Frequently Asked Questions
Boarding the Train
Reservations with the Algoma Central Railway are not necessary, however tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 1.800.242.9287. Plan to arrive at the station no later than 8:30am, buy your ticket, present your luggage and prepare to board. If travelling to camp from Sault Ste. Marie, the train will depart at around 9:20am. Round trip fare from Sault Ste. Marie to mile marker 122-1/2 is based on travel through three zones and can be found here.
The train travels north on Thursday, Saturday and Monday and south Friday, Sunday and Tuesday. The railway allows 100 lbs of standard luggage per person. Additional fees apply for luggage exceeding 100 lbs as well as for items such as ATV's.
Your Arrival at Camp
The train is scheduled to reach mile marker 122-1/2 around 1:30pm. We will meet all arriving parties with 4x4 pickups and/or snow machines to take you into camp. Winter guests can ski the 2-1/2 miles to camp if they prefer. Once camp is reached, cabins will be assigned. During the summer months arrival is followed by an evening of fishing on Callahan Lake.
Accommodations
Cabins are basic log or frame construction equipped with wood stoves for heat. Cabins do not have plumbing or electricity. A supply of fresh water is provided in each cabin and lighting is by battery lanterns. We have 6 cabins ranging in capacity from 2 to 8 guests. We use a centrally located, heated washroom/shower/sauna facility. All towels and bedding are provided.
Internet Access
Enjoy free wi-fi at the main lodge.
The Fishing
The normal routine is for guests to be taken by 4x4 pickup to a remote lake and picked up at the end of the day. We use 12' row boats or canoes on a dozen small lakes, ponds and parts of the Agawa river. Other small rivers and streams can be accessed on foot and provide excellent angling opportunities. Guests may bring their own ATV's to camp which will provide additional freedom/mobility during your trip. Keep in mind that there are additional shipping fees in the train for transporting ATV's to camp!
The Hunting
Afternoons and early evening are the best times to be on stand for bears. A staff member will drop hunters off at their stand and pick them up at sundown. For safety reasons we do not allow hunters to pursue wounded bears on their own.
All moose hunting is done on foot with long days in the field, so being in good physical condition is strongly encouraged. We will help our hunters field dress, quarter, skin and bone out all big game animals.
Bird hunters may choose to be guided or not. In either instance we will point you in the direction of the best hunting areas. Birds hunters wishing to use dogs should plan on bringing their own animals.
Alcohol Policy
Guests at our camp are welcome to bring alcohol with them, however we DO NOT provide it. Alcohol can be purchased at the Duty Free Shop at the toll booth on the US side of the International Bridge in to Sault Ste. Marie.
- Alcohol consumption is NEVER permitted before or during hunting time in the field
- Alcohol consumption is NEVER permitted while operating a motor vehicle or ATV in our camp
- Alcohol consumption is NEVER permitted while operating a boat in our camp
- We reserve the right to remove any guest from camp who does not adhere to our alcohol consumption policies.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
All guests are required to purchase their hunting and fishing licenses before arriving at camp. Costs vary by license. Non-residents are also required to purchase an Ontario Outdoors Card. If this is your first visit to Canada, your Outdoors Card can be purchased with your hunting or fishing license at the The Trading Post in Sault. Ste. Marie. You must bring a current hunting or fishinging licence from your home state.
Transporting Firearms to/from Canada
U.S. residents transporting firearms into Canada must complete Non-resident Firearms Declaration Form CAFC 909. This form must be submitted in triplicate (3 original copies) upon reaching border security. DO NOT sign the form until your are in front of a border security agent! Note: CAFC 909 is not required for transporting bows into Canada. The cost of transporting frearms into Canada is $25.
U.S. residents returning to the U.S. with firearms are encouraged to complete US Customs Form 4457. This form is not required for transporting rifles or bows back to the U.S. but is strogly recommended in order to prevent potential problems when re-entering the U.S.
Provincial Export Permits
U.S. residents transporting meat or hides from black bears into the U.S. must obtain an Ontario Provincial Export Permit. Export permits are $35 and can be purchased after your hunt at The Trading Post in Sault Ste. Marie.
The Skiing Trails
We have over 35 miles of flat, groomed trails. Some trails are wider for skating where terrain is conducive. Signs are posted at trail intersections and all guests are given a trail map prior to departing. Our trails cater to all skill levels.
Returning Home
The train is scheduled to depart at 1:40pm and should arrive in Sault Ste. Marie by 6:00pm. We will take you to meet the train following lunch at the lodge.
Hunters returning home after moose or bear hunts should plan on paying additional baggage fees for luggage in excess of 100 lbs. Cash or credit card payments can be made to the train conductor prior to boarding.
Paying Your Lodge Bill
Our rates are given in US Funds and do not include a 13% provincial sales tax. We accept cash, personal check or cashiers checks. No credit cards are accepted at this time.
Reservations
A phone call or e-mail is the best way to reserve your spot at the lodge. All reservations must be followed up with a 50% deposit. For hunting trips, the balance of the fee is due 30 days before you arrive in camp. All deposits are non-refundable.