What do I need to know about customs & border information?
A Passport, NexCard, or PassCard is required for all adults. (There are exceptions for children under the age of 16) Visit the Canada Border Services Agency for details. If you are traveling with children that are not accompanied by both parents, you are required to produce a formal signed letter from the other spouse or both parents, giving you authority to take the child out of the country. Click the links to find out more information.
Do not attempt to bring handguns into Canada – they are illegal without a permit.
Radar detection devices are illegal to be used in Canada – store while in the country
Live or frozen bait of any kind cannot be imported into Canada. Plan to purchase these as needed right at the Lodge
Curious about how long you may need to wait at the border? Visit the Border Wait Times website to check the current status.
Can I import my bait from the USA into Canada?
No. Current border regulations prohibit the import of any live or frozen bait of any kind, including night crawlers and salted minnows. The Lodge maintains a stock of live minnows, night crawlers, and leeches for your convenience. Pick them up from us as you need them. If you foresee needing a larger quantity of bait, let us know in advance. Flats of crawlers can be pre-ordered for you and conveniently stored in our bait house refrigerator. You’ll find the cost of bait very competitively priced. Please do not bring bait from outside sources onto the property. Bait is stocked here for your convenience.
What are the current travel restrictions regarding Covid-19?
Canada has dropped all COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international guests effective October 1, 2022. Current COVID-19 travel information. Take a moment and learn about the current updates & information with COVID-19.
How does the Lodge protect us from Covid-19 infection?
We want you to leave your cares behind and travel with confidence. We, at Nordic Point Lodge, take your health and safety very seriously. We follow all current public health guidelines in the cleaning and sanitization of our cottages, public areas, & equipment. The extra care taken is why it is so important for everyone to not arrive earlier than check-in time, and to depart before or by the check-out time. The extra cleaning protocols take extra time. Your patience is appreciated.
What is the recommended driving route to the Lodge?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking your GPS knows everything! Several guests have been led off onto back gravel roads and long diversions.
Are you traveling from International Falls, MN?
After your border crossing follow the signs to get onto Hwy 11 East toward Atikokan.
Watch the speed limit going through and just out of Fort Frances; the local police have been known to have radar traps up.
Remember Canadian signs are in kilometers per hour! In approx 20 miles take a left turn at the junction for Hwy 502 N. This highway has no services for 95 miles.
At the end of 502 ignore the signs & your GPS that want you to take a left turn. Keep right (594 E) and head into Dryden. This will avoid all gravel back roads.
In Dryden pick up Hwy 17 West, for approx 20 miles to Vermilion Bay, and the junction of Hwy 105 N.
We are 40 miles up Hwy 105. You’ll see 1 lodge highway sign before you reach our big store sign at our entrance.
Are you traveling from Kenora?
Head west on HWY 17 until you hit the town of Vermilion Bay.
Take a left (turn north) on HWY 105.
We are 40 miles up Hwy 105. You’ll see 1 lodge highway sign before you reach our big store sign at our entrance.
What do I need to know when bringing my own boat?
You will have free use of our ramp for launching your private boat. Docks are safe and sheltered. Bring your own bumpers, battery charger, and extension cords. We have marine fuel at our docks. Please bring your own coastguard-approved life jackets. Throw cushions are not acceptable. Lake maps are provided free to our guests. Our Lodge store has large, laminated maps for sale
What’s Included with the Rental Boats?
The boats provided at Nordic Point Lodge are comfortable 16′ Nadens, with carpeted flat floors, and swivel seats (up to 4 seats/seat locations per boat). The motors are new 25 hp electric-start 4 stroke Yamahas. Included with the boat you will be issued a landing net, seat cushions, a minnow bucket, and a detailed contour lake map. The boats are also equipped with standard safety equipment such as an emergency kit, paddles, and an anchor. Bring your own coastguard-approved life jacket.
Can I rent a depth finder at the Lodge?
Yes – If you have pre-reserved a portable depth finder it will have been installed and ready for you to use on your arrival. Since our outboard motors have a built-in troll-down feature, trolling motors are not necessary.
Is Live Bait Available at the Lodge?
Definitely – We carry all the common baits use on Perrault Lake, including minnows & crawlers by the dozen, & leeches by dozens or pounds. Just stop down at our bait house when you need something, and you’ll be able to get them fresh & lively. We are happy to accommodate guests that require flats of crawlers or multiple pounds of leeches at competitive rates. Contact us in advance to pre-order & they will be waiting for you when you arrive.
