From big trout lake in Ontario to the French River region, fishing lodges have long been cherished destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Owl’s Nest Lodge has been a favourite destination on Trout Lake in Ontario for years, offering excellent fishing for lake trout, pike, muskie, and bass. With its recent closure, many anglers and families are searching for alternatives that provide similar experiences, from French river cottage rentals to full-service resorts. While no single lodge can perfectly replace another, Ontario offers several excellent options that combine great fishing with comfortable accommodations.
Beyond fishing, many guests at lodges enjoy various pastimes during their downtime. One growing trend is online gambling, as modern lodges now offer WiFi, allowing anglers to enjoy casino games after a day on the water.
How Online Gambling Has Become a Popular Lodge Pastime
Fishing lodges have evolved beyond the simple joys of casting lines and hauling in trophy catches – these days, many visitors pair their outdoor adventures with the thrill of online casinos during their stay. Thanks to dependable internet at numerous resorts, anglers can kick back in their cozy cabins or lodge common areas, diving into their favourite casino games. Whether it’s poker, blackjack, or even fishing-themed slots, the report on digital picks with the best online casino Ontario offerings bring a fresh twist to downtime entertainment, keeping the adrenaline pumping long after the sun dips below the horizon.
This list of top destinations covers everything from how we pick the best online casino in Ontario and tips for getting started, to the types of gambling available and the deposit or withdrawal options you’ll find. It also dives into the best casino apps for 2025, top Ontario casinos, other legal gambling forms, how the province regulates the online sector, tips for responsible play, and answers to frequently asked questions about the best online casino. Some lodges even spice things up with in-person poker nights, seamlessly blending the charm of classic card games with today’s online innovations. To give you a taste of what’s out there, here’s a quick table of popular games anglers might enjoy after a day on the water:
| Game Type | Why It Fits the Lodge Vibe | Online Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Poker | Social, strategic – perfect for lodge gatherings | Multiplayer rooms with live chat |
| Blackjack | Fast-paced and relaxing after fishing | Real-time dealer options |
| Fishing-Themed Slots | Ties into the day’s catch with immersive themes | Bonus rounds with big payouts |
For those who loved the atmosphere at Owl’s Nest Lodge, finding a new resort that offers both great fishing and enjoyable evening activities can make the transition easier. Now, let’s take a closer look at what made Owl’s Nest Lodge so special and why its closure left a gap in the Ontario fishing scene.
What Happened to Owl’s Nest Lodge?
Owl’s Nest Lodge established itself as one of the leading resorts on Trout Lake, situated in the heart of Ontario’s renowned fishing country. Located just 18 kilometres from Alban, this family-run resort provided easy access to some of the best fishing spots in Northern Ontario.
The resort sat on the pristine shores of Trout Lake, a 16-mile-long body of water known for its exceptional depth and clarity. Unlike many lakes in the region, Trout Lake maintained pollution-free waters, making it one of the most productive fishing destinations near North Bay. The lake’s unique characteristics created perfect conditions for multiple fish species, positioning Owl’s Nest Resort as a top choice for anglers seeking trophy catches.
Fishing Experience
Trout Lake fishing became synonymous with quality catches, particularly for:
- Lake Trout (found in depths up to 180 feet)
- Northern Pike (especially in weed beds and bays)
- Muskie (known for trophy sizes)
- Bass (both smallmouth and largemouth)
- Walleye (locally known as pickerel)
Accommodations and Amenities
Owl’s Nest Lodging offered 13 modern housekeeping cabins, each equipped with:
- Full kitchens
- 3-piece bathrooms
- Satellite TV
- WiFi access
- BBQ grills
- Screened porches
- Fire pits
The resort maintained a fleet of rental boats, including:
- 14’ Legend boats with 15hp Mercury motors
- 18′ Bass Buggy Pontoon
- 20’ Duracraft Pontoon
Year-Round Activities
While primarily known for summer fishing, Owl’s Nest Resort offered:
Summer:
- Guided fishing trips
- Beach access
- Swimming areas
- Boat rentals
- Fishing dock access
Winter:
- Snowmobile trail access (at intersection FD708 & FD703)
- Ice fishing
- Winter cabin rentals
- Premium fuel availability
Hunting:
- Access to surrounding Crown Land
- Moose, bear, deer hunting opportunities
- Bird hunting (ducks and partridge)
Why It Closed
While the specific reasons for Owl’s Nest Lodge’s closure haven’t been made public, the resort’s legacy lives on through the memories of countless families who experienced Trout Lake fishing at its finest. The resort maintained high standards until its closure, consistently receiving positive reviews for its well-maintained facilities and excellent fishing opportunities.
