Proprietors:  Jim & Gen Comeau

Island Lake Lodge is located 80 air miles northwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta (Northern Canada) in the sub-Arctic region of the Birch Mountains.

Island Lake is accessible only by air. Wheel planes are normally used to transport customers from Fort McMurray to Island Lake Lodge and back. However, if you wish to experience the adventure in a Float plane, you may do so at an additional cost.

The lake has an area of 16-1/2 square miles (3 x 5 miles wide). Most of the lake is shallow with a maximum depth of approximately 50 feet. The lake is enhanced by several islands which afford excellent protection for uninterrupted fishing should windy conditions occur during your stay. Island Lake is open from Spring break-up to Fall freeze-up (May 24 to Sept. 30).

Gardiner Lake (registered trophy lake) is easily accessible by a 15-minute portage (on a daily basis at no extra charge).

Island Lake's practically virgin waters abound in trophy-sized Walleye and Great Northern Pike. For those who just want to get away from city life, the wilderness surrounding Island Lake Lodge offers peace and serenity in virtually undisturbed natural surroundings. Get back to nature and enjoy fishing, bird-watching, hiking or just relaxing in a stress-free, quiet, clean-air environment.

Island Lake Lodge supports the Catch & Release Program. We value your judgement and request your support in the catch and release program. Help us preserve the trophy fishing you now enjoy for your grandchildren. Anglers must now use only barbless hooks to catch fish in Alberta—part of the province’s plan to improve Alberta’s fisheries. The regulation that came into effect on April 1, 2004 will help ensure that the maximum number of released fish survive.

Walleye over 5 lbs and Northern Pike over 10 lbs must be released. If you want a mount for your wall you can get a graphite replica made. Just measure the length and girth of the fish, photograph it and release it gently into the water.

The new Lodge (constructed in 2004) is situated approximately 75 feet from shore and is well protected from the elements. With the addition of the new lodge, Island Lake is now offering Full-Service for its clients (home-cooked meals).  Cabins are of natural log construction with maximum accommodations for sixteen people, plus staff.

Each cabin is equipped with:

Electricity Propane Refrigerator Wood Stove 4-burner Propane Stove Propane BBQ

Built-in Double Bunks Table and Chairs Cutlery, Pots, Pans & Dishes Dish Towels and Dish Soap Running Water

In case of sickness or accident, customers are responsible for medical and air-ambulance expenses. We recommend insurance to cover this eventuality. The Lodge is equipped with a satellite phone, should an emergency ever occur.

What is supplied?

• 16 foot aluminum boats with 10 hp motors, unlimited fuel, D.O.T. approved life-jackets, paddles, dip nets and fish tubs.
  
• Heated log cabins, propane stove and BBQ, cooking utensils, dishes, double built-in bunks with foam mattress, freezing facilities, electricity, central shower house and flush toilets.
  
• Return air fare from Fort McMurray to the Lodge using wheel plane (float planes are available at extra cost).
• Camp attendant and satellite telephone in case of emergency located at the Lodge.
• Home-cooked meals for Full-Serice clients.

Basically you look after yourself, cleaning your own fish, cooking your own meals (unless you are a full-service client) and caring for your gear.

What else can I do besides fish?

For those who just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, bird watchers can enjoy the many species of birds, i.e.: pelicans at the Island Lake Pelican Sanctuary, loons, ducks, geese, and American Bald Eagles. Explore the tiny islands with abandoned trappers cabins. Hike from Island Lake to Gardiner Lake or take a colorful trip down the Sand River to Gardiner Lake and enjoy peace and serenity in a stress-free environment.

Take a boat-ride around the lake and catch the antics of frolicking otters and the ever-industrious beavers. If lucky, you may also spot and cow moose with her calves swimming from island to island.

Join us for our spring and fall BEAR HUNT (May and Sept.).

Moose hunting is offered in the fall from approx. Sept. 15th.

Book early as we only take one group of hunters at a time.

Reservation Information

Economy Package

  Air transportation between Fort McMurray and the Lodge.
  Fully equipped log cabin, 16 ft. boat (2 persons per boat), motor, gas, paddles, fish tub, dip net and DOT approved life jackets.
  Shower facilities with flush toilets.

  Food including refreshments and snacks.
  Sleeping bag, fishing gear and tackle, rain gear, a cap or hat, change of warm clothing.
  Personal items, insect repellent, mosquito coils, sunglasses, sunscreen, sun tan lotion, camera with lots of film, and flashlight and batteries.
  We recommend rubber boots should wet weather occur during your stay with us.
  Note:  Please keep the weight restriction of 50 pounds per person in mind when packing. Pack everything in duffel bags. Refrain from suitcases.

Full-Service Package

  Transfers between Fort McMurray airport or bus terminal to the charter air base.
  Air transportation between Fort McMurray and the Lodge.
  Fully equipped log cabin, 16 ft. boat (2 persons per boat), motor, gas, paddles, fish tub, dip net and DOT approved life jackets.
  Shower facilities with flush toilets.
  Home-cooked meals served in the new main Lodge.

  Refreshments and snacks.
  Sleeping bag, fishing gear and tackle, rain gear, a cap or hat, change of warm clothing.
  Personal items, insect repellent, mosquito coils, sunglasses, sunscreen, sun tan lotion, camera with lots of film, and flashlight and batteries.
  We recommend rubber boots should wet weather occur during your stay with us.
  Note:  Please keep the weight restriction of 50 pounds per person in mind when packing. Pack everything in duffel bags. Refrain from suitcases.

Other Information

  $200.00 discount for children under 12 years of age.
  Additional rates & times available on request.
  Waters fished:  Island Lake, Gardiner Lake (registered Trophy Lake), and Sand River.