Canada North Lodge

Canada North Lodge sits on the Woman River system north of Ear Falls, Ontario, centered on Little Bear Lake and connected to several other lakes including Snakeweed, Rosen, Loon, and Woman Lake. The lodge has gone through an ownership change — reviews from the previous owners (Doug and Marilyn) are notably negative, citing poor hospitality, subpar food, makeshift accommodations, and a perception that management was focused on adding charges at checkout. Reviews written after Chance Schmidt took over are overwhelmingly positive, with most guests giving five stars and praising the new owner's attentiveness, the quality of food, comfortable (if modest) cabins, knowledgeable long-tenured guides, and consistently strong walleye and northern pike fishing. A few guests under the current ownership have had less positive experiences, citing equipment issues with outboard motors on portage lakes, difficulty catching fish on the main lake system without guided direction, and feeling that guests on lower-tier housekeeping packages received less attention. Overall, the lodge's current reputation trends strongly favorable, particularly among repeat visitors.

Guests consistently highlight the fishing as the standout feature, with walleye counts frequently reported in the dozens to over one hundred fish per day, and northern pike readily available throughout the system. The protected slot limit and conservation practices appear to maintain healthy fish populations. Guides — particularly a long-tenured guide named Pete — receive strong praise for their fish-finding ability and shore lunch cooking. Food prepared by the kitchen staff is frequently described as excellent, with cooked-to-order breakfasts and family-style dinners. Cabins are described as clean and comfortable rather than luxurious, and most rooms have lake views. The portage lakes, especially Snakeweed, are singled out as particularly productive fishing destinations. Wildlife sightings including eagles are noted as a bonus.

There are a few recurring concerns worth noting. One review from the previous ownership period raised serious safety concerns, including inadequate first aid supplies and a dismissive response from the owner regarding medical emergencies — though this predates the current ownership. Under the current owner, at least one guest reported unreliable outboard motors on portage boats and felt nickel-and-dimed for extras when not on the full-service plan. Fishing on the main lake can be inconsistent depending on conditions and season, and guests who do not use guides may find it harder to locate fish. The access road's final 30 miles are reported as rough. This lodge is best suited for walleye and pike anglers — whether experienced Canada veterans or first-timers — who appreciate a remote, drive-in or fly-in setting, don't require upscale amenities, and want high fish-count days over trophy-only pursuits. It also appears well-suited to family groups and multi-generational trips based on several reviews.