Summarized Review Highlights
Howey Bay Resort & Outposts in Red Lake, Ontario has an exceptionally strong reputation among guests, with virtually every reviewer rating it at the highest possible level and many describing it as a place they return to year after year — in some cases for a decade or more. Long-time owners Dave and Marg are mentioned repeatedly by name and are credited as the heart of the operation, described as warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in each guest's experience. The transition to new ownership noted by one group of repeat visitors did not diminish their satisfaction, and the resort's consistency across seasons and ownership changes appears to be a defining characteristic of how guests perceive it.
Guests consistently praise several specific aspects of the resort. The cabins — both at the main Red Lake location and at the fly-in outpost camps — are frequently described as clean, well-maintained, and more comfortable than expected, with amenities including hot showers, cable TV, air conditioning, hot tubs on certain decks, propane appliances, and solar power at the remote outposts. The fishing is a central draw, with walleye, northern pike, perch, and lake trout all mentioned; guests describe excellent results whether fishing from the main resort or fly-in lakes. Staff are praised for going out of their way to help guests find fish, provide gear and supplies on-site, and handle small conveniences like minnows, gas, and fish cleaning facilities. Bear hunting is also mentioned positively, with one reviewer citing a near-100% success rate. Perks like free local golf course access and regular float plane resupply runs to outpost cabins add to the overall value guests describe.
Negative reviews are essentially absent from this set of feedback — no recurring complaints about food, equipment failures, poor fishing, or service gaps appear across the reviews. The one candid note that stood out was a lighthearted comment from a female guest who had to adjust to life without a hair dryer at the remote outpost cabins, which she acknowledged was simply the nature of a fly-in wilderness setting. Prospective guests should come in with that understanding: the outpost experience is intentionally off-grid and rustic, even if more comfortable than many comparable options. This resort appears best suited for groups of friends or family members looking for a dependable, comfortable Canadian fishing getaway, repeat anglers targeting walleye and northern pike, first-time fly-in guests who want a well-supported remote experience, and hunters interested in bear. It also works well for non-fishing partners or family members, given its proximity to the town of Red Lake and the peaceful atmosphere described at the outpost camps.
Summary generated May 25, 2026
Read all 15 reviews
Tom B
Sep 15, 2025
TripAdvisor
Incredible
They went above and beyond to get me a big bear. The fishing was incredible. They went out of their way to put us on some fantastic fishing spots. The people were awesome. I can't wait to get back up there again.
Outfitter overall
Renee B
Jul 20, 2025
TripAdvisor
Sunset Country at its best !
Howey Bay never disappoints. The owners and staff are phenomenal ! The cabins are clean and well appointed and have everything you need. Our family has stayed here many years and wouldn't think of going anywhere else. Extremely helpful staff. Much thanks to Janette, Liam, Everett, Michael, Carly and Terry. We had a great vacation !!!
Insider tip: Awesome location in Red Lake, Ontario. Easy walk/drive to town. Excellent staff. Rental boats, minnows, gas, battery charger, on site.
This lodge
Renee B
Jul 23, 2024
TripAdvisor
Howey Bay is where it's at !!
Howey Bay Resort never disappoints! Awesome owners and employees who will see to your every need! Cabins are VERY clean. Gas grills and propane tanks provided for outdoor grilling/deep frying fish. Staff is there to assist with anything you require. Towel service, minnows and gas on site. A short drive to town if you need any groceries, beer run, etc. Why stay anywhere else ????
Insider tip: Awesome resort. No complaints !!
This lodge
Renee B
Jul 1, 2023
TripAdvisor
Howey Bay Resort is the perfect place to stay.
We were a group of 11 occupying 3 cabins. For some of us it was the first time staying here under the new ownership. As always, Howey Bay never disappoints. The cabins are clean, well appointed. The fish house is always clean and the entire Howey Bay staff does everything possible to ensure a fantastic stay. Can't wait to return.
This lodge
Mark A.
