FAQs
What currency do I pay in?
Starting in 2021:
- Rates are in USD for Non-Residents
- Rates are in CAD for Residents
How can I purchase a Crown Land Camping permit?
We do not sell Crown land camping permits at the resort. They can now be purchased on-line. Follow this link to access the 0n-line permits. https://www.ontario.ca/page/camping-crown-land
Can I Bring My Own Boat?
Yes you can bring your own boat. We ask that you take it out of the water when you are done fishing for the day so as not to congest the dock/beach area. There is a public landing with a concrete ramp adjacent to the resort property with a large parking area. We also have boats and motors available for rent at the resort.
If you are coming over from the US be careful not to transport any invasive species in you boat. Make sure your drain plugs are out. They will be checking at the border crossing. Drain water from bilge, live wells, bait buckets, trailer and wheels. Wash bait wells with hot water. …It is also illegal to bring bait across the border, so don’t chance it. Our Conservation Officers know when they check you on the lake if you brought in a species from the states. We have bait for sale at the resort. We want to keep our fisheries healthy. It’s too bad what has happened to Mille Lacs Lake in MN due to invasive species getting in and we don’t want that happening here. So please do your part….
Are we responsible for damage to the boats or other resort equipment?
Yes. Any damages to lodge property, especially boats will be added to the customers bill upon departure. In the case of the boats we ask that guests treat them with great care, especially on the main lake. The most common mishap that occurs is with props. A damaged prop will cost approximately $100 to replace/repair. Next up is the skag which will start at $200 and up, depending on severity of damage.
Do you supply bait?
Minnows, leeches and worms are available for purchase at the resort. We also carry some fishing tackle in our store.
Can I purchase a fishing licence at the resort?
As of May 2019 we will not be selling fishing licences at the resort. Get your Outdoors Card and fishing licence on-line. Follow this link to purchase your licence on-line.
What kind of fish are in Northern Light Lake?
We have many species of fish including walleye, northern pike, lake trout, small mouth bass, whitefish, burbot (freshwater ling) and perch.
How many fish can I keep?
Northern Light Lake is FMZ 6 in the Ontario Fishing regulations. Follow this link to get more information.
Is there medical care nearby?
We have basic First-Aid kits at the resort. For anything more serious there is a 24 hour hospital in Thunder Bay, approximately 1.5 hours away. They accept cash and credit cards for payment. Just keep your receipt and process through your insurance company upon return. We recommend bringing up all prescription medicines with you as refills can be difficult to fill in Canada.
Do you have cell service or wifi?
We are out of range but you can get cell service a few miles before the resort on the main road. There is a pull off site at km 35. We do have a pay phone at the resort and we sell calling cards for your convenience.
As of June 2017 we do have Wifi service at the resort.
Can I bring my pet?
As of 2017, NO pets allowed in the rental cabins. Please make arrangements for your pets before coming to the resort.
- Any dogs found in cabins, guest’s credit card will be charged $365 cleaning fee, no questions asked.
- We appreciate you co-operation in this matter.
What time is check in/check out?
Check in time is 2 pm, check out is 10 am. This time may be adjusted if there are no guests in the cabin prior to your arrival. Please call to inquire.
What forms of payment does the resort accept?
We accept cash (US at par), debit, visa and mastercard. We do not accept American Express or personal cheques.
What if I forget something?
We have a store and gift shop at the resort. We carry many items in case you forgot something, including grocery items, camping, boating and fishing supplies.
What do you supply in the cabins?
The cabins have all your cooking utensils, pot/pans, dishes. The beds have linens, comforters and pillows. You will need to bring all personal items such as towels, soap, shampoo, and your favourite pillow. Often guests like to bring a small portable BBQ with them. Some cabins do not have bathroom/showers. We have two facilities on site for your convenience. See our cabin page for more information on what each cabin offers.
Can I drink the water?
All the water provided by the resort is safe. Our water comes directly from a spring and goes through a filtration system. It is regularly tested at Provincial labs in Thunder Bay. Drink away!
Is Northern Light Resort open during the winter months? Do you have information on the snomobile trails?
Our resort is open in late February. Lake Trout season opens Feb. 1st until March 31st. Call ahead for cabin availability and other winter information. For information on the snowmobile trails go to Thunder Bay Adventure Trails or Atikokan Sno Ho Club
What do I need to know if I am coming/entering from the USA?
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Everyone now crossing the border between Canada and the USA are required to have a valid passport.
If you are traveling with children other than your own, be sure you obtain a written note from the parents stating their permission to be in your care and guardianship.
