No one likes surprises… unless they’re pleasant ones! We want to be certain that any surprises on your trip to Elk Island Lodge are pleasant; so here’s what to expect before, during, and after your visit.
At Winnipeg: We recommend the Lake View Hotel and Resorts for overnight stays in Winnipeg. Ask for the special rate for Elk Island Lodge guests.
We use Perimeter and CalmAir air service to fly you right to the Lodge on the south shore of God’s Lake. Check in early enough that all your items can be scanned, screened, and examined at Winnipeg airport. The flight takes about 90 incredibly scenic minutes as you fly over some of the most pristine terrain in North America.
** We encourage purchasing travel insurance in case of missed flights, lost or broken fishing equipment and scheduling conflicts.
Arrival
Upon your arrival you will receive a personal greeting from our experienced staff. We transport all your gear to your cabin; you will meet your fishing guide, and be escorted to your comfortable cabin overlooking the islands in one of Canada’s most magnificent, clear water lakes. After settling in, our guides will take you where you will have the best chance of hooking a trophy Lake Trout, Northern Pike or Walleye. The entire staff is at your service during your visit with us.
At Elk Island Lodge
You don’t have to lug baggage; we take care of delivering your personal gear to your cabin. You can ride a golf cart or walk to your clean, comfortable accommodations. And if you have difficulty getting around, the golf carts can be used at no charge to facilitate getting around the camp. If you arrive near mid day on a private plane, we will have lunch waiting for you… after which you can get into one of our new boats with 40hp Yamaha motors and be fishing in no time!
Meals
The dining area is open at 6:30 a.m. for the early coffee drinkers and breakfast is served at 7:00 a.m. You will have a good variety of breakfast items served by our courteous and always cheerful staff. Expect to hear them ask, “And how would you like your eggs?” You will see your name card at your table. At dinner you will fill in your choices for the to be included in your boat’s cooler the next day such as snacks, beer, and soft drinks so you can access refreshments any time during the next day.
Lunch is either a box lunch or your guide will fix a fabulous shore lunch you’ll remember for a long time! The afternoon of fishing will transition to camp activity about 5:00 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. so you will have plenty of time to freshen up, take a hot shower, relax in the north woods ambiance around the lodge fireplace, bar or games room. Drinks and appetizers are served at 5:30 p.m. in the lodge and dinner (and desserts!) served at 6:30 p.m.
Fishing
You can meet your guide at the boat dock at 8:00 a.m. to start your day on the clear waters of God’s Lake. Lunch, either a boxed lunch or fresh fish shore lunch expertly prepared by the guides is served mid day. The boats are back at the dock by 5:00 p.m. so everyone can get freshened up for dinner and relaxing. Your guide, if requested, can take you back out for two hours in the evening for a small courtesy fee. If you choose not to fish after dinner you can relax in your cabin, take a walk along our old trails, lounge on the deck overlooking the islands of God’s Lake, or spend some time in the lodge with other guests.
The Staff
Every staff member has made a commitment to be at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They understand how important a cheerful and polite attitude is while making sure your visit to the Lodge is something you’ll want to repeat year after year.
Guides
Experienced fishing guides attend to your safety while on the water and secondly to your fishing success and fun. They work hard every day no matter the weather and assist in landing, measuring and photographing your catch. Our respect for this rare ecosystem we comply with catch and release of all fish other than selected sizes of Walleye, Northern Pike and Lake Trout that are cleaned and cooked for shore lunch.
Shore Lunch
Your shore lunch will be expertly prepared by the guide as you relax, enjoy the scenic wonderland that surrounds you, and compare notes on the fishing with other quests. Be sure to give us sufficient notice if you need a special dietary item or have other special requests.
The Lodge
Our historic log lodge provides you with a sense of connection with “the old days” of fishing. The dining room overlooks the deck and a majestic view of the lake. Relax in the deck side hot tub, play some cards, sit in front of the huge stone fireplace that’s overheard thousands of fishing stories… some of which are true! The well-stocked and cozy bar is open any time and many guests enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere it provides. Free Wi-Fi and cell service available in the lodge.
Your Cabin
The entire staff at Elk Island Lodge is committed to making your visit as comfortable as possible and that’s why you’ll find your cabin in top shape when you arrive. Every cabin is clean, comfortable, and a pleasant “home away from home”. Cozy and efficient, each cabin provides a great view of historic God’s Lake, hot shower, bed room with twin beds, a living space to stretch out and relax and to store your gear. Efficient heaters keep you warm when needed, and the venerable coffee machine awaits those guests who arise extra early.
The Tackle Shop
Our tackle shop has a great selection of recommended lures, line, clothing (sporting the Elk Island Lodge logo) and snacks. Help yourself to any of the tackle shop items and simply write down the information (items and prices) on the handy tear sheets. We collect all the tear sheets daily and will have a tally ready for you when you check out of the lodge.
The Bar
Famous for its laid back, north woods character, our bar in the main lodge overlooks the huge stone fireplace in the cozy lounge. Turn your head to view through the dining area out past the spacious outdoor deck and hot tub to the tree covered island jewels that seem to float on the surface of 35,000 acre God’s Lake.
Your hostess will serve you drinks and keep a tally for your cocktails or soft drinks. You are sure to meet fishermen from all over North America, many of whom return year after year to enjoy the “total package” that Elk Island Lodge is famous for.
The Lounge
The comfortable couches situated around the big coffee table in front of the magnificent, handcrafted stone fireplace are a focal point for fishing tales of yesteryear… and today… some of which happen to be true!
Enjoy the photo albums that will wet your appetite for tomorrow’s day of fishing. You see the unusual quality of trophy Northern Pike, Lake Trout and Walleye that await your next cast. Take special note of the Brook Trout our guests catch on a side trip 60 miles down the God’s River. (Let us know in advance if you’d like a chance at hooking up with a Brookie of a lifetime on a side trip to God’s River.)
The Dining Room
Your dining experience goes way beyond being palate pleasing when you savor the view over this pristine, island studded lake. It is truly a unique pleasure to be served such great food in such a great setting. Our kitchen staff and helpful servers will see to it that your expectations are exceeded. From homemade soups, rolls, and salads and steaks done to your liking, you will give the meals an A+! And the desserts… well, come and see for yourself why after a great meal so many quests are heard to say, “WOW! That looks good; I think I will have dessert.”
Departure
Before you leave we will total your tear-sheet expenses that you fill out whenever you purchase anything from our store, tackle shop, or bar, and any additional refreshments. You can pay your total the morning of your departure flight which usually leaves our airstrip for Winnipeg about 1:00 p.m.