A Trip to Remember at Marten River Lodge

BIG Fishing Getaway Contest Winners

Sandra Benedetti and Kurtis Benedetti of Kanata, Ontario, were the BIG winners of Northeastern Ontario Tourism’s BIG Fishing Getaway Contest. In early July, Sandra and her son Kurtis spent a four-day, three-night, all-inclusive fishing experience generously sponsored by Ray and Donna Sapiano, co-owners of Marten River Lodge, located at the gateway to Temagami, in Northeastern Ontario.

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Photo: Marten River Lodge

With a remarkable history that dates back to 1925, Marten River Lodge has long been providing the ultimate in outdoor adventures as a premier destination for fishing, hunting, and family vacations, as well as corporate wilderness retreats. Whether your goal is to land that trophy northern pike or snap that trophy photograph, whether you’re hooked on hiking or passionate about paddling, or if your dream vacation has you relaxing in an Adirondack chair with a best-selling novel, Marten River Lodge has something for you. The lodge offers housekeeping and American Plan packages, free WiFi, a wide-screen satellite TV and guest computer in the lodge, and well-appointed cottages with all the comforts of home, surrounded by the remarkable scenery that only Northeastern Ontario can provide.

Marten River Lodge is famous for its fishing packages. With boats and motors, all bait, gas, fish finders, live wells, landing nets, maps to help you find the fish, life jackets, and safety kits, the lodge can make your fishing trip fun, productive, and exciting whether you’re an experienced angler or beginners, like Sandra and Kurtis Benedetti. All you need to bring is your own fishing gear, your camera, and your positive attitude!

The series of four lakes on roughly 24 km of waterways are home to plenty of fish from walleye and northern pike to lake trout, smallmouth bass and perch or pan fish. Marten River Lodge encourages catch-and-release, but you can catch your limit, if you so choose.

The management and staff of Marten River Lodge are justifiably proud of their facilities, and their enthusiasm has certainly rubbed off on their guests. Here’s what Sandra and Kurtis had to say about their experience:

My son and I had a fantastic time at Marten River Lodge. As we arrived at this breath-taking location of natural beauty, Ray greeted us with the friendliest of greetings. Not only did we occupy a very comfortable and quaint log cabin that seeped with local history, but on our welcome tour we discovered that we even had our own boat and motor. This was always kept ready to go, complete with all the fishing supplies and bait we could use—not to mention the daily picnic.

As a beginner in fishing, Ray treated me to an excellent lesson on the sport. The motor boat also provided us with the means to explore the beautiful and extensive waterway. We had lots of fun!

The activity room, where we played many games of darts and pool, was comfortable and interesting. That is where we met the ever-friendly lodge dog and had a few interesting chats with Donna. We also tried out the beach, as we were especially intrigued by the large water bicycle there.

And I can’t forget to mention the food. It was great!

This was truly a trip to remember. And the whole area is so spectacular that, after our time at the lodge had ended, we continued the adventure with a few days of amazing canoe-camping. When we had to head back home, having a hard time to actually leave and end the dream, we lingered in North Bay for a while and found a great restaurant to eat at before saying “goodbye.” Thank you to everyone who made this wonderful trip possible.

So, if you’re looking for your own “trip to remember,” visit martenriverlodge.com and discover all that it has to offer!

About Northeastern Ontario Tourism

Whether planning a fun-filled family road trip, a quick weekend expedition, or a romantic getaway, Northeastern Ontario is undeniably BIG and unbelievably close.

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