Re: Mowat Landing Cottages shuttle. It is the least expensive and most convenient option if you want to end your trip below the Mattawapika Dam at Mowat Landing.
Re: dangerous rapids. Lots of rapids between Gamble and Katherine, which will have a different look depending on the time of year and water level. Also falls - Helen, Center, and Frank on the North Channel - where there is no question about what you will be doing!
Check out this Youtube video
Paddling the Burnt lands uploaded by Leah and Brad Jennings (aka stajanleafs in this forum). The first 12 or 13 minutes take you from their Gamble Lake put-in down to Macpherson Lake. The video and comments will give you a good idea of what you will face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHPM-gGQqAYSee also my Days 6 and 7 posts for maps and details on the rapids, falls, and portages from the Forks down to Katherine.
Re: camping fee. The more in your group, the cheaper it gets!
I got the permit online.
https://reservations.ontarioparks.comChoose the
Backcountry Registration prompt on the right-hand side of the page and fill out the details.
Re: SLE via Solace. This would be an entirely different trip. I have not used that access route but E.T. gave you what you need to know. My question is - how do you plan to get back to your vehicle if you park at the spot Eddy mentions? You'd have to do some sort of loop...in the end, you have to make a choice and leave the other possibilities for the next trip and the one after that.
Temagami is definitely an area that gives you a reason to return!