When I think of fishing in Canada, the first things that come to mind are the fishing, of course, but also the incredible remoteness. When traveling to Ontario, for example, consider Canada’s allure of vast wilderness areas, beautiful lakes and forests, and the numerous locations where few have set foot over the ages. In places like this, I can spend time quietly with Mother Nature; it is something that inspires and balances my life.

Sure, the fishing is excellent on many lakes, with walleyes seemingly available on almost every rock hump, reef and point—along with giant northern pike that charge your lure from nearly every weed bed. While many go north only for the fantastic fishing and the opportunity to catch fish on nearly every cast, others find the combination of the wilderness and the fishing something that makes a Canadian vacation so much more.

Upon entering Canada through International Falls, Minn. and Ft. Frances, Ontario, you escape city life for boreal forests almost instantly over the border. Traveling down Hwy 11 east and reaching Hwy 502 north, you encounter a stretch of road offering nothing more than vistas, rock outcrops, lakes and forests for almost 200 kilometers until reaching Dryden. Heading west on Hwy 17 takes you to historic Hwy 105 north, and the northernmost road into Ontario towards Red Lake with even more unbelievable scenery and wildlife.

Hwy 105 to Red Lake provides more scenic forests, lakes and plenty of fishing resorts for miles and miles. If you enjoy scenery, this is a route that you need to travel.

The Red Lake District is known as a premier destination for world-class fishing and hunting. It is also considered the Norseman Capital of the World. The Norseman is a historic plane celebrated every year in Red Lake during the Norseman Festival, a town-supported event that includes softball tournaments, music festivals, family activities, food tents and more. Additionally, the town of Red Lake is considered one of the busiest float plane bases in Canada, with float planes taking off and landing nearly every five minutes.

During the 1920s and early 1930s, many converged on Red Lake for work due to the goldrush. Back then, canoes, boats, dog teams and float planes were the only methods of travel. The historic Norseman plane ferried people in and out of Red Lake daily. To transport the gold to the rest of the province, a road had to be built. That road was, and still is, Highway 105. It’s the farthest road north in Ontario. While gold is still being mined, the town of Red Lake, and the bay it sits on, is still considered home to the busiest floatplane industry in the world.

Today, most planes, including Beavers, Norsemen, Otters and Cessnas, primarily carry hunters, fishermen, canoeists, and adventurists from Red Lake’s Howey Bay to remote lodges and outposts. With hundreds of lakes to choose from, the variety of fishing and adventures that the Red Lake District and Hwy105 corridor offer will not disappoint.

If fishing and vacationing in remote wilderness is what you are after, Red Lake itself has over 500 miles of beautiful, rugged coastline to explore. It is known for trophy-sized walleyes, northern pike, trout and whitefish. The community is also surrounded by abundant pristine lakes and waterways, making Red Lake every angler’s paradise. Red Lake and the HWY 105 corridor encompass Vermilion Bay, Perrault Falls, Ear Falls and the Red Lake District.

While vacationing in this vast wilderness, my mind can’t help but think of how small of a part I play in this pristine environment. Home to eagles, bear, deer, fox and other abundant wildlife, humans are the ones out of place. We need to take care of this beautiful land, its resources and inhabitants to keep it the outdoor paradise that it is.

Introducing friends and family members to this kind of outdoor environment, watching their reactions to the beauty and serenity that Canada offers, is another enjoyment for me. Experiencing the wilderness and natural surroundings with those you love is very rewarding. Last year, I was able to bring my son-in-law, who has traveled to numerous other parts of the world, to encounter Red Lake’s peacefulness and solitude. While a man of few words, his smiles alone expressed his enjoyment. Of course, the excellent fishing also added to the satisfaction. Being able to walk out the cabin door, breathe in the fresh air, and pick a handful of wild blueberries before jumping in a boat for an outstanding day on the water was a meaningful experience for both of us.

Several lodges and fly-in outposts in and around Red Lake cater to anglers, hunters and adventure seekers. Most outposts are no as primitive as they used to be, and have become to feel less remote due to satellite availability. Fully modern amenities, indoor plumbing, and completely furnished cabins with internet access are more common than not these days. Friendly, knowledgeable camp owners can arrange for everything from guiding to outfitting and ensuring your stay is truly relaxing.

Still, with all the modern conveniences, many outposts do limit the number of individuals that get to fish and traverse some of the more remote locations. Depending on the body of water, you can still be the only group on any given lake and have the resources all to yourselves. Some destinations receive fewer than 100 individuals in any given year.

So, if you are looking for a remote adventure, with access to outstanding fishing, put Canada and the Red Lake area on the list. For a free map and vacation planning guide visit HWY105.ca