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. The train will depart at 9:20am. Round trip fare from Sault Ste, Marieto mile marker 122-1/2 is $143.90 (Canadian) per adult. 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 and lunch will be served. Typically lunch is followed by an afternoon 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 if provided in each cabin and lighting is by propane overhead lamps.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.
The Meals
Three hearty meals are served each day. Your lunch meal can be a sack lunch if you are out all day, or we can provide the fixings for a shore lunch. Hunting guests will be out all day and should plan on sack lunches in the field. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are available in the lodge any time. We do not provide alcoholic beverages, so plan accordingly if you wish to have beer, wine or liquor during your trip. We will be sensitive to any particular dietary needs, but please let us know ahead of time!
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. Guides 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.
Moose hunters will be guided in the field by members of our staff. 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 hunts 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.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
All non-resident guests are required to purchase an Ontario Outdoors Card prior to picking up hunting or fishing licenses. The cost of the outdoors card is $9.68 and should be purchased well in advance of your trip by calling the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at 1800.387.7011. Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased in person at The Trading Postin Sault. Ste. Marie.
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 must complete US Customs Form 4457. This form is required for transporting rifles or bows back to 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 we will help you secure them.
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 the 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.