Cabins and Fishing Adventures on Lake of the Woods

If you know how to navigate the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods, you can find massive fish from a range of species. The photos on Totem Resorts' brochure prove it, with proud fishers showing off their just-caught northern pike, largemouth bass, and muskie. For those staying at one of Totem Resorts' four grand lodges, the resort’s expert guides can help find the best spot to nab these prize catches. And not only will the resort supply a 19.5-foot Triumph cruiser boat, but the staff will also batter and fry the morning catch at the daily lunch, set beside a sparkling lake and complemented with beer and champagne.

The resort is made up of four lodges, each exuding a rustic vibe from stone fireplaces and knotty pine walls. Each of the cabins in the main lodge is right on the water, though all four resorts blend in with their wilderness surroundings. Even if you’re not into fishing, there are plenty of other activities at the property. Swim along Yellow Lodge's sand beach, or head into the woods for trap shooting with clay pigeons (extra fee). The resort also leads eco history tours of the lake (extra fee), which visit the wild rice patches, berry-picking spots, and pictographs painted by the natives.

Sioux Narrows, Ontario: Fishing and Hunting in the Sunset Country

A backwoods town with a population of only 400, Sioux Narrows is miles away from any big city in Sunset Country, a region of Ontario known for its gorgeous sunsets. Drive along the lake's eastern shores on Highway 71 to see fishermen searching for muskies—Lake of the Woods has one of the world’s largest muskie populations. Lining the shores are thick forests of pine trees. Raspberries, strawberries, and hazelnuts can be found here as well, but keep an eye out for bears, deer, and moose that might be interested in the fruit as well.