What is my Cottage Equipped with?
Your housekeeping cottage is equipped with a full-size fridge, stove, microwave, coffee pot (with filters), all dishes, pots/pans, linens & toilet paper. You just need to bring your own towels, food, and consumable items such as garbage bags, paper towels & soaps.
Some guests like to bring portable fish cookers and electric skillets. We supply a charcoal BBQ outside. Charcoal & lighter are available for sale at the camp store.
How far is the boat ride to catch fish?
A: Most species of fish can be caught from as close as right in front of the lodge, to as far as the end of the lake, which is no more than a 15-20 minute boat ride. Distances will vary depending on species and time of year.
What size are the fish?
Walleyes average 16-22” with many in the 28-32” range caught every year.
Northern range from 20-30”, again with lots of 40+” fish.
The perch range from 8-12+”, and the Smallmouth average 12-18+”
Muskies can vary in size, but the minimum keep limit on our lake is 54”. (There are some monsters out there)
Is there a Catch & Release Policy on Perrault Lake?
Yea, Perrault Lake has a tremendous reputation for quality fishing for all age classes, including great opportunities for trophy-size fish. You are welcome to catch and keep your licensed limit of up to slot-size fish on Perrault Lake To protect the breeding population and maintain the trophy fish opportunities for generations to come, you will release all walleye over 18” and all northern over 27” during your stay at Nordic Point Lodge. Take a picture of the larger fish and release it for that fish to reproduce.
Is there a hospital nearby?
We are between three hospitals; Red Lake to our north, Dryden to our south & Kenora to the west. We have excellent ambulance service, by land or air in the district
What should I bring to the fish fry?
The weekly fish fry is 100% We supply everything for food… The fish, potatoes, and wings are cooked over an open-fire BBQ pit and our on-site chef will take care of the sides. We also supply the cutlery and plates. Each cabin may bring along their favorite beverages as It’s a great night out, and a chance to meet the other fishermen or families at the camp.
Are there any mosquitos?
Yes, most guests are surprised at the relatively low problem with flying insects. Numbers are dependent on the amount of moisture on the ground and the heat of the summer.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes. Nordic Point Lodge is proud to be one of the few lodges in NW Ontario that has a government-approved on-site water purification system. Regular testing is conducted to ensure that all tap water is completely fit for human consumption.
Are gratuities required?
Yes, gratuities are required for staff services such as guides, cabin cleaners, waitresses, bartenders, etc. The hardworking staff appreciates your gratuities very much.
Is it safe to leave things in the boat?
While there is never a guarantee, after nearly 40 years we have never so much as lost a fishhook from a boat. All of our guests are here to enjoy themselves and enjoy the freedom from worrying about theft.
Where is the nearest Laundry Facility?
There is a Laundromat in the next town (Ear Falls) approx 20 miles away.
Are there daily fly-in fishing trips available?
Yes, a one-day fly-in fishing trip can be arranged with one of the local floatplane charter companies at prevailing rates. With a few days’ notice, we will be happy to assist you in your plans.
Can I get my fish cleaned for me?
Yes. Just notify us that you require your fish cleaned, either for the day or for the week, and we’ll look after you. Nominal fees apply.
Are pets allowed?
While pets are not encouraged, they are accepted with conditions, to ensure the cottages and other guests are respected. Please contact us prior to your stay to ensure we can accommodate your pet. A $100.00/week fee applies to pets staying at the lodge. Check the Canada Food Inspection Agency for restrictions on traveling with pets and the import of pet food.
Can I have alcohol in the boat?
No, Under Ontario law, boaters cannot have alcohol in the boat. Boat alcohol levels and DUI penalties for boaters are as severe for boaters as they are for automobile drivers. Boat responsibly.
Can I arrive early?
No, Saturday check-in time is 3 p.m. With the departing guests’ check-out time of 8 a.m., we have very little time to ensure that all the cottages, marine equipment, and other lodge facilities are cleaned, serviced, and ready for your enjoyment. Please plan your arrival accordingly.
Where should I buy my groceries?
The Lodge store is stocked with basic groceries including fresh milk, bread, eggs, pop, canned goods, ice cream, and much more. For major groceries, fresh produce & meats, many guests will stop in Kenora or Dryden on their way up. Closer to the Lodge, Perrault Falls, Vermilion Bay, and Ear Falls have liquor outlets as well.