Summarized Review Highlights
Air Ivanhoe Ltd., a fly-in fishing and hunting outfitter based in northern Ontario and operated by the Theriault family (George, Jeannie, Joel, and Daniella), has built a strong reputation over several decades. The overwhelming majority of reviewers rate their experience highly, and a notable number of guests return annually — some for 16 to 25 consecutive years, coming from as far as the southern United States. The family-run operation is consistently described as professional, attentive, and genuinely invested in the guest experience. Joel, who manages much of the day-to-day operation, receives frequent praise for his responsiveness and follow-through, and Daniella is singled out for her thoroughness in the office. The business does not feel like a budget shoestring operation; multiple reviewers note that cabins, aircraft, and equipment are maintained to a higher standard than typical outfitters at comparable price points.
Guests consistently praise the quality of fishing across the outpost lakes, with walleye being the standout catch — groups routinely report landing hundreds of fish in a week, with pike and perch also plentiful. Reviewers highlight the seclusion of having an entire lake to themselves, the scenic flights in and out, and abundant wildlife. The main lodge accommodations and the on-site restaurant (open Thursday through Sunday, per one reviewer) are well-regarded, and the log cabin suites near the lodge are described as clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced for a pre-trip overnight stay. Outpost cabin quality varies by location — some are described as well-equipped, clean, and modern with hot showers and reliable generators, while one specific location (the Chutes) received candid criticism for leaking boats, aging motors with rotted transoms, a mouse infestation, and poor cleanliness. That same reviewer also noted the fishing at the Chutes was good but not exceptional, though they said they would return. One reviewer who stayed at the main lodge rather than flying out noted slow, inattentive restaurant service and disappointingly small fish on Air Ivanhoe Lake itself, and suggested that the fly-in outpost experience is where the real value lies.
Air Ivanhoe is best suited for groups of friends or couples seeking a self-guided, remote fly-in outpost experience focused on walleye and northern pike fishing. It also works well for small family groups, repeat wilderness travelers who want a different lake each year, and those interested in hunting (bear and moose hunts are mentioned positively). First-time fly-in guests are generally well-supported through the booking and check-in process. It is less ideal for guests who prioritize fine dining or resort-style amenities, or for those expecting uniformly high cabin standards across all outpost locations — the quality of individual outposts does vary, and prospective guests may want to ask specifically about the condition of their assigned camp before booking.
Summary generated May 25, 2026
Read all 13 reviews
Brad R
Aug 20, 2025
TripAdvisor
Review of the Chutes
Honest Review of the Chutes. A group of 6 of us stayed at the Chutes cabin area August 8-15, 2025. Could find very little about this location before our visit, so here it goes – the good and less than good of the trip: The good: Staff is very friendly and easy to deal with, office will take your credit card, pilots competent and professional - + great with kids, gift shop has many items that you will need for the trip including relevant tackle, communications are good – cell phones work at the Chutes, TV works at the Chutes, Generator there takes care of all power needs, plenty of fuel provided, adequate bedding for at least 10 people – its all single bunk beds, running non-potable water, showers work, hot water works, kitchen is functional, adequate utensils and cooking implements on hand, fish cleaning shack with water away from main cabin, boat motors all ran, plenty of boats available for fishing areas both below and above falls, plenty of electric outlets. Needs attention: almost all the boats leak, all 6 HP motors should be upgraded to 9.9, some boat seats need replaced, some boat transoms are rotted to the point that you will fear losing the motor, the cabin is infested with mice (bring your own traps), Getting in and out of your boats is mostly a feet wet activity, there are no ladders for accessing top bunks, the cabin is not clean on a level even suitable to West Virginia rednecks. The fishing: Our fishing experience was good and could have been great with a bit more experience. We caught hundreds of northern pike in the 15–25-inch range, but only 6 over 30 inches. We caught enough walleye in the 12–17 inch range to make them the main course on dinners 3 nights. I would definitely go back to the Chutes. The area is incredibly beautiful with the waterfall there. The flights in and out are spectacular. Having a bald eagle take a wounded pike off the water 10 yards from us was indescribable.
This lodge
Hawk b
Sep 15, 2023
TripAdvisor
100% a trip of a life time ! World-class fishing !
Check in was fast and simple. George and his wife were super friendly and very helpful. We loaded our gear into the plane and little did we know that we were about to have the best vacation of our lives! The cabin had everything we needed for a great week in the bush. 479 fish were landed! We stayed at Shawbic lake. It was that good we immediately booked for 2024. Thanks for the memories Air IvanHoe! We will be back! Room Tip: Pack whatever you think you are going to need and just pay the over weight charges. At 1.50 lb is cheap when you run out of beer on day 6 lol.
This lodge
AncasterCritic
Feb 1, 2023
TripAdvisor
First Trip 2022. This will be an annual lifetime destination.
Stayed Sat-Sat at Riverside. Fished on the adjacent lakes and river systems. Plenty of Northern Pike and Walleye everywhere. Some smallmouth in river before Lake Nemegosenda. Ate as much walleye each day as wanted. Some of the best scenery and time off grid you could have in your life. The Theriault family have perfected just about every aspect of a fly in fish for a week Outpost cabin stay. They provide great written instructions that will answer any question you might have after you make a reservation. Booked Aug 2023 for a week and really looking forward to a new Lake and Adventure.