The closure left a significant gap in Trout Lake resort options, particularly for those seeking:
- Family-friendly accommodations
- Access to premier fishing spots
- Modern amenities with rustic charm
- Year-round outdoor recreation
- Guided fishing experiences
For those who previously enjoyed stays at Owl’s Nest Lodge, the good news is that several other resorts in Northern Ontario offer similar experiences, though each with its own unique characteristics. While finding an exact match for the Trout Lake experience might be challenging, numerous quality alternatives provide comparable fishing opportunities and accommodation styles.
9 Top Lodges to Replace Owl’s Nest Lodge
Five Lakes Lodge
- Location: Near Red Lake, Ontario
- Drive-in access
- Season: May-October
- Rates: Housekeeping packages in Canadian funds
- Target Species: Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Bass
This drive-to resort gives you access to five quality lakes: Gullrock, Red, Keg, Ranger, and Two Island. The lodge maintains modern cabins ranging from 1-3 bedrooms with full kitchens and comfortable amenities. Their 90-95% repeat business rate speaks volumes about guest satisfaction. Rates are kept in Canadian funds, offering good value for U.S. visitors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 90-95% repeat customer rate | Limited meal plan options |
| Canadian dollar pricing (good for US visitors) | Peak season requires Saturday-Saturday bookings |
| Multiple lake access | Guides not directly employed |
| Modern, well-maintained boats | Limited availability of deluxe boats |
| Family-operated for 47 years | No winter operations |
Laurentian Lodge
- Location: Flack Lake, near Elliot Lake
- Operating since: 1929
- Season: Year-round
- Rate Structure: Both cottage and room rentals
- Target Species: Lake Trout, Pike, Bass, Whitefish
Operating since 1929, Laurentian Lodge sits on Flack Lake near Mississagi Provincial Park. The lodge offers both cottage rentals and lodge rooms, making it suitable for different group sizes and budgets. Their location provides excellent access to lake trout, pike, and bass fishing, plus hiking trails and canoe routes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Borders Mississagi Provincial Park | Limited WiFi (main lodge only) |
| Two private beaches | No TVs in rooms |
| Free use of canoes/kayaks | Cell service limited |
| Wheelchair accessible options | No meal plans in cottages |
| Year-round operation | Bedding extra cost in some units |
Cedar Point Lodge
- Location: Eagle Lake, Ontario
- Operating since: 1978
- Season: May-September
- Rate Structure: Housekeeping packages
- Target Species: Walleye, Pike, Bass, Lake Trout
With 47 years of family ownership on Eagle Lake, Cedar Point Lodge knows their waters. They offer three ultra-deluxe chalets and several modern cabins. The lodge runs detailed fishing reports and maintains premium boats, including 18′ Crestliner Kodiaks. Their Canadian dollar pricing provides excellent value for U.S. visitors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-luxury chalet options | Higher rates for premium accommodations |
| Detailed fishing reports | No meal plans available |
| Premium boat fleet | Fuel not included with boat rentals |
| Weekly fish fry events | Credit cards not accepted |
| Three levels of accommodation | Limited availability of premium boats |
Crawford’s Camp
- Location: Lake of the Woods, Whitefish Bay
- Cabins: 13 summer + 7 winter
- Season: Year-round
- Rate Structure: Housekeeping
- Target Species: Walleye, Lake Trout, Muskie, Bass
Location Located in Whitefish Bay on Lake of the Woods, Crawford’s Camp offers 13 modern summer cabins and 7 year-round cabins. Their location provides access to walleye, lake trout, muskie, and bass fishing. The camp features a beach area for families and professional guide services for serious anglers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Year-round operation | Limited guide availability |
| Beach area for families | Some shared docks |
| Modern, renovated cabins | Higher rates for premium locations |
| Professional guide services | Peak season booking restrictions |
| Fish cleaning facilities | Extra charge for boat upgrades |
Kashabowie River Resort
- Location: Near Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Family owned since: 2004
- Season: May-October
- Rate Structure: American/Canadian packages
- Target Species: Walleye, Bass, Northern Pike
Family-owned since 2004, this resort combines fishing with numerous recreational activities. They offer free use of kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, plus access to a waterfall swimming area. Their American/Canadian fishing packages include meals and comfortable accommodations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free water sports equipment | Bedding costs extra |
