Camping in Canada???

[biotroller]

I live in Illinois & have been thinking about camping in Canada this summer. I don't want to tow my boat 18 hrs, the cost of gas alone would kill me. I'm not sure if I'm being foolish with my though process but, here goes!

Bring a 14' v-hull on a ladder rack, 9.9 or 15 hp four stroke in the bed of the truck, along with assorted camping gear. I'm not sure how many days worth of gear I could get into my truck bed. I know I'd have to bring gas/water etc.

Could a guy drive up like that & camp/fish nearby lakes?

I am looking at the Nakina area.

I'd prefer not to camp at a lodge if possible. I've read a little about camping on crown land but, having not actually done this before, I'm looking for someones insight.

I hope to take my son up for a week with my Dad & brother & stay at a resort. It would be great to extend the trip with some camping as well. If I can't get the finances lined up for a resort, my only chance would be to camp.

Who has tried/done something like this? Would you do it again? Any other thoughts/advice would be appreciated!

If this "idea" isn't realistic let me down gently!

Thank you for your help!

[dutchboy]

I don't know the legality of doing it in Canada. Plenty and I mean plenty of people do it in VNP on the Canadian border. Camping in VNP in the United States only. Check in at the ranger station and away you go.

I have seen Kayaks and Canoe's so loaded you would think they would sink.

Sounds like a good time. Have fun and be safe.

[NathanH]

Just a quick note. I would not bring water. Just purchase a water filtration system they hook right in to the water bottles. Bring up a 3 gallan water sack and make your water as you needed. hauling that water around when camping is just a pain.

[Mondo_)H]

Do a SEARCH on here. I believe this may have already beed discussed on here. I think in Ontario you may need a permit but not in Quebec if I am correct. good luck amd have fun!

I have camped for thirty years in Canada.I can give you a boat load of information. I do not know the
location you mentioned but I can give you a few locations to consider. I am also from IL north west corner
my e mail is WGSHAM@GMAIL.COM feel free to contact me. It is a great way to fish in Canada on a limited
budget

[biotroller]

BAGW I sent you an e-mail. Thank you!

I didn't mention, I don't need to be in a remote area, I would like to have my son catch a lot of fish!

[Munshaw]

At the very least I know that non residents camping on crown land (public) are subject to conservation fishing license, which means 2 walleye limit. Some lakes, such as lac seul, have special regs stating no non resident camping on crown land. Make sure you check your specific lake. I don't think there's many though.

[green&orange]

Originally Posted by biotroller

I live in Illinois & have been thinking about camping in Canada this summer. I don't want to tow my boat 18 hrs, the cost of gas alone would kill me. I'm not sure if I'm being foolish with my though process but, here goes!

Bring a 14' v-hull on a ladder rack, 9.9 or 15 hp four stroke in the bed of the truck, along with assorted camping gear. I'm not sure how many days worth of gear I could get into my truck bed. I know I'd have to bring gas/water etc.

Could a guy drive up like that & camp/fish nearby lakes?

I am looking at the Nakina area.

I'd prefer not to camp at a lodge if possible. I've read a little about camping on crown land but, having not actually done this before, I'm looking for someones insight.

I hope to take my son up for a week with my Dad & brother & stay at a resort. It would be great to extend the trip with some camping as well. If I can't get the finances lined up for a resort, my only chance would be to camp.

Who has tried/done something like this? Would you do it again? Any other thoughts/advice would be appreciated!

If this "idea" isn't realistic let me down gently!

Thank you for your help!

A buddy and I camped on crown land last year for the first time. I've been to resorts as well and they are too "busy" for my taste. Just too many people around camp. We like to get away. Not that I dislike people but I go to Canada to get away from them. After camping, I don't think I will ever consider a lodge again. Just my preference.

We car-topped a 12' boat (with a 6 HP Johnson) 30 miles down a logging road (off of the main road). Launched on a lake and camped at a remote site. We had that 12' loaded up with gear but we could fit everything we needed. Next year, we will pack a little smarter though (leave some things at home and bring some others).

Like I said before, we camped on Crown land. It is $10 bucks a night per guy for Americans. This year - we are renting a tent from a licensed outfitter to avoid paying the $10 per night per guy fee (saves us about $40). We didn't see another person for the 4 days we camped. The fishing was excellent and doing it all on your own makes it just that much sweeter. To us, a lot of the fun is in the preparation - picking out a lake, researching how to get there, talking to the MNR biologist, ect. We have already picked out our 2012 and 2013 destinations - we are planning on getting more and more remote each year. Too many places and not enough time!

Some general tips (not mentioned above) - freeze your perishable food and some beverages so they will last longer in the cooler, pack a mesh bag, marker bouy and rope to sink your beer in the deepest part of the lake to keep it cold (special thanks to Solopaddler for that one - we ripped that idea off big time), bring the basics for tackle (one spinning and one baitcasting rod - jigs, crankbaits, and spoons), and thermacells are excellent (bring refills).

All in all, I would highly recommend it. Good luck!

[outdoorsron]

Hello: I would suggest to try to go through a licensed outfitter that has remote camp sights or can get you set up with the crown land permits. I camped in Canada several years ago and that is what we did. The outfitter got the camping permits we needed. We were also able to store food at the outfitters and we could run in after a couple of days and fill up with gas and get more supplies. We were able to take fish in to freeze but don't forget that the fish you freeze are part of your limit. We stayed on an Island that was about 7 miles from the resort and didn't see but a few boats the whole time and towards evening they all leave for the resort and we were there by ourselves most of the time. Good Luck O - R

[biotroller]

I appreciate the responses, this seems like it may be something I need to look into further. Any more ideas are appreciated!