You can bring additional alcoholic beverages and cigarettes, but make sure to claim the actual amount. You will be charged duty and taxes, but it will still remain less expensive than if you purchased them in Canada. We have an LCBO on site at the resort. Whatever you do, don’t try to smuggle the additional amount across the border. It is not worth it.
When clearing customs for entry into Canada, remember to answer the questions politely and precisely. Don’t try to be funny, cute or clever. They don’t appreciate improper attitudes that often lead to delays, when they decide to check you out in response to the answer to their questions.
Customs is usually no problem once you answer their questions. They do periodic checks, and you never know when it could be you. Be cooperative and it should go smoothly and quickly.
Current vehicle and boat insurance certificates are necessary. Boat plug must be out of the boat when crossing the border.
Liquor
Each person of legal drinking age is allowed to bring across one case of beer or one 40 oz. bottle of hard liquor without paying duty.
Cigarettes
Each adult over the age of 16 may bring across one carton of cigarettes (200).
Groceries
Each person is allowed to bring a reasonable amount of groceries for their stay. There are currently no restrictions on groceries you can bring across the border. Potatoes need to be in commercial packaging, so none out of your gardens. Chicken and eggs are allowed this year.
Pets
Cats and dogs may enter with a written rabies vaccine certificate dated within the last 6 months
Handguns
Handguns are prohibited.
Ammunition
Visitors to Canada may import 200 rounds of ammunition for hunting purposes free of duty and tours.
Duty Free Shops
Duty free shops are tax free stores in our area that waive federal and state tax. These may be used if you have not purchased the cigarettes or liquor that is allowed over the border.
Credit Cards
Most American credit cards and principal bank cards are honored in Canada, (VISA is most widely accepted in Canada). To avoid Credit Card issues be sure to inform your Credit Card company that you will be travelling to Canada and using your card there prior to leaving home.
Health Insurance
Its recommended that visitors to Canada obtain traveler health insurance before leaving the U.S. Health plans often do not extend coverage for services received outside the country of residence. Visitors may find they have either no health insurance or inadequate coverage when in Canada.
Hospital and Medical Services
Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent but rates vary, so Travelers health insurance is recommended. Visitors taking medicine prescribed by a doctor should bring a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed.
Please Note
The above information may change from time to time and we suggest you to check out the Canadian customs and immigration website for updated information (click here).
Here is another site for information on crossing the border into Canada. http://www.canadawelcomesyou.net/
What do I have to know about Re-Entering The USA?
Customs Allowance click here
48 Hours or Less
If you were is Canada for 48 hours or less, you may bring back $200.00 or less back to the U.S. duty free.
Over 48 Hours
If you can document your stay in Canada exceeded 48 hours, you may bring back $800.00 in purchases tax free.
Tobacco and Alcohol
If you are eligible for the $800.00 exemption, you may bring back one carton of cigarettes or 200 cigars regardless of your age. If you are 21 years of age or older, you may bring back 1 liter (33.8 oz.) of alcoholic beverage, if it is for your own use or a gift.
Wildlife and Fish
Fish may be imported according to the possession limits shown on your Canadian an fishing license. A one inch patch of skin must be left on all fillets. Fish must be packaged flat (2 fillets per package). Fish may not be transported by other than the licensee, even if the transporter has the fish and license of another.
All big game must he accompanied by a Canadian Export Permit and game seal.
The above information may change from time to time and we suggest you to check out the USA customs and immigration website for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Customs Duty Information
What do I need to know about bringing firearms into Canada?
Non Resident Hunters are required to register their guns before entering Canada. Forms found here.
US Visitors and Hunters Firearm Registration Form
This legislation requires non-resident hunters to register their firearms when entering into Canada with a firearm. Hand guns are prohibited! Hunting rifles require a form to be filled out at the border. There is a minimal fee for doing this. Read more information about Firearm Users Visiting Canada.
Ontario Hunting Regulations found here.
Other Information if visiting from the USA...
- If you have previous charges or convictions (eg. DUI, assaults, etc.) it’s in your best interest to call Customs Canada before hand to make sure you will be eligible to cross into Canada. You may have to apply for a temporary residency permit in advance.
- The use of Cell Phones or texting is strictly prohibited while driving in Ontario.
- Check to make sure your car insurance policy is valid in Canada. Have it with you in case of an accident.
- Research more information on Ontarios fishing & hunting regulations, and other related topics.
How do I obtain a Temporary Resident Permit?
Please find below links to some web pages that will help in obtaining a Temporary Resident Permit. This is for applying prior to entering Canada. They will review the application and make a decision on issuing the permit.