START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Traveling to Pine Cliff Lodge
Getting here is straightforward with a bit of planning. Most guests drive from the U.S., while others choose to fly into regional airports.
BY PLANE
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​​​Most affordable: Fly into Minneapolis, MN + ~8 hour drive
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Most convenient: Fly into International Falls, MN + ~3 hour drive (limited flights, cars, and hotels—book early)
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Other Common Airports: Thundery Bay, Ontario (~4-hour drive) or Winnipeg, Manitoba (~4.5-hour drive)​​
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All options require a rental car.
by car
​​​​​​Driving from the U.S. is the most common option. Roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate, and Google Maps works reliably to the lodge.​​
LOCATION
Pine Cliff Lodge is located on Big Sandy Lake in Northwest Ontario, approximately 45 minutes from Dryden and 3 hours north of the Minnesota Border.
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Pine Cliff Lodge
8505 Hwy 72 at Pine Cliff Road
Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada P8T 0A7
GPS Coordinates: N 49° 52.097, W 092° 21.036
Last Stop Before the Lodge
Dryden, Ontario (45 minutes away)
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Most guests stop in Dryden to pick up everything they need before arriving.
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Groceries: Walmart, Safeway
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Beer: Beer Store
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Wine & Spirits: LCBO
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Live Bait (optional): Clark’s Bait & Tackle, QSL Tackle​​
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What to Pack
Documents​
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Valid passport
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Ontario Outdoors Card + fishing license (purchase online or in Dryden)
Personal Items​
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Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc.)
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Bath towel & washcloth
Clothing​
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Layers for all weather (warm days + cool mornings/evenings)
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Rain gear & waterproof footwear
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House shoes or slippers
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Cabin & Misc.​
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Groceries & beverages
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Optional paper goods (foil, ziplocks, paper towels, etc.)
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Flashlight or headlamp
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US cash (for tackle shop purchases)
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On the Water​
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Fishing rods, reels, tackle
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Sunglasses, hat
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Sunscreen & lip balm
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Bug repellent
GROCErIES & CABIN INFO
Think of your stay like an Airbnb in a remote setting.
Each cabin includes:
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Full kitchen (cookware, dishes, utensils)
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Propane grill
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Fish fry equipment
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Small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, etc.)
What’s provided:
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Salt & pepper
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Coffee filters
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Toilet paper & Kleenex
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hand towels
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bed linens + pillows
What to bring:
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All food, drinks, cooking ingredients, and condiments
Most guests stop in Dryden (45 minutes away) to stock up before arriving.
Note: Alcohol is sold separately in Ontario. Most guests stop at the Beer Store (beer) and LCBO (wine & spirits) in Dryden before heading to the lodge.
Live Bait (Optional): If you plan to fish with live bait, we recommend picking it up in Dryden before arrival (Clark’s Bait & Tackle or QSL Tackle).
Crossing the Border
Make sure you have a valid (unexpired) U.S. Passport!
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At the border, you will typically be asked three questions:​
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What is your purpose in visiting Canada? You’re going fishing!
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Are you bringing alcohol into Canada? You are allowed one case of beer or 40 ounces of liquor per person, duty free. (An extra case of beer will incur about $13 duty and extra liquor will have an approximate duty of 150% depending upon alcohol content.)
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Are you transporting firearms into Canada? If you are, declare them and remember – no handguns allowed!
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Not allowed into Canada:​
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Handguns
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Stun guns
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Mace or pepper spray
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Radar detectors
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Live bait such as minnows or leeches
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Helpful Resources:​
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If you have a D.U.I., D.W.I. or felony, you may be denied entry into Canada. Learn More
fishing licenses
All guests fishing in Ontario are required to have a valid Outdoors Card and fishing license.
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​Licenses can be purchased online in advance or in Dryden before arrival.
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By phone: 1-800-288-1155
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In Dryden at Canadian Tire or QSL tackle
NOTE: When purchasing a fishing license, you may be asked which zone you are applying for. We are Zone 4.
CONSERVATION VS. SPORT LICENSE
At Pine Cliff, we practice conservation in order to protect fish populations for generations to come, as well as the valuable resource we have in Big Sandy Lake. For those looking to keep fish, possession limits are listed below.
conservation LICENSE
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Northern Pike: 2 in possession under 27.5" | 27.5" and over are catch and release only
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Smallmouth Bass: catch and release only
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Lake Trout: 1 in possession, any size
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Perch: 25 in possession
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Whitefish: 6 in possession
SPORT LICENSE
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Northern Pike: 4 in possession under 27.5" | 27.5" and over are catch and release only
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Smallmouth Bass: catch and release only
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Lake Trout: 2 in possession – 1 under 22" and 1 any size
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Perch: 50 in possession
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Whitefish: 12 in possession