What comes to mind when you think of the lodges and resorts in Sunset Country? Fishing, obviously. So where does a family find a quiet getaway to swim and paddle, to sit on a rock, read a book, play board games, and watch the sun go down? A fishing lodge would seem perfectly equipped for that kind of body- and mind-restoring respite from everyday life. But can families go to a fishing lodge if they don’t really want to fish? Yes!
More and more lodges and resorts see the potential in broadening their scope, tapping into the market for people who don’t have a cottage but really, really want to remove themselves to a cottage-like setting. These customers don’t want a hotel. They want the authentic Sunset Country lodge experience that has been the near-exclusive domain of the fish-minded.
As a colleague says: “Coming to a resort to relax with your family or friends, having fun on the lake and a drink on the dock sounds like heaven to a lot of people.”
If you’re one of those people, here are a few Sunset Country resorts that can provide the little piece of heaven you so desire.
Dogtooth Lake Resort near Kenora
Kyle Jones and his parents, Patty and Wayne, run Dogtooth Lake Resort on a picturesque inlet just off Highway 71 about 20 km east of Kenora. “We are getting more and more guests coming to our resort in the summer solely as a family vacation and to relax,” Kyle says. About half the July and August clientele fit that category.
Dogtooth Resort has a beach, small waterslide, diving platform and a few kayaks for guests to use for free. If families want to fish, they can drop a line off the dock or rent a little boat and explore Dogtooth Lake. The quiet lake is about 10 km north to south and east to west with lots of islands and little bays. “Fishermen who have been coming to the resort for years will often help families find good spots and provide tips on how to fish them,” Kyle says.
Guests who don’t want to fish can rent boats and just go for a ride. Rushing River Provincial Park is short boat ride or paddle away. Kilvert Lake, which connects to Dogtooth by a small creek, has a big sand beach one kilometre long.
Most cabins have two bedrooms and four double beds. Pine Hollow cabin has three bedrooms. The resort also has two group cabins, one with four bedrooms and beds for up to nine people and the other with six rooms and beds for 11 people. Each cabin has a full kitchen and bathroom, a deck and propane BBQ. Cabins also have satellite TV and wi-fi. The resort supplies linens and towels. Guests bring their own food. Minimum stay is two nights.
True North Outpost & Cabins near Emo
Chuck and Cathy Mosbeck run True North Outpost & Cabins, a road-access resort on Burditt Lake (a.k.a. Clearwater Lake) north of Emo. “We do enjoy having families at our place,” Cathy says. “Many guests say the experience is similar to when they grew up, going outside to play without the need to be on high alert. It’s a safe environment, full of wonder.”
Exploration is the key. As Cathy says: “We don’t have structured activities or programs. That’s not what we do.”
True North has a sand beach with a gradual slope into the lake, beach toys and a floating dock with diving board and slide. The sauna by the beach has its own deck for reading and watching the kids at play. Kayaks, paddle boat, and canoe are all complimentary for guest use. “We have some great places on the lake for picnics and rock jumping,” Cathy says.
For hikers, the local recreation association maintains a bush trail with access points near True North. The lodge also has board games, books, TVs, VCRs – and wi-fi “if parents want to hand out the password,” Cathy says. At day’s end, guests gather for the evening bonfire.
“This place is great to free up the schedule and use your imagination, explore and enjoy simple pleasures,” she adds.
True North has six cabins at the main location. The posted minimum stay is four days, but shorter stays are possible if it fits with the reservation schedule. Cabins have fully equipped kitchens and propane BBQs. Outdoor fish cookers are also available.
Rainbow Point Lodge at Perrault Falls
Bob and Gale Extence operate Rainbow Point Lodge at Perrault Falls on Highway 105 about 60 km north of Vermilion Bay. “The lodge has been our baby for 34 years now, and we have evolved continuously throughout the years,” Gale says.
