motorized ban. We are leaders in responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

Can you provide more details about Voyageur Island Lodge?

Voyageur Island Lodge, full of rustic charm, is truly a special place where you’ll be immersed in the timeless wonder of the Canadian wilds. It’s located on an easily accessible 2-hectare island on Nym Lake, just 500-metres from 460,000 hectares of protected wilderness of Quetico Provincial Park. Find out more about the lodge accommodation, meals, amenities and pet friendly rules.

For over 60 years, the Lodge has been a gathering place for people wanting to enrich their knowledge of the natural environment and experience the beauty of Quetico Park.

Owned and operated by the Savoie family, they integrate responsible tourism practices in all components of its operations. This approach is based on their Métis and French-Canadian voyageur heritage and the wisdom of their elders. They were “taught” certain fundamental concepts and shown respect of “Mother Earth”, self, family and community.

They are devoted to keeping ecological integrity at the lodge and in all aspects of visitors’ travel through Quetico Provincial Park. They truly believe that humans are not the masters of nature, but rather a small strand that is part of the large web of life. They lead by example, cultivate hope and inspire others to appreciate the connection to each other and the Earth.

Is Internet and cell phone service available?

Cell phone service is available at the lodge, however, due to its remote location, internet service is not available.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, all adventures are dog friendly.

What experience and level of fitness do I need?

To help you choose your adventure, we’ve rated canoe trip route levels from EASY (no experience to advanced) to CHALLENGING (intermediate to advanced). Canoe adventures and trip routes can be customized to match your skills, experience and fitness level.

Use our canoe rating system to see if the trip is right for you. Don’t know what level you’re at? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

What are the backcountry meals like?

Voyageur Wilderness guarantees well-balanced and nutritious meals of fresh and freeze-dried trail foods for your backcountry adventure. We’ll provide you with meal menu options, discuss choices, including any special dietary needs and ensure your food, cook kit and essentials are packed up for your trip.

Download our Backcountry Food Checklist.

What is the weather like in Quetico?

It’s always important to consider weather conditions when trip planning.  For example May and September tend to be cooler than June, July and August.  Please check the Welcome to Quetico Provincial Park (ontarioparks.com) or for daily weather forecasts and more info on weather conditions visit www.weatheroffice.gc.ca .  Feel free to contact us for our insight into weather and park travel conditions.

What environmental considerations are there for travel within Quetico?

The protection of Quetico Provincial Park is essential and is guided by rules and regulations that all visitors must adhere to. Leave No Trace 7 principles including: Pack it in-Pack it out and How To Dispose of Waste Properly form part of the wilderness ethical travel to ensure Quetico’s protected for generations to come! We can help you with Park Travel Regulations and Trip Planning or visit Welcome to Quetico Provincial Park.

What about safety and emergencies?

Trip plan, preparedness, skills, equipment and common sense are tools to keep you safe and healthy. Other emergency tools such as Satellite phones and Emergency Locators are available to rent.

Canoe Rating System

Challenging (7+ day canoe trips, serious portaging)

  • 7+ days paddling with 8 to 10 easy to difficult portages
  • 6+ nights at different campsites
  • Suitable for good to excellent fitness levels
  • Suitable for intermediate to advanced canoe tripping skill level
  • Great for avid adventurers, families with teenage children, couples and small groups

Demanding (5 to 7+ day canoe trips, moderate portaging)

  • 5 to 7 days paddling with 2 to 7 easy/moderate portages
  • 4 to 6 nights at different campsites
  • Extended: add extra nights at a base campsite
  • Suitable for average to good fitness levels
  • Suitable for intermediate to advanced canoe tripping skill level
  • Great for avid adventurers, families with teenage children, couples and small groups

Classic (2 to 4+ day canoe trips, easy portaging)

  • 2 to 4 days paddling with 1 to 2 easy portages
  • 1 to 3+ nights at easy access campsite(s)
  • Extended: add extra nights at base campsite
  • Suitable for most fitness levels
  • Suitable for all canoe tripping skill levels (no experience to advanced)
  • Great for families with young children, multi-generations and new canoe trippers

Easy (day canoe outings)

  • Day canoe outings from lodge/cabin
  • Suitable for most fitness levels
  • Suitable for all canoeing skill levels (no experience to advanced)

Note: All trips can be customized to meet your needs. Don’t know what level you’re at? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.