Jun 1, 2019
TripAdvisor
Surprising 5-day Flight Layover
Landed at Red Lake Airport with charter passengers. Decided to stay and Howey Bay just happened to have a cabin available. What a great place! It is on Howey Bay, just across the bay from the town of Red Lake (a short walk). The cabin I stayed was quaint, clean and comfortable. The staff at the place are truly Canadian friendly (if there is such a definition). I did happen to meet several locals to hang out with, do some fishing and fill the time of the layover. Though the best part was the Howey Bay Resort. Great run place guys!
This lodge
steve b
Feb 1, 2016
TripAdvisor
Canadian fishing experience
The owners (Marg and David) run a clean, organized camp. They bend over backwards to make sure you have everything you need. The cabins have everything from cable tv, hot showers, refrigerator....everything you will need to make your Canadian fishing vacation one you will remember with a smile. I have been fishing here for the last 6 years, and have no reason to look for another place to stay. And...the fishing is incredible
This lodge
Renee B
Jul 1, 2015
TripAdvisor
Awesome
This is a great place. Cannot say anything negative. We have stayed here many times. Fantastic owners, great staff, beautiful cottages. Clean ! Best views ! Wonderful amenities ! Why would you stay anywhere else ?
Insider tip: The cottage at the top of the hill rocks !
This lodge
massagetherapy402
Jul 1, 2015
TripAdvisor
Excellent family vacation
Our trip was excellent and its family owned so the staff was always doing all the little extras for us. The owners always always had smiles on their faces and willing to help at any hour. Extremely clean and great as if we forgot anything they had it. Helped us know where to fish, cannot get over the great care we had at the resort. Having the hot tub after we got off the lake was a great treat and loved air conditioning and wonderful to cuddle up watch the sunset and beautiful evenings. We will definitely be back
This lodge
Todd B
Sep 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Just what we needed!
My wife and I along with my brother and his wife spent August 16-23rd at Howey Bay Resort. Marg greeted us when we arrived and showed us our cabin and said to make ourselves at home. The cabin was perfect, clean, on the waters edge and had a hot-tub! Marg made sure all was in order and it was. We were then greeted by Ken, a worker at the resort and he showed my brother and I the boats and went over all the details. Later that evening Ken took the four of us out in his boat and toured the area with us and showed us places to get started fishing the next morning (very nice of him). The week had highs around 80, sunny skies, and little wind and the walleyes bit and bit and bit. One day on flat calm waters at 1130 a.m. we sat in one spot and pulled one after another for over and hour and a half, unreal. The thing that made the resort so perfect was we had the convenience of the city of Red Lake by looking to the left off our deck and total wilderness by looking and heading to the right off our deck. Very little boat traffic which surprised me - we saw very few boats out when we were out. Dave and Marg were excellent hosts, they let us be but were more than willing to talk and help whenever help was needed. Marg even took us blueberry picking. Overall it was a perfect getaway and a week we all needed!
This lodge
PeachyKelowna
Sep 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Who knew that I would love being a "fishing girl"!
My husband, son and I have been coming to Howey Bay Resort for nearly 10 consecutive summers. We live in southern Ontario and live a very hectic and fast paced live style. We have been at nearly every outpost there is through Howey Bay and absolutely love all of them. Marg and Dave are fabulous hosts and the fishing is "out of this world"! The cabins are rustic but surprisingly have all the amenities one could need. Everything is either solar or gas powered. A hot shower, wow! I guess the only thing that took adjusting that I needed to let go of my hairdryer, lol! What I most love about our annual trips (and I am not into fishing whatsoever) is the peace and quiet. Just nature and no other sounds. My guys go out fishing several times during the day, while I sit on the dock, enjoy a good book coupled with fresh percolated coffee and as the day progresses a few glasses of wine. It is absolute paradise!! All the cabins are well equipped, most with three separate bedrooms, a large kitchen with a full size fridge and a large separate freezer. All you need to do is bring your sleeping bag, towels and I usually bring some pillow covers. The fishing is unbelievable and the fish tastes amazing. With internet, TV and all the technology I love that we can completely shut down. We play board games, cards, tell stories from the past, enjoy a bonfire and just have some super quality family time. What is also great is that Howey Bay has its own little float plane. They have a staff that checks up regularly on guests, bringing minnows, ice and groceries/booze, if needed. What service! I would highly recommend this resort to anyone.
