Wilderness North
Armstrong, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Fly-in fishing outfitter operating three full-service lodges, two housekeeping lodges, and ten outpost camps in northwestern Ontario.
Overview
Wilderness North is a fly-in fishing outfitter based in Armstrong, Ontario, with its guest services headquarters in Thunder Bay. The company describes itself as the largest collection of fly-in lodges and outpost cabins in northwestern Ontario, and has been operating in the region for approximately 30 years. Floatplane flights to the lodges and outposts depart from Armstrong, Nakina, and Thunder Bay.
The operation spans more than 17 different locations across the boreal forest of northwestern Ontario. Guests can choose from three tiers of service: full-service lodges with all meals and dock service included, housekeeping lodges with on-site managers and self-catered meals, and self-guided outpost cabins where guests have a remote lake largely to themselves. The company operates its own fleet of aircraft, including a DeHavilland Turbine Otter, to service all properties.
Highlights
The Fishing
The lakes and rivers accessible through Wilderness North hold walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and brook trout. Walleye and northern pike are the primary targets across most locations, while brook trout fishing is a particular draw on waterways such as the Albany watershed and the rivers near Miminiska Lodge. The company notes that late May through June is widely regarded as the peak fishing period.
At outpost camps, anglers fish privately held lakes with no competing parties. Lund fishing boats equipped with 15 hp Yamaha motors, padded swivel seats, minnow buckets, anchors, and landing nets are provided at outpost locations. Full-service lodges such as Makokibatan Lodge offer 16-foot Lund boats with 25 hp Yamaha four-stroke motors and depth finders. At some locations, anglers can fish a mix of lake and river habitat, including weeded bays for pike, rocky shorelines for walleye, and fast-moving rivers for brook trout.
Accommodations
Wilderness North offers three distinct accommodation formats. Full-service lodges, such as Makokibatan Lodge and Miminiska Lodge, include log or framed cabins, a main lodge building, all meals (typically breakfast and a three-course dinner daily), dock service, and daily housekeeping. Housekeeping lodges include light housekeeping and on-site managers but guests prepare their own meals. Outpost cabins are self-contained DIY accommodations on remote private lakes, where guests bring and cook their own food. Free WiFi is provided at all facilities, and potable water is available at full-service lodges.
Fish Species
What They Offer
Amenities available at one or more of this outfitter's properties.
Locations
One marker per lodge or camp. Click a marker for details.
Getting There
All Wilderness North lodges and cabins are accessible only by floatplane. The seaplane base is located in Armstrong, Ontario, approximately 2.5 hours north of Thunder Bay by road. Guests can drive to the base or fly into Thunder Bay International Airport and rent a vehicle for the drive north. Additional flight departures are available from Nakina and Thunder Bay itself. Floatplane flight times to individual destinations range from roughly 20 minutes to two hours depending on the location chosen.
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