Summarized Review Highlights
Air-Dale Outfitters near Wawa, Ontario draws overwhelmingly positive reviews across its fly-in outpost camps and main lodge operation on Whitefish Lake. The vast majority of guests rate their experience highly, with many returning year after year — some for nearly two decades. Owners Jenn and Martin Wearn are mentioned by name in almost every review, and the consistent theme is that guests feel treated like family rather than customers. The warmth, attentiveness, and genuine hospitality of the owners and staff appear to be the single strongest element of the Air-Dale experience, frequently described as the reason guests rebook before they even leave.
On the fishing side, walleye and pike are the primary draws, and guests report consistently strong action at the fly-in outpost lakes, which are offered on a one-party-per-lake basis. Cabins at outposts like Anjigaming, Nameigos, and Missinabi are described as clean, well-stocked with propane and fuel, and equipped with working boats and motors — though at least one reviewer noted engine problems caused by bad gasoline and a wait of over a day for replacement motors. The main lodge itself earns strong praise for its food, comfortable penthouse accommodations, and welcoming atmosphere; several passing travellers and non-anglers note it as a highlight of their entire cross-Canada trip. One practical note raised by a reviewer is that Air-Dale does not operate its own floatplanes and relies on a charter company, meaning flight schedules are subject to coordination between two separate operators. The lower-rated reviews point to inconsistency in the roadside cabins at the main lodge property — some guests found cabins in poor condition, with issues like cobwebs, dirty dishes, cracked shower stalls, and lifting floors. One detailed complaint about a more remote transit cabin (Medhurst Lake) cited a broken dock, inoperative refrigerator, seized outboard motor, and a rejected refund request. These concerns appear limited to specific cabins rather than the fly-in outposts, and the main lodge's penthouse and upper-tier rooms consistently receive praise.
Air-Dale is best suited for groups of friends or families seeking a true remote fly-in fishing experience targeting walleye and pike, particularly those who value personal service and a back-country atmosphere over resort-style amenities. Repeat anglers with Canadian fly-in experience will feel at home, and first-timers are well supported by knowledgeable, hands-on staff. The main lodge also works well as an overnight stop for travellers passing through the Wawa area who want something more characterful than a highway motel. Guests expecting polished, uniform cabin standards throughout the entire property — including the drive-in roadside units — may want to ask specifically about the condition of their assigned accommodation before booking.
Summary generated May 25, 2026
Read all 33 reviews
John H
Oct 1, 2025
TripAdvisor
Met or Exceeded Expectations!!!
Everything about Air-Dale was incredibly awesome. I cannot say enough about Jenn and Martin's hospitality. Very accommodating met or exceeded any and all expectations!!!! Highly recommended!!!
Date of stay: October 2025
Outfitter overall
flyfloats
Sep 1, 2024
TripAdvisor
Medhurst Lake Cabin—sadly neglected!
This is a review of the Medhurst lake cabin. It is not a comment on any of the other cabins or main lodge run by this family.
We flew our Cessna 185 floatplane into Medhurst Lake for a stay while transiting Canada from east to west. After paying our money and before arriving at the cabin we were texted and told that the dock was in disrepair and the water system was in operative. It turns out that the dock was nonexistent and the bay is so shallow that the plane could not be brought to the shore. This required tying the plane offshore and hauling gear to the beach. The water situation was not critical since we were used to filtering water from lakes before drinking anyway.
Upon arrival at the cabin we found numerous other problems that shouldn't be part of an expensive cabin rental:
1. Refrigerator was inoperative.
2. The outboard motor on the boat next to the cabin was frozen.
3. Windows were all stuck on the porch.
4. There was no lime or other chemicals for the outhouse.
5. The front deck side access step was broken and presented a danger.
The cabin was far more primitive than how it was presented when we paid our money. Our request for a partial refund was rejected which prompts this negative review. This would be a one star review that has been elevated to two stars only because Jenn was so personal and friendly on the phone.
