Ten years. That is how long it had been since I let myself escape into the tranquility of northern Canada. The last trip was with my father while I was in high school. That trip left me with lasting memories that I cherish today: Action-packed fishing locations, boat rides out to fishing spots, delicious shore lunches on secluded shorelines, and relaxing dinners full of stories and conversations. Memories I longed to make more of.

This time, I was out of college and working in the “real world.” Life was moving at a bullet train pace. So when my father asked me if I would be interested in joining him for another trip to Canada, I thought he was crazy for thinking he had to ask. The interest is always there; the time is not always as readily available. However, it had been too long, and I was ready to drop a line in cool, Canadian waters. So, we decided on a week when we could clear our schedules, and the date was set.

I was unsure what to expect in the weeks preceding the trip. My last trip was amazing. I had loved the time with my father, the fishing was off the charts, the food was delicious, and the landscapes were unforgettable. Canada was this amazing place I escaped to with family and grew tighter and stronger relationships. Would my experiences be the same now that I am grown? They say that distance makes a heart grow fonder. Perhaps I had built up the idea of a Canadian fishing trip too high in my mind, and this trip did not have a shot at being better, or even as memorable, as the last.

Any worries about this trip not living up to the standard I had in my head were pushed to the back of my mind during the days of travel. I was back on an adventure with my dad, and I was loving every second. The overnight stay in Saskatoon, the small shuttle-like plane that took us to Points North Landing, the ride to the lodge: All things that could be looked upon as bothersome travel was instead viewed as part of the exciting journey. Not to mention, I got to take a picture by an Inukshuk at Points North with my dad (I was looking forward to that).

Once I stepped foot onto the Wilderness Family Outfitters (WFO) grounds in northern Saskatchewan, though, any worries about this trip were not only swept from the front of my mind, but they were also eradicated entirely. The grounds were incredibly well kept and wonderfully landscaped. The main lodge was homey and welcoming. Our cabin was comfortable with a view of a shimmering bay, encased in pine trees. This was going to be an outstanding vacation. Throughout the following days, my expectations were all met and surpassed by the lodge’s fishing, food, and family.

I have fished quite a bit in my life, and most of that fishing has been done in Wisconsin. I had my ideas of what a “keeper” fish was and what a “good fight” was. So, when my dad reeled in a northern pike on the first day larger than 27 inches and sent it back on its way without a second thought, I was perplexed. I would have taken a picture with that fish and framed it—perhaps even given it a name. That fish would have made the leaderboard on any of my past fishing trips in Wisconsin, and I would have been ecstatic about it. The only explanation I had in my mind is that he has gone on hundreds of fishing trips, and perhaps a large fish wasn’t as exciting anymore. 

On the other hand, while catching my first fish of the trip around 27 inches, I wanted it landed and I wanted a picture with it. It was a nice fish! Turns out, that length was on the small side for Saskatchewan’s Wollaston Lake. My perspective quickly proceeded to change throughout the days of fishing. I caught more pike over 30 inches on this trip than I had in the previous 27 years of my life. Pretty soon, a quick release (not even boating it) for a fish in the 20s was not upsetting and instead was expected. I wanted to get another fish on the line as fast as possible, which for Wollaston Lake, that was more-than-likely the next cast. As long as a “small” 25-incher was on my hook, I couldn’t cast my lure back out in hopes of a bigger one. 

The daily action at Wilderness Family Outfitters was incredible. Pulling in all those monstrous fish was hard work. So, after a day of “working” on the water, coming back to the lodge for a refreshing shower and a prepared dinner was rewarding. Mrs. Jacobs made dinner every night and each night was delicious. Meals ranged from soup to salad, and pork chops to lasagna. Each night was a new meal, and each meal was as delicious as the last.

The family of Wilderness Family Outfitters sure did their part in making this trip as fantastic as it was. They made my dad and I feel like we were at home, and that we were part of the WFO family. We all ate together at the long table in the main cabin and talked about our daily ventures. It was time to unwind and we all got to talk about the stories of the day: The multiple occurrences of “doubles” where my dad and I caught fish at the same time, or the wildlife sightings, or the time a trophy northern surprised (and scared) me when it attacked my lure within two feet of the boat as I was pulling the lure out of the water. They had board games on the shelf, but they were never needed. The lodge family, my dad, and I had no trouble filling the evenings with conversations and laughter before heading to bed and repeating the process the next day.

I had an image of what a trip to Canada could be—and should be. Wilderness Family Outfitters took that image and built it up to an even grander standard. I was incredibly saddened to leave the lodge behind, but incredibly grateful for the memories I will now cherish for the rest of my life. It felt like a movie as I was sitting in the hammock on the shoreline of the lodge, reminiscing over the past couple of days with our guide, Brendon. I felt like I was ending a chapter of my life. It sounds exaggerated, for sure, but that week felt like an adventure of a lifetime and something that impactful shouldn’t be looked upon lightly. 

I am glad that I made time during my hectic schedule. I am grateful that my dad invited me on another adventure. So, as the scene ended and the credits started rolling on this voyage, I could not help but hope that there would be a note at the end confirming that a sequel would occur in the near future.

For more information on Wilderness Family Outfitters, visit WildernessFamilyOutfitters.com, and for information on Saskatchewan Canada, visit FishSask.com.