W-23 Wallace Lake to Woodland Caribou return
Geographic Location:
- Atikaki Provincial Park (Manitoba), Woodland Caribou Park (Ontario).
Name of Trip:
- Wallace Lake to Woodland Caribou return.
Major Lakes/Rivers:
- Wallace L, Wanipigow R, Haggert R, Haggart L, Bulging L, Carroll Lake, Obukowin L, Siderock L.
Source of Information:
- August 1997, Two experiences paddlers, ages 53/73.
Duration of Trip:
- 5 days paddling.
Total Distance:
- 100 kilometres.
River Rating:
- Haggart River: Class 1-2. Water was clear and cold. Obukowin Lake is shallow and weedy.
Portages:
- 15+, depending on beaver activity on the Wanipigow River. Portages on the Wanipigow River were not marked. The 3 stage Obukowin portage is a “killer” (total distance of 5km with marshy sections).
Start (Put In):
- Wallace Lake Campground.
Finish (Take Out):
- Wallace Lake Campground.
Remoteness:
- No other canoe or kayak groups were encountered.
- Motor boats were seen. Fishermen were encountered on Carroll and Siderock Lakes.
- Fly-in lodges on Obukowin, Haggart, Carroll, Bulging Lakes.
Comments:
- Permits and registration are required for this trip (for the Woodland Caribou portion). The cost was $5 person/day.
- There are no designated campsites. Very few sites on Haggart Lake.
- Open fires are not legal in Manitoba (except in designated fire pits) and firewood was adequate.
- There was evidence of past forest fires. Burnt areas not partially regrown.
- Lots of blueberries on the portages.
- No bears encountered.
- Fishing was average. Pike was the main species caught.
