Why you should paddle Biscotasi Lake
Biscotasi Lake is a real gem. I began exploring the lake and its neighboring lakes and rivers after paddling the east branch of the Spanish River with my wife a number of years ago. The next year we traveled down the Missiassagi River, beginning on�Biscotasi�Lake, then the west branch of the Spanish River the following season. Canoe trips in this region are endless; and all of them are accessible by either bush plane or rail �both classic ways to enter northern Ontario wilderness.
A couple of years ago I returned to the area to link two routes I had done before – the west Spanish River and a series of lakes south of�Biscotasi. By linking them I was able to paddle a perfect 12 day loop. It was an amazing trip. This is the same route that Archie Belaney (Grey Owl) paddled. It was also where I visited the remains of a lodge that was once built for the visit by Prince of�Wales�in 1939.
I found the lodge at the tip of�a�Indian Lake�s southern point of land for the entrance to Eastern Earl Bay. Only a chimney and some scattered debris remained. It�s an impressive chimney but the story behind why the Prince never visited the lodge the locals proudly built, and why there�s only a chimney left behind, is even more notable. Supposedly the Prince of�Wales�did show up, walked off the train in Biscotasing, and realizing how bad the black flies�were, he walked back on the train and left town. The residents were so enraged that they went and burned the lodge to the ground.
Paddling Biscotasi�Lake itself is worth the visit. But heading off and exploring the neighboring history is definitely an asset. I highly recommend a trip�there�this season.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_70wKtlI4qQ