Date of stay: July 2024
This lake
my l
Aug 1, 2024
TripAdvisor
Remote, Nature Centric with great people
Yes, this place is remote. Remote enough that no, you don't need to worry about locking the cabin doors. Don't expect a key. You should expect a hunting cabin experience. I've stayed in the cabins and yeah, they are old, they are in the woods. There will be bugs, spiders, cobwebs. Keeping those in check is a full time job for nature.
The main lodge accommodation is stunning. If you want a top notch executive level room, stay in the main lodge above the restaurant.
The owners are really nice. The staff are nice and have tons of local knowledge they are willing to share.
This place is more like visiting family....just doing so in the woods.
Date of stay: September 2023
Outfitter overall
Dutch
Jul 27, 2024
TripAdvisor
Another Great Fishing Trip!
We stayed at the main lodge cabins the night before flying to John's Lake for a week. I bought another new Air-Dale shirt for my better half and I caught more walleye and pike than I deserved. It was wonderful to say hello to Martin and Jenn again. They have a great selection of lakes and the fishing is always great.
Date of stay: June 2024
This lake
Tina B
Aug 14, 2022
TripAdvisor
Gorgeous Place
We had the pleasure of staying here overnight last Friday (Aug 5). The penthouse is gorgeous and the view put the icing on the cake. Accommodations felt like home. We indulged in the restaurant for dinner and breakfast and walked away stuffed!! Best sleep we have had in a long time...Endy mattress here we come!! Everyone, staff and guests were all so very friendly. We will be back!
Insider tip: Don't go to Wawa without a reservation.
Date of stay: August 2022
Outfitter overall
Tracy L
Jul 1, 2022
TripAdvisor
Brest EVER trip
I have never experienced a fly in fishing trip before. Jen and all the staff are very helpful and amazing service. My husband and I really enjoyed our selves. The cabin at Amiganging was beautiful, clean and well maintained. If you are looking for a great trip with friends or family. This trip would be for you. The fishing and sandy beaches are just amazing. Walleye and pike are the best. There is an abundant of fish. This was the best trip ever, and I love a nice sunny day on white sandy beaches. This trip has everything for every member of the family. A great trip to unwind and leave all your worries behind. For a remote place to fish. You have all the comforts of home. From a very clean shower with hot water, cabin sleep 8 and electricity with solar and generator. There is also wi-fi. With all of this set on a lake to yourself. Life feels so good. Thank you again Jen and staff. My husband and I will be doing this again.
Date of stay: July 2022
This lake
Dutch
Jun 1, 2022
TripAdvisor
Fly In Fishing Trip
Stayed in one of the cabins the night before flying in to Nameigos. The owners and staff are excellent. Great sense of humor and even better hosts.
The cabin @ Nameigos was exactly what was advertised and the fishing was great. Great scenery and lots of wildlife. We were fortunate enough to view eagles, loons, beaver, ducks, and a moose on this trip. Walleye and pike were plentiful and even found a few perch.
Will definitely use Air-Dale in the future and highly recommend to anyone looking for a great back country outfitter.
Date of stay: June 2022
This lake
Dave S
Jun 1, 2022
TripAdvisor
Restaurant, Jenn (owner) was a delight!! The waitresses were as delightful !!!
The food was GREAT! Served with a smile. The menu was diverse and served hot and fresh! The room (cabin) was clean and well kept. Our trip was as good or better than the any I've been on. I do plan on putting this location on my schedule in the future!
Insider tip: Remote and quiet!
Date of stay: June 2022
Outfitter overall
LoreenOntario_Canada
Aug 13, 2021
TripAdvisor
Awesome location but terrible accommodations. You do not get a key to lock your cabin if you leave the property.
This is a collection of 8 or so small cabins and a main lodge and bar/restaurant. The location is very nice, on the edge of Whitefish Lake.
There is a communal fire pit available if you want to purchase firewood and have a campfire.
There are also canoes and boats available to rent.
