Planning your fishing vacation
Everything you need to know for a stress-free fishing vacation…
~ Your Trip to the Red Lake District | Crossing the US /CAN border | Getting to the Resort | About the Red Lake District ~
What to Bring?
- Sun Block / Lotion
- Rain Clothes
- Towels
- Fishing Tackle
- Life Jacket
- Food
- Camera
- Insect Repellant
If you need anything before coming to camp you may choose to shop in Red Lake or Balmertown. Both communities have gas stations, grocery stores, bait/tackle shops, liquor / beer outlets and marinas (Red Lake). There are also numerous dining options, clothing stores and gift shops.
ENJOY YOUR TRIP THROUGH SUNSET COUNTRY
Your Trip to the Red Lake District
If travelling from the U.S. border via International Falls/Fort Frances, you may travel north via Highway 502 or Highway 71. Connect to the Trans Canada Highway 17 and on to Vermilion Bay. At Vermilion Bay take Hwy 105 north to the Hwy 125 at Red Lake. Take Hwy 125 to the end at the Cochenour landing. All roads are paved and well-marked. Relax and enjoy the scenery, you have the chance of seeing moose, deer, black bear and wolves along the way.
GETTING TO THE RESORT FROM THE COCHENOUR LANDING
You are just a short boat ride to the resort
Once you arrive at the Cochenour landing simply launch your boat (cement launch ramp) and park your vehicle and trailer in the “McKenzie Island Visitors” parking area. If for some reason the parking lot is full you can enquire at Clark’s Baits for a parking spot (small daily charge).
If you are using renting one of our boats: please call us at 807-728-2169 once you get to Ear Falls. We can then meet you at the Cochenour landing for pick up and the short ride to the resort. Again you can park your vehicle at the parking lot for “McKenzie Island Visitors”.
CROSSING THE BORDER SHOULD BE QUICK AND STRESS FREE
BEING PREPARED HELPS
Crossing the U.S. / Canada Border
PASSPORT
All US citizens now require passports to re-enter the US.
WHAT CAN I BRING
Alcohol: Each adult may bring 40 oz. (1.14 L) of alcohol or 1 case (24) of beer or 1.5 L of wine.
Tobacco: Each adult may bring 1 carton (200) of cigarettes, a tin of tobacco and 50 cigars.
Leeches: Leeches are not allowed across the border but are available at most bait shops in Ontario.
CRIMINAL RECORD
If you have a criminal record, including a DUI, you should call Canada Customs and Immigration at 807-274-3655 ext. 239 to find out if you will have trouble entering Canada. It is a good idea to do this well ahead of time.
If you need clarification or any other information pertaining to what you are allowed to bring over the border, please call the Fort Frances Canadian Customs Office at 807-274-3655 or International Falls US Customs at 218-283-2541.
BORDER WAIT TIME
You can check the Fort Frances border crossing wait time here.
CANADA BORDER SERVICES AGENCY INFORMATION
Please check the Canada Border Service Agency website for up to date information regarding border crossings here.
About the Red Lake District
The Red Lake area has a combined population of approximately 5,000 in five communities, Red Lake, Balmertown, Cochenour, Madsen and the hamlet of Starratt-Olsen.
There is so much to see and do in Red Lake!
Red Lake is a warm and welcoming community that thrives on a relaxed pace of life. Located right in the heart of nature, relaxation comes naturally in Red Lake.
Natural adventure opportunities exists all around Red Lake, including hiking, swimming, sightseeing, bird watching, kayaking and canoeing. Red Lake itself has over 500 miles of rugged beautiful coast line to discover and the community is surrounded by countless unscathed lakes and water systems. Red Lake is known for its trophy size walleye, northern pike, whitefish and trout. If you are interested in fishing the waters there are many multiple boat launches and docking locations available throughout the Municipality. While you are out on Red Lake why not check out the West Red Lake Mining Museum. Accessed only by water this volunteer-run museum tells the stories of Red Lake’s rich mining history.
McKenzie Island boasts miles of hiking trails, which are part of the McKenzie Island Ski Trails. A walk in the woods is a great way to stretch your legs at the end of the day, with a great opportunity to see wildlife and the natural beauty of the northern boreal forest.
Red Lake’s Airport provides daily scheduled connections to both Thunder Bay to the east and Winnipeg to the west. There are also services for those wishing to fly their private plane to the area.
Not only does the Red Lake district provide a pristine natural environment there are many other recreation amenities available for all ages and abilities to enjoy such as Ontario’s most northern 18-hole golf course and the many beaches and parks.
It wouldn’t be a complete trip without a visit to the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre where one can peruse the many collections and interactive exhibits relating to the history of Red Lake. You may also want to take a virtual historic tour throughout Red Lake via On This Spot. Here you can visualize Red Lake sites with a “then” and “now” lens. Check it out here.
