Canoeing QEW's Big Loop
Details
Want to help open up a new route for the group? This trip will attempt a 3-day loop in QEW travelling on some frequently used sections but also some lesser-used rivers, portages, and numerous beaver dams. This trip promises a lot of challenge and surprises.
I anticipate we will find lots of seldom travelled routes, solitude, and wildlife.
I think this trip should be doable in 3 days but I am budgeting 4 days, which will require taking Aug 2nd off if you have work that day.
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/c/1/6/600_452003574.jpeg
Challenges include
• significant remoteness
• no official campsites or privies
• poor documentation on the route
• no official maintenance
• travel through lakes with motor boat traffic
• possibly low water levels, more portages
• buggy conditions
Participant requirements
• you must be a capable canoe paddler, more than 5 overnight trips
• you must have more than 20 nights of wilderness camping experience
• you and your boat mate must collectively be packed for long single carry portages
• you must be fully capable of paddling alone if needed
You may be contacted to confirm that your experience level is appropriate. Attendance on this trip is at the discretion of the organizer.
There are no bathrooms/privies.
The route may have been travelled and clear, but I suggest we have a small saw and loppers in case we need to clear the portages.
Although lighter boats will make this trip easier, I recommend something with a little more durability.
I have called around and most places don't have boats or are sold out so please reserve early and budget time for picking your boat. I am planing on getting my boat from Swift's Georigan Bay store.
Maps and Descriptions of the route
# Map of the area the route travels
https://www.dropbox.com/s/6i0kmjfx7ypfqba/QEW_3day-paddleing-route.png?dl=0
# My map of the route
https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/e8fac77f-708e-4dac-ae4b-f8f3f71a69c8/
# Map of the whole park
http://www.explorethebackcountry.com/#!qewmap/c5c4
# Trip report of the routehttp://www.myccr.com/phpbbforum/viewtopic.php?f=108&t=43588
http://www.explorethebackcountry.com/#!loopqew/ccdm
# Very detailed discussion of Digby creek
http://www.myccr.com/phpbbforum/viewtopic.php?f=108&t=39695
# Index of descriptions of QEW paddling routes
http://www.myccr.com/phpbbforum/viewtopic.php?f=107&t=44909&hilit=queen+elizabeth+wildlands+digby
Itinerary
21 Portages, 6712m total
40.4km total travel distance
Devil's Lake
1400m portage
Sheldon Lake
625m portage
Cooney Lake
475m portage
Peter's Pond
150m portage
Victoria Lake
320m rough portage
Head River
numerous beaver dams
210m rough portage
230m rough portage
beaver dam
25m rough portage
beaver dam
Crooked Lake
Head River
35m dam portage
Long Lake
180m portage
Round Lake
40m Falls portage
Fishog Lake
90m portage
Digby Creek
290m rough portage
40m rough portage
70m rough portage
5m rough portage
90m rough portage
RedBoat Lake
75m rough portage
Digby Creek
5 beaver dams
55m rough portage
Scrabble Lake
1800m portage
500m portage if water levels are low
Black Lake
Black Creek
Moore Lake
Carry over Dam
Gull Lake
Deep Bay
Leave boats near road and walk about 2km to cars
Money:
This park is free however to ensure the people who sign up intend to come, I will be collecting a $1 deposit. This will be returned in full at the end of the trip.
Logistics:
Please use the spreadsheet linked below to coordinate carpooling and gear sharing.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13PThdznFO585xYfaa8g8x8UzINAFJNP8-KQx5fnlL4c/edit?usp=sharing