The downside is the cabins. The cabin that we were in was in very poor condition and not very clean. We had to knock cobwebs out of the doorway between the porch and the kitchen when we arrived. The shower stall was severely cracked and also caulked in many places. The flooring was lifting in the bathroom. There was an odd assortment of some kitchen items available for use - some cutlery, dishes, pots and pans, etc. but some of the items had to be washed first as they were dirty.
The biggest gripe I have is that we asked for a key twice and were told that 'we didn't need one'. That meant that when we left to go hiking or to go into town, we had to leave the cabin unlocked.
One last thing - the restaurant and bar are operating on extremely restricted hours. I believe that the bar is open for only one hour at night.
Date of stay: August 2021
This lake
Joe and Frances - Cambridge, Ontario
Sep 1, 2020
TripAdvisor
Wow what a disappointment - don't believe the pictures!
Stopped at this property while travelling between Thunder Bay and Southern Ontario. Our stay worked out to be about $185.00 for one night including tax. For $185.00 you get grumpy staff, pitiful boring room painted in contractors white paint, dilapidated porch that looks like they gave up on it before they finished it (many years ago). The door jammed while opening and closing it. There could have been a view from the room except that people are walking right by your window on their way to and from their own pitiful room. They said part of our package was a free breakfast but again, grumpy service. The breakfast was skimpy and bland with choice of either sausage or bacon with eggs and toast. Don't ask for anything else because you won't get it. The coffee was good. I'd say a proper price for this place should be about $85.00/night based on comparative places I've stayed all over Canada.
The thing I like best about this place is seeing it in my rear view mirror.
Insider tip: Don't believe the pictures!
Date of stay: August 2020
Outfitter overall
Kim L
Sep 1, 2020
TripAdvisor
Incredible Stay!
The people who run this lodge are the kindest and most generous hosts I've ever met. We passed throughout here on our trek across Canada, and they made sure we had an incredible stay, and were very personable and genuine the whole time. We were served the most incredible breakfast hash for breakfast, and we were also offered cheesecake for dessert after dinner (which wasn't on the menu!). The food was delicious! Our accommodations were great! Definitely rustic but you can't beat having your own cabin, your own door to your accommodations, and being right on the water, especially with us having a dog! I would recommend this to anyone looking to get off the beaten path a bit and who want to enjoy some time out in nature. I would gladly stay here again, and my partner is already planning to come out again for a fishing trip.
Date of stay: August 2020
Outfitter overall
Bob G
Oct 1, 2019
TripAdvisor
September retreat
Jen, Martin and Mike are the best! Fishing was outstanding and we are already booked for next year. We had some problems with our water system but they made two trips into our lake to try and fix the problem. Customer service was outstanding. The cabin was clean and the equipment worked fine. I've been fishing in Canada for 35 years and this is the best outfitter I've ever flow with into the bush.
Date of stay: September 2019
Outfitter overall
Tom B
Jul 1, 2019
TripAdvisor
Fly-in Fishing
Stay at the lodge the night before our fly-in fishing trip. Great people that care about you and want to make sure everything is well taken care of. I have used their services for 17 - 18 years. Great one cabin per lake fly-ins with very good fishing.
Reasonable Pricing.
Date of stay: June 2019
Outfitter overall
DanAndLubaAndJohn
Jul 1, 2019
TripAdvisor
An excellent stay
Remote
Beautiful
Friendly
Good food and drink
Stayed in the penthouse
Was given a tour of the lake by boat.
This place was the highlight of my trip through Canada/Ontario/Quebec
If you fish, this is a good spot.
If you do not, this is a good spot.
Date of stay: July 2019
Outfitter overall
Catharine28
Oct 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Beautiful Lodge - And the People are even Better!
