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This is the number one question that we are asked . More boot options are appearing every year, some good for canoe treks but more that are not. Some people have a personal preference for sandals or other inappropriate footgear. The question they need to ask is "do I want to risk ruining the entire crew's trek because I want to wear (sandals, Keens, tennis shoes, Crocks, etc.)" Our risk assessment over 80 years of program clearly indicates that foot and ankle injuries are the number one injury requiring evacuation. For more detailed information about boots, check the resource CD (each contingent advisor gets a copy of this), or the Voyageur's handbook (participant book).

In general you want a boot that has ankle support and protection from cuts; a thick sole that will protect the bottom of the foot and secure traction when carrying 80+ pounds of gear over sharp rocks, roots, and mud; and a boot that will not come apart after being continuously wet for a week or more. Some proven winners are American Made jungle boots (or any jungle boot with a vulcanized sole - not glued), old hiking boots, heavy duty wading shoes, Chota Quetico Trekkers, and stitched sole work boots.

WHEN ARE WE SUPPOSED TO ARRIVE AT THE NORTHERN TIER?

The best time to arrive at any of the Northern Tier bases is 1:00 pm or as soon as possible thereafter. Before 1:00pm the staff will be having lunch or will be busy getting ready for your arrival and will be unavailable to assist you. Due to flight schedules, you may be in a situation where you must arrive later. We will do our best to accommodate you and we have crews in this situation that have great trips each year. It will mean that you will be more rushed and may get started on your trek a few hours later the next day, but we can make it happen when necessary. Please let us know in advance so we can prepare for you to make the check-in as smooth as possible.

Please do not expect to arrive at the base the day before your scheduled arrival! We have limited facilities and other crews will be using them.

WHEN WILL WE BE ABLE TO LEAVE FOR HOME AT THE END OF OUR TREK?

Most crews will leave right after breakfast on the day after they come off-water. This is usually around 9:00 am. With prior notice, an early (6:00 am) breakfast can be arranged. A few crews do leave the day they come off-water but we do not recommend it. You will be tired and travel can be more dangerous. You will also miss some program opportunities.

WE HAVE MORE THAN ONE CREW. CAN WE TRAVEL TOGETHER ON OUR CANOE TREK?

No you cannot! Both the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park allow no more than nine people in a group. Groups must not camp, portage, or travel together. In fact you must not be in a larger group even if they are not part of your contingent. There are hefty fines if these policies are violated.

In the Crown Lands (going north from Atikokan or for trips from Bissett) we impose similar rules by limiting group travel to the BSA Wilderness Use policy of no more than 12 in a group. This is to minimize our visual and noise impact on other visitors as well as to limit group size the campsite size. More people will significantly impact a campsite, especially if there are more tents than the site will accommodate.

CAN OUR CREWS TRAVEL THE SAME ROUTE?

Crews may usually travel the same route as long as they remain separate at all times. If a particular route is already being used to capacity, alternate routes may be necessary or suggested.

DO WE HAVE TO SELECT A SET ROUTE AS WE DO AT PHILMONT?

You will have to make some choices ahead of time, but not the specific route. You will have to select a base (Bissett, Atikokan, or C.L. Sommers). At the C.L. Sommers base you will have to decide if you wish to go into Quetico Provincial Park (Ontario Canada) or the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Minnesota). At the Atikokan base you will have to choose if you wish to go south into Quetico Provincial Park or north into the Crown Lands. This is so we can secure the proper permits ahead of time. The actual specific routes can be selected ahead of time or when you arrive at the base.

This is because canoe country is a spider web of lakes and portages. Even if you begin at the same lake, there are many different portages and directions you can take lake-to-lake as you continue on your trek. There are thousands of lakes to travel in millions of acres of wilderness. The choice is up to your crew!

DO I HAVE TO USE A NORTHERN TIER MEDICAL?

We realize that having a medical done usually is another expense for your trek, but it is quite important and required that you have a medical form done within 12 months and preferably 6 months before your trek. We ask you use our form because there is specific information in it that is important for your physician to make an informed decision about approving you for the activity. The physician needs to know our canoeing program isn't just fishing from a cabin but is a quite strenuous activity in remote locations without immediate help available. A sports physical, school physical, or summer camp physical do not screen for the same level of risk or activity. For this reason we require the Northern Tier medical form.

MAY WE BRING OUR OWN PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFDS)?

You may bring your own PFD, subject to our approval, as long as it is a U.S. Coast Guard approved foam filled Type III PFD in good condition. We do not approve the inflatable suspender or other inflatable PFDs.

WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO GET INTO CANADA?

Driving: You need a passport or the following - Photo I.D. and notarized copy of your birth certificate. (This will change in 2008 - check this link for current details). Minors also need a parental permission slip signed by both parents (if there are two), or the parent not attending with the child unless there is only one parent attending with the child.

Flying: You need a passport. Minors also need a parental permission slip signed by both parents (if there are two), or the parent not attending with the child unless there is only one parent attending with the child.

Paddling: You need the following - Photo I.D. and notarized copy of your birth certificate. (This will change in 2008 - check this link for current details). Minors also need a parental permission slip signed by both parents (if there are two), or the parent not attending with the child unless there is only one parent attending with the child. All adults also need a Remote Area Border Crossing document (RABC). These need to be applied for 6 weeks in advance of your trip. Follow this link for an application. Youth are listed on a Youth Manifest form which must be faxed ahead of time and a copy carried with you on your trek. Get a copy of the Youth Manifest here.

QUETICO PROVINCIAL PARK PERMITS

Can I pick up my permit at the Atikokan or C.L. Sommers Base? No! Permits are picked up at Park Ranger Stations (After noon at the town of Atikokan, French Lake, or Beaverhouse (from the Atikokan Base) or Prairie Portage and Cache Bay Ranger Stations (from the C.L. Sommers base).

Is the Quetico Provincial Park confirmation letter my permit? No! Is has your confirmation number but you must pick up your official permit at a Ranger Station as listed above.

DOES THE NORTHERN TIER PROVIDE SHUTTLE SERVICE TO THE BASES?

We do not provide shuttle service. It is the responsibility of the contingent or crew arrange travel to get to the bases. The Expedition Planning Guide provides contact information for various commercial shuttle service providers. most crews rent vehicles at the airport or arrange for bus or van shuttles.

FIRST AID REQUIREMENTS

The Northern Tier requires basic first-aid and adult CPR by any recognized agency for at least one adult (preferably all) crew leader(s) in each crew. We do not currently require Wilderness First Aid although we highly recommend it. On-line CPR or First Aid courses do NOT meet this requirement.