W-17 Red Lake to Aikens Lake in Atikaki Park
Geographic Location:
- Atikaki Provincial Park (Manitoba), Woodland Caribou Park (Ontario).
Name of Trip:
- Red Lake to Aikens Lake in Atikaki Park
Major Lakes/Rivers:
- Red L, Douglas L, Telescope L, Rostul L, Donald L, Carroll L, Aikens L.
Source of Information:
- Topographical Maps: 52 L/15, L/16, M/1, M/2, M/3.
- Books/Brochures: Woodland Caribou Park Map – Government of Manitoba.
Duration of Trip:
- 5 days paddling.
Total Distance:
- 160 kilometres.
River Rating:
- Very little white water on Gammon River, then three sets of Class 1-2 an Falls (Carlson).
Portages:
- About 20 portages with the longest 800 paces at Douglas Lake. Most portages are well traveled near the fly-in fishing cabins.
Start (Put In):
- Red Lake (ON) PTH #105 off Highway #17. Entry by Black Bear Lodge near the west end of the lake avoids paddling Red Lake. 500m walk to the lake down the lodge access road.
Finish (Take Out):
- Aikens Lake Lodge, fly to Wallace Lake (road access) through the Obukowin Portage.
Alternate Access:
- Take out at Wallace Lake (road access) through the Obukowin Portage.
Remoteness:
- Fly-in fishing outposts on most lakes. Fly-in private cottages at Donald Lake.
Comments:
- This is a safe, fairly remote trip due to the small size of most lakes and little whitewater.
- There are burnt-out areas, particularly around Telescope Lake. The area west of Namiwan was burned before 1990.
- A permit and camping fees are required to travel through the Woodland Caribou Park and can be obtained at the Red Lake Office.
- Few campsites until Hatchet Lake; afterward frequent sites for along the entire route. Excellent selection at the mouth of the Gammon, leaving Carroll Lake (west side).