We travelled from Muskoka to Kenora for our son's wedding and overnighted twice at Air-Dale. The scenery was lovely. It is a hunting and fishing lodge. The accommodations are very basic, but squeaky clean and the beds are very comfortable. Jenn and Martin, the owners, were very acoommodating. The meals were good, and the lodge unique and cosy and charming. A log building with a fireplace, bar and comfortable dining area with good views added to the charm. I would highly recommend this place over anywhere else in Wawa. It is a bit of a drive from Wawa, but worth it!
Date of stay: September 2018
Outfitter overall
689normt
Aug 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Fishing and Relaxing Trip
I have been going to this lodge for 18 years now. 4 years with the new owners Jenn and Martin. This year was the most relaxing trip I have been on. They did everything to make it a wonderful time and have nothing to worry about. Food was great and fishing was good.
Insider tip: These are fishing lodge cabins that are roomy and clean. They have a couple of rooms in the lodge. All cabins are on the lake shore.
Date of stay: July 2018
Outfitter overall
Susan A
Aug 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Great Northern Experience
We were looking for a stop-over on a motorcycle trip when we read about Air-Dale. Decided to stay 2 nights so we could get a feel for the lodge and consider it for future fishing trips. What a delight! Because of previous bookings that has been made, we ended up in a two bedroom cabin the first night and then in the Penthouse. We were so happy in the cabin, we would have been satisfied to stay there both nights. But then we moved upstairs of the lodge to the Penthouse. WOW!!! Beautiful living room, spacious kitchen, wrap around balcony. It was amazing. Mike, Sandy and Jenn went way above and beyond to make our stay great. We rented a boat and tackle. Mike got us all set up and even marked out good fishing spots on the map. The lake is beautiful and although we didn't catch much, we did bring back a very nice Walleye that Jenn cooked for our dinner that night. When you add in the wonderful, home cooked breakfasts to the experience, it couldn't have been better. Definitely plan to return for a longer fishing trip.
Insider tip: For an out of this world experience, consider spending the small amount extra and book the penthouse.
Date of stay: August 2018
Outfitter overall
Mary T
Jul 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
BEST Family Vacation to Paradise!
Hands down the best vacation we have taken together as a family! Jenn was wonderful from the time we met her. Felt like instant friends and part of the family reunion that was going on. Boys LOVED it!
Date of stay: August 2017
Outfitter overall
Jim R
Jul 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Little Missinabi
We wanted to find a place to bring a friend on a trip before we had to say one last goodbye. Air-Dale provided the perfect vacation for our group to enjoy nature together before he moved on.
We were pleased to have our pilot let him ride in the co-pilot seat on the way to Missinabi. This meant the world to him. Our accommodations were comfortable and clean. Having a hot shower in such a remote spot was a real treat. The fishing was absolutely outstanding and was really a highlight for our friend, after all this could be the last time the group will be fishing as a whole.
Special thanks to Jen and Martin for giving our friend one last memory as a single man. We all know this could be his last fishing trip ever.
Date of stay: July 2018
This lake
junctiontackleco2018
Jul 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
May long family getaway
The friendly service went far over and beyond during our stay! We will be back again soon! Our family had a blast and felt like being at home in the comfort of our own cabin and lounging in the lodge!
Date of stay: May 2018
Outfitter overall
Dan H
Jul 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
The Trip of a Lifetime!
This year will be my 3rd year at Air-Dale - I leave in just under 2 weeks and I can't wait! My brother in law has been visiting Air-Dale for many years and he introduced me to this wonderful and mesmerizing place and now the two of us go every year.
The fishing is fantastic and the scenery is breath taking, but that is not what makes this THE trip of a lifetime. Without question, it is the hospitality shared by both Jenn and Martin Wearn and their son Mike. From the moment I first met them I knew there was something special about the Wearns. I quickly learned that the sparkle in Jenn's eyes and the wide smile on Martin's face were both sincere and honest. It's just who they are - kind, compassionate and friendly.
Although my brother in law and I can only visit once a year the Wearns have become like family. The worst thing about going to Air-Dale is leaving people who mean so much to you - knowing you won't see them again for another year. I think a tear or two is shed by all on departure day.
