Trip logistics
Getting to the only camp on Wine Lake
Drive to the Kingfisher Road landing on Wabaskang Lake. We meet you Saturday between 10 and 11am and run your group the last 25 miles by water.
The last 25 miles
Your ride in
Meet at the landing
Saturday between 10 and 11am at the Kingfisher Road docks on Wabaskang Lake.
18 miles by Zagfab
We run you through the Canadian wilderness in our 22-foot Zagfab freighter.
The 50' portage
Beside a waterfall we help move your gear into one of our Lund boats.
7 miles of river
Wild rice, lilies and winding bends open into the solitude of Wine Lake.
Please do not arrive at the landing before 10am — we are on the water bringing the previous group out.
Driving
Directions & distances
Route
- 1
We are 180 miles north of the US border crossing at International Falls, Minnesota.
- 2
Take Highway 11 east to Highway 502 north, connecting with the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 17) in Dryden.
- 3
Travel west on Hwy 17 to Vermilion Bay, then turn north on Highway 105.
- 4
Drive 40 miles to the New Wine Lake turn-off on the left, half a mile past Dutchies Convenience Store at Perrault Falls.
- 5
Follow King Fisher Road, forking left, until you see the docks at the Eagle's Nest Outpost cottage (50.34546, -93.144264).
- 6
We meet guests between 10am–11am Saturday at the roadside landing — please do not arrive before 10am.
Distance to the landing
- 500 miles from Minneapolis
- 675 miles from Madison
- 750 miles from Des Moines
- 800 miles from Chicago
- 940 miles from Omaha
- 1,000 miles from Indianapolis
- 1,000 miles from St. Louis
- 1,500 miles from Denver
Friday night
Where to stay before check-in
Perrault Falls — rent the Eagle's Nest Cottage at the landing (sleeps six), $250/night. Pizza and a beer at the Whiskey Jack Cafe.
Vermilion Bay — Northside Motel on Hwy 17 (807-227-5339); breakfast at The Comfort Table.
Dryden — Timberland Motel on Hwy 17 (1-800-465-7232), with several restaurants nearby.
Packing
What to bring
Your list
- Ontario fishing licence & Outdoor Card
- Bath & kitchen towels
- Groceries & beverages for the entire week
- Ziplock bags & garbage bags
- Rain gear & boots
- Dish detergent & bath soap
- Charcoal & flashlights
- Fish coolers & minnow bucket
- Fillet knife and stringer
- Fishing gear and tackle
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses
- Depth finder
- Boat cushions & mandatory life vests
- First aid kit & toiletries
- Camera
- Although we love pets, please leave yours at home
We supply
Boat, motor & fuel
A clean 16' Lund with a well-maintained electric-start 25 hp Yamaha four-stroke, swivel seat and a fuel allotment with every package.
Solar-lit log cabin
Light housekeeping cabins sleeping 2–10, each with a screened porch facing the lake and rooftop solar for lighting.
Ice from the lake
Sixty tons of 500 lb blocks cut from Wine Lake each winter and stored under sawdust — ice for drinks and your catch all season.
Water & showers
Central shower house with hot water and a central spigot. Ontario recommends boiling water in remote locations before drinking.
Escorted run to camp
We meet you at the roadside landing and guide you 25 miles by water, including the 50' portage beside the waterfall.
Real remoteness
Wine Lake Camp is the only facility on the lake for miles around — turn-of-the-century outhouses, hammocks, and no crowds.
Buy your Ontario fishing or hunting licence and Outdoor Card BEFORE arriving at camp. Export permits (about $225 CDN) are required to take meat or hides out of Canada.