Getting Here
Manitou Weather Station
Manitou Weather Station Location
Northwestern Ontario is one of the top fly-in fishing destinations in Canada and Lower Manitou Lake is located right in the heart of it all. With the lodge being located in the most remote region of the lake, you are guaranteed a peaceful wilderness vacation and the opportunities to see a variety of wildlife.
Remotely located on Lower Manitou Lake in the heart of Northwestern Ontario, Manitou Weather Station is where the best of Canada’s fly-in fishing destinations are located.
Manitou Weather Station GPS coordinates are:
Wherever your travels begin we can help you with all the planning details in arriving at the Manitou Weather Station dock.
Flying
American guests:
Fly into International Falls, Minnesota, then cross over the US / Canadian border into Fort Frances.
Canadian guests:
Fly into Thunder Bay, Ontario or Winnipeg, Manitoba, then take Bearskin Airlines into Fort Frances.
Local Air Transportation:
Air transportation from Fort Frances to the lodge can easily be arranged, and we can assist you with these details. The Manitou Weather Station Lodge is a 45-minute flight from Fort Frances.
Driving
Driving:
Arrive in Fort Frances, Ontario (Fort Frances is on the Canadian/ U.S. border across from International Falls, Minnesota.). Head towards Dryden on Hwy 502 for about 40km where you will turn left onto the Cedar Narrows Rd for another 29km to arrive at Esox Landing. It is roughly a 1.5 hour drive to Esox landing from Fort Frances, another 30min for unloading and 45 min for the boat ride. Making it 3 hours from Fort Frances to Camp. This of course does not include any extra stops for food, alcohol, or fishing licenses. Contact us for more detailed driving instructions, or the best places to stop for supplies along the way.
For approximate driving times and distances to Fort Frances from U.S. or Canadian cities, please check the mileage chart below.
Boating to MWS:
If you are planning on boating to the lodge, please contact us so that we can provide more detailed directions and coordinates/ maps from Esox Landing. The Lower Manitou has been mapped for Navionics, so if your boat is compatible with that we can also send a track to follow. It is about 45 min to 1 hour for the boat portion.
Border Crossing Regulations
Border Crossing Information
For information on what you can bring, phone ahead to be certain. Canada Customs phone number is 807-964-2093. If you are flying into Canada, reach Canada Customs at 888-CAN-PASS. Also visit the Canada Border Services Agency website for current information.
Canadian / American Border Crossing Passport Requirements
A passport is required for all travelers when entering the U.S. and Canada.
If crossing with a child, it is advisable to have a parental letter of consent. (ie. If a father and son are traveling together, a letter of consent from the mother should also accompany the child. If traveling with a grandchild a letter of consent from both parents should be brought along.)
Identification Requirements
From the Canada Border Services Agency: All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.
Alcohol
You are allowed to bring into Canada certain amounts of alcohol and alcoholic beverages free of duty and taxes. If the amount of alcohol you want to import exceeds your personal exemption, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply. Check the Canada Border Services Agency website for current allowances.
Border Wait Times
For current U.S. to Canada border crossing wait times, check the Fort Frances bridge here. Typically, wait times are longest Fridays and Saturdays.