I give Air-Dale a 5 star rating and that is for the fishing, the scenery and the accommodations (great food too!) However, to rate the people at Air-Dale would seem unjust as there is no number on a scale that would seem fit to rank these wonderful people.
Date of stay: August 2017
Outfitter overall
Jack A
Jul 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
The best outfitters in Ontario
Martin and Jenn Wearn have been generous friends since we started flying out to their outposts nearly 20 years ago. Their caring and service is excellent as many in our clan know! We have flown to many of their lakes and have enjoyed every one. Give them a try and I KNOW you will NOT be disappointed!
Insider tip: This is a fly-in fishing and hunting service near Wawa, On. Canada
Date of stay: June 2018
Outfitter overall
Ann M
Jul 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Visiting my birthplace
65 years ago I was born in Wawa. July 2017 I decided to go back to Canada to explore my roots. So my friend and I embarked on a 3500 mile road trip. I booked a cabin in Wawa advertised only as a two room cabin on the lake. I had no idea what I had booked. I exchanged emails with Jenn for several months explaining we weren't your usual fisherman, asking for advice on what to bring, how to get a guide to explore the lake, etc. The responses were immediate and reassuring. We drove from Kenora to Wawa in one day, arriving very late and had resigned ourselves to no dinner that night as all the restaurants were closed. We also expected to be treated more as step-children as we weren't 'real fisherman'. I couldn't have been more wrong! Jenn had saved us dinner and we sat down to a wonderful steak dinner and a couple glasses of wine! She welcomed us, showed us our cabin, arranged for a guide the next day and facilitated the purchase of a fishing license. I went out with the guide while my friend stayed on the screened porch and read a book. My guide was so patient and accommodating and shared my excitement when I reeled in a huge walleye! We spent the evening in the cozy lodge and woke up the next morning so sorry to leave. All in all we were treated like royalty, even if we weren't 'real fisherman'. My biggest regret is that I only booked 2 nights and have every intention of returning again.
Date of stay: August 2017
Outfitter overall
Greg H
Jul 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Canada fishing 2010-2018
Jenn and Martin Wearn and Airdale staff,
Once again you have helped create a wonderful family adventure! From our arrival to the completion of a one week fly in fishing trip, everyone at Airdale treated us like family! Fabulous remote outposts, great walleye fishing, incredible scenery, and most of all we were welcomed with open arms and personal service only Airdale can provide! We will continue to come back to our Canadian family year after year because of Martin and Jenn and all of the staff at Airdale!
Date of stay: July 2018
Outfitter overall
paulbI2548YK
Jul 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Great Outfitter
I went on my first ever fly in trip with Jenn and Martin about 8 yrs ago. I did a ton of research and made many phone calls to several Outfitters. By far Jenn and Martin were the nicest, patience people I had dealt with. When we finally picked our camp (Anjigaming) they were very helpful with giving us pointers and ideas where the best spots were to fish.
They always make sure their camps are top notch and very clean. I have gone on a few trips with them and everytime the camp, boats, and motors are always great!
They both are very welcoming when you show up at the air base to start your trip and every time we got back to the airbase at the end of our trip Jenn was always at the plane waiting to greet us. She made sure to ask us how the trip was, if we had any issues, and if they needed to be aware of any concerns or items fixed at the camp.
Go once with Jenn and Martin and you will feel like you are a part of their family.
You will not be disappointed with Air-Dale Outfitters!
Date of stay: July 2018
This lake
Paul T
Jul 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Atmosphere plus near Wawa
We drove for 26kms out of Wawa to be away from the highway types of motels that proliferate in this part of Canada. It was worth it. It is secluded. It is a delightful physical environment and there is a range of cabin types. Our penthouse overlooked a beautiful island with panoramic views of the area. It was spacious, clean, and atmospheric. The owner-hostess, on arrival and at dinner, was absolutely delightful and informative. While the menu was limited, what was presented was home-cooked and high quality. My wife's burger was excellent and I had the best nachos I've ever had anywhere. We sat at a table where through the window we could see a hummingbird hovering and drinking nearby. No moose or bear but there's always tomorrow! We are staying for a night and loving the seclusion, tranquility, and personal attention that is so different from a standard motel.
