Black Lake Outpost

Passport & Documents

A valid passport is required for all guests entering Canada. Children under 18 traveling without both parents must carry a notarized consent letter from the absent parent(s). Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of the trip.

Carry proof of vehicle insurance when driving into Canada.

Manitoba Fishing License

Manitoba now requires online fishing license purchase before your trip. Purchase at manitobaelicensing.ca and print it out before traveling. Licenses are required for guests 16 and older.

Bait Restrictions

No live or dead bait is allowed across the border. Purchase frozen or salted minnows, leeches, and crawlers in Manitoba. Crawlers must be in sterile bedding (no soil). Live minnows are not allowed in Atikaki Park.

Alcohol Import Limits

Each adult (19+) may bring only ONE of: one case of beer (24 cans/bottles), 40 oz (1.14L) of hard spirits, or 53 oz (1.5L) of wine. No glass bottles are allowed on the aircraft. Keep purchase receipts.

DUI & Criminal Records

Canada is very strict regarding DUI and criminal offenses. The rules and regulations have been changing in recent years. If you or anyone in your group has a DUI or criminal record, contact Canada Border Crossing Services at 1-800-438-7020 or visit bordercrossing.ca well in advance of your trip to understand your options.

WiFi & Connectivity

There is no cell service at the lodge or any of our outpost camps. All locations have Starlink WiFi. Connect to the WiFi network when you arrive — your host or the cabin info sheet will have the network name and password.

With WiFi calling enabled on your phone, you can make and receive regular phone calls and texts over the Starlink connection — just like being on cell service.

Starlink works well for calls, texts, email, and browsing. Streaming video or large downloads will be slower, especially with multiple people connected. Download movies, music, and maps before your trip.

WiFi Calling Setup

• iPhone: Settings → Phone → WiFi Calling → toggle ON. You may need to confirm your emergency address.
• Samsung: Settings → Connections → WiFi Calling → toggle ON.
• Google Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → Calls & SMS → WiFi Calling → toggle ON.
• Other Android: Settings → search "WiFi Calling" → toggle ON. Contact your carrier if the option doesn't appear — some carriers require activation.

Weather

Check the Environment Canada forecast for the Lac du Bonnet area before your trip. Weather in the wilderness can change quickly — pack layers and quality rain gear regardless of the forecast. Expect warm days and cool evenings in summer, with the possibility of cold snaps early and late in the season.

Medical Information

The nearest health centre is in Lac du Bonnet (204-345-8647). The nearest hospitals are in Pinawa and Beausejour. In a medical emergency, call Dogskin first — we can coordinate a floatplane evacuation faster than any other option. Bring all personal medications with you — there is no pharmacy in the wilderness. First aid kits are stocked in every cabin. We strongly recommend travel and medical insurance for all guests, especially those traveling from the US.

Report Issues

If anything is broken, not working, or needs attention at your cabin — call or text us. We want to know about it so we can fix it for you and for the next group. Don't assume someone else will report it.

Outboard Motors

14' boats with 4-stroke 15 HP motors. No fuel mixing needed — draw gas directly from the tank at the dock. One tank is enough for a full day of fishing.

Propane

The cabin runs on propane for the stove, oven, and BBQ. Propane bottles can be exchanged if one runs out. If you swap a bottle, you may need to relight the pilot lights on the stove.

Solar Power

Solar-powered electrical system with standard 110v outlets. Charge phones and cameras during the day when panels are active. Unplug chargers and devices when you leave the cabin. Don't rely on solar power for essential medical devices — outages can happen.

What's Provided

• Boats, motors, and all fuel
• Propane for stove and BBQ
• Landing nets and flotation cushions
• Cleaning supplies
• Starlink WiFi

Where to Buy Bait

Purchase frozen or salted minnows, leeches, and crawlers before you fly in. Available at convenience stores in Lac du Bonnet and the surrounding area. Remember: crawlers must be in sterile bedding (no soil), and live minnows are not allowed in Atikaki Park.

Bear Spray

We keep our camps clean, so bears are rarely seen around camp. If you bring bear spray, you MUST inform the pilot before the flight — the pilot will secure it in the float hatch away from the cabin.

Weather Delays

Floatplanes operate under visual flight rules (VFR) only. Weather at the base and at your lake can be different. If conditions delay your flight, be patient — safety comes first. Pack enough food for an extra day just in case.