Insider tip: All outposts are equally good, it just depends I guess what kind of fish you are after.
Outfitter overall
Gary S
Sep 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Getting Away
If you expect top notch service, great accommodations and great fishing and hunting, this is the place to go. Dave and Marg run a first class operation. They have their main resort on Red Lake for those who want to experience great Canadian fishing but still have the freedom to explore the surrounding area and community. As a bonus, anyone staying there gets free greens fees at the local golf course. Cabins are spacious and clean with all the amenities of home. They are situated very near the water, all with a great view. Two of the cabins have large hot tubs on their decks. Boats and motors are all newer and very well maintained or if you prefer you can bring your own. There is also a fish cleaning shed for taking care of your days catch with freezer space for what you wish to take home. The bear hunting is incredible with nearly 100% success rate. The year my group hunted we went 3 for 3. Every year there are several very large animals harvested. For those more adventurous, they have outpost cabins on several lakes which you fly-in to via a float plane, an experience by itself. One you arrive at your outpost you will be in awe of how peaceful and grand your surroundings are. Cabins are very clean and comfortable with running hot and cold water, shower, stove, refrigerator, freezer and electric lights via roof top solar panels. You will also have a boat with motor and fuel for your stay and these are also modern and well maintained. The fishing on these lakes is also superb. The lakes contain walleyes, northern pike, perch and some have lake trout. We have caught northern pike over 46" on Little Vermillion and have heard of larger caught there and on Odin. All the lakes have walleyes or near a lake with walleyes via a short portage. On most of these lakes you will have the entire lake to yourselves aside from the routine check flights from Dave or his staff. Once you go, you will be back. Dave and Marg have a special place and will make your trip a lifetime memory!
Insider tip: All the cabins are great.
This lake
Rick & Colleen R
Sep 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Outposts
Went up to howey bay for a fly-in fishing trip. Cabins were up to date with solar power, hot and cold running water, a propane refrigerator and chest type freezer, a propane 4 burner cooking stove and oven, and an indoor shower. Fishing was fantastic for walleyes and northern. Been back 4 times since it was also so peaceful and relaxing. Marg and Dave go all out to make your trip one to remember. Plan on going back next year and include my brother and son-in-law so they can also experience this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Outfitter overall
M C
Sep 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Family Reuion in Red Lake
My family came to visit us in July of 2012. There was 11 of them and We had them stay here in the big cabin on the water. We were so impressed! The cabin was gorgeous and the view spectacular. The resort is impeccably clean and the cabin is fully furnished with all amenities. Our cabin had a hot tub on the deck and deck was literally on the water. Amazing! My nieces and nephews loved fishing and swimming right off the dock. It was so quiet and peaceful yet so conveniently close to town. We went out in our boat fishing and were able to clean our fish in the awesome fish cleaning cabin which was super handy. Marg and Dave are beautiful people and very welcoming to everyone. Marg is one of the kindest ladies I have ever met and all the love and dedication they have for this resort truly shows during your stay here. I highly recommend this beautiful, clean, family operated resort.
This lodge
khbigmac
Sep 1, 2014
TripAdvisor
Great fishing, accomodations and outstanding service!
We have gone here for about 10 years now. 8 times at the camp in town and twice did a fly in. dave and Marg and their staff are over the top on service! The fishing is grazy good as well! My 19 yr old son has been coming with me the past 8 years. When I ask him where in the WORLD he wants to vacation - Howey Bay in Red Lake is his answer! Great place to take kids that are beginner walleye fisherman!
Outfitter overall
Helped us know where to fish, cannot get over the great care we had at the resort. Having the hot tub after we got off the lake was a great treat. We will definitely be back.
This lodge