| Waterfall swimming area | Limited meal plan options |
| Family-friendly atmosphere | Seasonal operation only |
| Multiple activity options | Distance from major airports |
| Flexible booking options | Some amenities at extra cost |
Silver Water Wheel Lodge
- Location: Lac Seul, Ontario
- Style: Full-service American Plan
- Season: May-September
- Guide Staff: 100+ years combined experience
- Target Species: Trophy Walleye, Pike, Muskie
- Rates (USD): $1,570-4,700 per person/week
This full-service American Plan lodge on Lac Seul stands out for serious anglers. They employ professional guides with over 100 years of combined experience and maintain detailed fishing records. Their all-inclusive packages cover lodging, meals, boats, and guides. The focus here is on trophy walleye, though northern pike and smallmouth bass fishing is also excellent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Professional guide crew | Higher price point |
| All-inclusive packages | Cash/check only |
| Detailed fishing records | Limited seasonal operation |
| State-of-the-art boats | Strict booking/deposit policies |
| Daily maid service | No housekeeping options |
Chapleau Lodge
- Location: Borden Lake, Ontario
- Water Features: 200ft depths, 80 islands
- Season: Mid-May to Mid-October
- Rate Structure: Both American and Housekeeping Plans
- Target Species: Walleye, Pike, Lake Trout, Brook Trout
- Starting Rates (CAD): $293/two nights
Located on Borden Lake within the Arctic watershed, Chapleau Lodge provides access to waters up to 200 feet deep with 80 islands. They offer both housekeeping and American Plan options, with rates starting at $293 for a two-night stay. The location near the world’s largest game preserve adds wildlife viewing opportunities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Near world’s largest game preserve | Some steep terrain to cabins |
| ATV trail access | Limited cell service |
| Multiple rate plan options | Seasonal operation only |
| In-ground pool and sauna | Distance from major cities |
| Spring-fed lake | Additional cost for boat upgrades |
Memquisit Lodge
- Location: West Arm, Lake Nipissing
- Cabins: 16 total (11 housekeeping, 5 American Plan)
- History: Operating since 1920s
- Boats: Mix of cedar strip and Alumacraft
- Target Species: Walleye, Pike, Bass, Lake Trout
- Features: Historical main lodge
Situated on Lake Nipissing’s West Arm, Memquisit Lodge combines traditional charm with modern amenities. Their 16 cabins range from single bedroom to five bedrooms, and they maintain a fleet of both classic cedar strip boats and modern Alumacraft vessels. Their main lodge dates to the 1920s but offers current amenities including WiFi.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Historic charm with modern amenities | Limited WiFi (main lodge only) |
| Both traditional and modern boats | Some cabins require hill climbing |
| Multiple accommodation options | Seasonal operation |
| Home-cooked meals | Not all cabins include freezers |
| Family-operated | Pillows not provided in some units |
Brennan Harbour Resort
- Location: Whalesback Channel, Lake Huron
- Water Access: Spanish River and Lake Huron
- Season: Main fishing season
- Boat Options: Three tiers of vessels
- Target Species: Walleye, Pike, Bass, Perch
- Rate (CAD): $695/person/week base
Located on Lake Huron’s Whalesback Channel, this resort provides a unique mix of protected waters with Great Lake fishing potential. They offer well-maintained boats with various upgrade options and comfortable cabins starting at $695 per person per week. Their location at the Spanish River mouth creates diverse fishing opportunities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Only resort on the channel | Limited upgrade boats |
| Great Lake fishing access | Additional fees for boat insurance |
| Multiple boat upgrade options | Strict allocation of boats |
| Detailed fishing maps provided | Extra charge for larger cabins |
| Protected fishing waters | Some shared BBQ facilities |
Where to Go Next?
Your choice among these alternatives depends on your priorities:
- For luxury and serious fishing: Silver Water Wheel Lodge
- For family activities: Kashabowie River Resort or Crawford’s Camp
- For value and comfort: Cedar Point Lodge or Five Lakes Lodge
- For wilderness experience: Chapleau Lodge or Memquisit Lodge
Book early, as these popular destinations often fill up months in advance. While Owl’s Nest Lodge holds special memories for many, from French river cottages to upscale French river fishing lodges, these alternatives offer excellent opportunities to create new fishing traditions.
Remember to check current rates and packages directly with the lodges, as prices and offerings can change. Most lodges offer both American Plan (meals included) and housekeeping options, allowing you to customize your experience based on your preferences and budget.