About Us
Manitou Weather Station
Family, Friends, and Lifetime Memories
. What Makes Us Different
Manitou Weather Station
The remote, pristine wilderness is one thing that makes us different from other destination trips! What makes our lodge different? Guests tell us over and over again about how lovely our accommodations are. Due to the privateness of each cabin, guests enjoy getting to choose how much they want to interact with the staff or other guests, making it possible to fit the needs of ALL guests. Your party will get an entire cabin; featuring a screened in three season room, with breathtaking views of the lake, and their own private dock, located within steps of the cabin.
Guests can personalize their trip to accommodate individual needs. For those guests that can’t wait to get out on the lake for that first bite of the day, to those who enjoy a leisurely pace. There are many different activities to enjoy at camp. Our friendly staff are willing to go out of their way to meet your vacation needs.
The Manitou Weather Station is also the perfect size for larger parties who wish to book the entire camp, at very reasonable rates. Imagine hosting your next family reunion, company trip, a father and son event, or something you are still just dreaming about. Call us and we will help you create the perfect destination trip!
Our Family
Manitou Weather Station is owned and operated by two local Canadian families, the Esselinks and the Cridlands. The families purchased the Manitou Weather Station in 2006, where they opened it up from a privately owned camp, into the thriving fishing resort it is today. Together the two families, and all the members, are intertwined in creating the successful business it is today.
The day-to-day operations of the Manitou Weather Station are run by the brother and sister duo, Kris and Kerrilyn. Together they create the unique balance of family-run fishing camp, and the ultimate guys or girls getaway.
Area History at the Manitou
The beginning of Manitou Weather Station’s history begins with Andy and Betty Young. Andy and Betty purchased the property previously known as the Royal Sovereign, a gold mine location, in 1979. Here they set out on the adventure of their lives to live in the Canadian wilderness year-round in the log cabin they built. They even floated in the logs for their house, now the main lodge, up the lake, losing them all in a storm and spending the rest of the summer and the next looking for them all.
The name Weather Station comes from the lodge being located between Fort Frances and Dryden, when Andy and Betty would twice a day report the weather and weather patterns to the MNR. It thus received the nickname the Weather Station which, stuck with them throughout the years.
Andy and Betty’s stories and tales could be shared for hours and will be remembered for years to come. The legacy and the fishing camp they have built is now enjoyed by many from around the world.
Our Team
Kris
Camp Host, Hunting & Fishing Guide
Kris has his commercial float plane licence and has been guiding this lake since 2006. Kris has learned from the experts on the lake and will put you on all of our species — just let him know what you want to fish for today!
Kerrilyn
Camp Host & Cook
Kerrilyn is the camp cook, host and a fishing guide. She is your go-to if you have any questions about the camp. She has picked up all the secrets spots from the other guides and has excelent knowledge for fishing the lake and its history. She’s sure to have stories upon stories to entertain you with.
GREG
Fishing Guide
Greg has been guiding for the camp since 2009. Greg is a retired firefighter. Not only does Greg know how to find the fish, he knows how to put a smile on your face and ensure that you enjoy your day besides just the fishing part.
Aiden
Camp Hand & Guide
Aiden is dock boy turned fishing guide. He has learned the lake from the best and has proven himself by consistently putting his guests on the fish.
Dennis
Guide
Dennis has been guiding this lake for almost 40 years. He knows it all and has seen everything. You will enjoy Dennis’ stories about this lake of legends almost as much as the fishing!
Randy
Guide
Randy, a retired teacher, has been guiding for over 40 years. He brings years of experience on NWO lakes that include Rainy Lake, Esox Lake, Manitou Stretch and Lac Seul. Randy can tell you lots of history from his days as a log man on the tugboat “Hallett” from the early 70s. He even got to work on the last pulpwood drive on Rainy Lake.
JAKE
Guide
Jake has been fishing the Manitou since he was a young teenager. He has learned from the guides before and the guides around him about the lake and its history. Jake is always ready for a laugh and a good fishing story.
JAMES
Guide
James lives for guiding. He is a carpenter by trade but would rather be spending his time on the water guiding. James grew up fishing in the area and no doubt will share his knowledge with you.
Matt
Guide
Matt has been guiding on the Manitou for 5-plus years now, but fishing his whole life. He is a small motors mechanic at the local boat dealerships so his boat is always rigged with the latest stuff. Bass and trout are his favourite to chase.
Pierre
Everyone’s favourite Dock Dog. And the ‘real’ camp manager!