What can I expect?
Fly to International Falls then take a limo Vermilion Bay, ON
Most of our guests fly into International Falls, MN, U.S.A, where a limo (van) service can be arranged to take you to Vermilion Bay, ON, Canada. Depending on what time of day you arrive, the van service will either take you directly to the Air Service or the van will take you to a motel.
See map at bottom of this page to give you an idea of location.
Overnight in Vermilion Bay
Most groups overnight in Vermilion Bay, ON. The van service and the hotel can be arranged, on your behalf, by John Naimian of Oak Lake Lodge. The van service is approximately $75 (U.S. Funds) and it is payable to the van service company. Accommodations in Vermilion Bay are approximately $65 (CAD Funds) per night for double occupancy.
Early morning departure to Oak Lake Lodge
Your departure time at the Air Service will be arranged by John Naimian and you will need to arrive at the air service 1/2 hour before your departure time. You will board a float plane destined for your fishing or hunting vacation at Oak Lake Lodge; however, the vacation is really beginning with the ride in the float plane.
It is quite a fascinating experience and if you are lucky enough to sit with the pilot, you will enjoy his conversation very much. The plane ride will take about 25 minutes and you will be heading almost straight northwest over thousands of lakes and rivers, and beautiful forests.
Smooth touchdown on Oak Lake
When you reach your destination of Oak Lake, the pilot will prepare for his smooth landing. It is amazing that when the pilot touches down on the lake you can hardly feel it. The landing is so smooth. After touching down, the pilot then parks the plane at the dock just like you would dock a boat. The skills that the pilots have developed are incredible.
Smooth touchdowns on Oak Lake.
Greeted at Oak Lake by John and May
On the dock, you will be greeted by Oak Lake Lodge's guides, as well as, by John and May Naimian - your hosts while you are at Oak Lake Lodge. The guides arrange everything so quickly and diligently so that you can begin your day of fishing and/or hunting. We won't give away too many details about fishing or hunting because everyone's experiences are unique.
Experienced Guides
Knowing that your guide will adjust to your level of interest and expertise is important. With some guests, the guides will bait the hook, take the fish off of the line and do many basic functions. Other guests enjoy doing these things for themselves and will use the guides expertise in showing the guests the hot spots for fishing, depending on the temperature, the water level in the lake, the time of year and a host of other factors that determine the fishing hot spots.
More than fishing
If a guest is interested, the guides will show you eagles, eagle nests, trumpeter swans and they can even show you the rocks that were marked by the natives during the fur trade. If you enjoy talking, the guides have many incredible experiences that can be shared from their years on the lakes and forests, doing things that many of us would never dream of accomplishing.
Guides cook and prepare shore lunches
Another task that guides perform is the cooking of the shore lunches. This is another incredible experience and one that is unique at Oak Lake Lodge. Whether or not you hire a guide, you are included in the shore-lunches. Sit back and watch these professionals clean the fish, bread the filets and fry the fish. The guides compliment the meal with side dishes prepared by the kitchen staff. All you do during the shore lunch is relax and talk with your friends. Our guides will do all the work.
Exceptional Meals
Besides the fishing, hunting and accommodations, one other aspect of Oak Lake Lodge that the guests rave about is the meals. You will receive a hearty breakfast before you head out on the lake or out hunting and when you return after your day of fishing or hunting an incredible supper awaits you. After supper, some guests will go out fishing again and other guests will relax in their cottages, playing cards or just sit and relax on the large-screened in porches.
Well, hopefully we have given you an idea of what Oak Lake Lodge is like.
Map of International Falls, MN, U.S.A. to Vermilion Bay, ON, Canada
Map is from Google Maps Service.