Insider tip: Go for the best cabin/room you can afford.
Date of stay: July 2018
Outfitter overall
Murray R
Jul 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Great over nite stay especially for long trips
Two of us were flying out of Wawa, Ontario for a fishing trip and needed a room overnight. Airdale was only 20 minutes north of Wawa and was definitely worth the drive. It was very easy to find Airdale and the property was right on the lake. Upon arriving we were met by Jenn in the parking lot who pointed us to our cottage and said after you get settled in come back to the main lodge if we wanted something to eat or drink. The main lodge was great and very nicely decorated. They had an area to eat, complete with a bar. There was also a television area and free WiFi. We had an opportunity to visit with other guests and had a great evening. The food was delicious. Our cottage was very nice, clean and the beds were very comfortable. Since we had a few hours in the morning before continuing our trip we rented a boat and went fishing. The boat was great and the lake was even better. All of the folks working at Airdale were very friendly and helpful. Overall Airdale is a property I would recommend to anyone looking for overnight accommodations, a place to relax or to a sportsperson looking for a fishing adventure. Looking forward to my next trip to Wawa to visit Airdale or perhaps do some hunting or fishing.
Date of stay: July 2018
Outfitter overall
John W
Sep 1, 2017
TripAdvisor
Little Miss first week of September
From the moment we arrived Jen and Martin were amazing hosts. We left after a small weather delay (out of their control) we took off at the air base in Wawa and arrived at our cabin. The cabin exceeded our expectation and we had lots of propane and gas for the boats. The boats were great - Naden 14' c/w 9.9 Yamaha's that ran without a hitch. Fishing was non-stop action and weather was perfect. Would not hesitate booking there again!!
Date of stay: September 2017
This lake
bowmanco05
Sep 1, 2017
TripAdvisor
Excellent
I will absolutely be using Air-dale again in the future for Ontario fly in fishing trips. Jen and Martin were some of nicest, most accommodating, helpful folks ive experienced. The meals at the main lodge were excellent and it has a great open wilderness feel. Fly in cabins were great with plenty of propane and gas for boat motors. Everything operated as it should have and the fishing in June was very good. Cant say enough good about the people that run this place.
Date of stay: June 2017
Outfitter overall
kerryphillips7
Jun 1, 2017
TripAdvisor
Good Fishing But ...
After a few slow days the fishing was super. Lots of pickerel in the 2-3 lb range. We had some engine problems from bad gasoline. It took over a day to get new motors in but there were a few gifts brought in too. The biggest knock against Air-Dale is that they don't own their own planes. So your schedule depends on both Air-Dale and the charter company.
Date of stay: June 2017
Outfitter overall
Years ago we fished Little Missinabi with Air-Dale
Years ago we fished Little Missinabi with Air-Dale and did decent.
This lake
I have been fishing with Air-Dale for years both at their Fly-In Outpost Camps and their Drive-In Lodge. The fishing is great, but the service is even better. They are in a class by themselves!
Outfitter overall
I was doing a motorcycle road trip across USA and Canada. While I was in Wawa Canada on my way back home to Toronto, I was going to get a motel/hotel at Wawa Canada. I arrived at one hotel, Booked full! I proceed to another one, full again. I final head to the last one, full again. This time this gentleman called Air-Dale to see if they had availability, they did I was so excited I wouldn't be sleeping outside on my motorcycle lol but this location was 30min back the way I came and I was exhausted. When I arrived I was Astonished the rooms were very cozy and fitting for the location and I was right on the water!!! This was the best place I stayed on my journey across USA and Canada. Whenever I am back in Wawa I will definitely be staying here again. I would love an Air-Dale hoodie / T-shirt.
Outfitter overall