This lodge
milomain
Aug 1, 2022
TripAdvisor
A great gateway with friends!
We booked a fly in fishing cabin on Lemoine Lake from July 30th to Aug 3rd 2022. Our only regret is not having booked a full week. From beginning to end the entire experience was awesome. Check in and flight to the lake was super easy. Just be careful with weight restrictions. Beer, water and pop add a lot of weight to luggage. The cabin is well equipped with all the necessities you would expect. Everything was functional (boats, motors, fridge, generator, freezer etc.). Everything as described in their brochure was accurate. The beds are ok - I am fussy with mattresses. LOL We appreciated the indoor shower offered in a VIP cabin. They leave you with lots of gas so there is no concern about running out. You can get a satellite phone for emergencies. The fishing was great at all times of day! Morning, Afternoon and at Night. No problems getting our limit every day. We caught mostly walleye some pike and quite a few jumbo perch. We did 2 nights of fish fry but could have easily done one every night. They even gave us maps of the lake to indicate where past groups did well. FYI - We did better while trolling than still fishing. We also did better with nightcrawlers than minnows. We hope to book another lake next year and would highly recommend Air Ivanhoe for a fly in fishing adventure.
This lodge
Mark M
Jun 1, 2022
TripAdvisor
June 2nd 2022 Fishing adventure at Air Ivanhoe
I just wanted to say that the 6 of us had the most incredible fishing trip at Bonar North. From the moment we arrived we were well taken care of by George and Jeanne and Daniella. The process to get booked in was very easy and fast. We enjoyed our first night in an amazing accommodations at the resort. The next morning was a swift process weighing in our luggage and gear and we were in the air long before we thought we would be. Fantastic smooth flight by George and Joel made the flight enjoyable. We were shown the workings of everything at the camp by Joel and the supplies of fuel and propane were in abundance. My very first cast in the lake and I caught a walleye. The fishing was truly amazing and we caught an outstanding amount of Walleye, Pike and Perch. The cabins are well equipped and clean and the boats and motors were in excellent shape. We all plan to book again. Thanks to all that assisted us at Air Ivanhoe and a special thanks to Jeanne for making sure we had everything we needed. We had forgotten the oil for the fish fry (imagine that) LOL but one quick call to George and they delivered. I have highly recommended this outfitter to many people already and can't wait to head back for another holiday. Thanks again.
This lodge
Claudia L
Mar 1, 2022
TripAdvisor
First Americans back In!
Booked the Trip the day after Canada announced opening the border. We fished Biggs Lake for four days. I never caught so many walleyes in my life!! probably 400, it was crazy! Only negative was we couldn't find the other two lakes described in the package, very few pike. Very good walleye lake.
This lodge
Sightseer661755
Jan 1, 2022
TripAdvisor
Dumonts Father and Son
Gets better every year. Looking forward to things getting back to normal so we can return for the forth time, never disappointed with the service or accommodations and the fishing gets better every year. Last trip we landed 250 beautiful Walleye and dozens of nice Pike including a monster at 48 inches.
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Mirky1968
Apr 1, 2021
TripAdvisor
Amazing
This year will be our third year in a row, for my wife and I. Joel and his family at Air Ivanhoe run a first class operation. In 2019 we enjoyed a great breakfast at the main lodge before our flight into Beattie lake for a week of great fishing. In 2020 we again returned to Beattie, for another awesome week of seclusion, and top notch fishing. In 2021 we decided to try a different lake, and we can't wait! Book yourself a trip with the great folks at Air Ivanhoe, you won't be disappointed.
This lodge
Scooby_Latrobe
Jul 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Well Worth the Wait!
My time at the Ivanhoe River Lodge started on a Friday when we drove up for a Saturday morning fly in Outpost cabin fishing trip. The night prior to flying out, we stayed in one of the log cabins which was clean and well-appointed. The seaplane base is surprisingly well stocked and the restaurant serves up some very tasty food, especially when you consider how far north you are. Flying out, there were employees there that will help you to set up and load up all of your equipment on the plane and take care of most of the hard work. The planes are very well maintained and the pilots are all top-notch. The Outpost cabin we stayed at, Oswald Lake, was large and had a stand up shower with hot and cold running water as well as electricity and a refrigerator. Cellular service was sometimes available. The cabin was in very good condition, the boats and motors worked well and didn't have any problems, and the lake was beautiful and large. The flight out was similar to the flight in, with some help getting everything loaded onto the plane and a pleasant ride back to the seaplane base. I was struck by the professionalism of the employees and the way the business was run. This is obviously not a small-time mom and pop shoestring operation. George and his family have done a great job and I have waited many years to come back and feel it is well worth the wait. Everything is just a little nicer than your average outfitter, all while keeping prices reasonable and equipment in good shape.
This lodge
Marybeth20
Jun 1, 2018
TripAdvisor
Amazing experience in the unspoiled wilderness
George, Jeannie, Joel and Daniella go out of their way to provide an unparalleled wilderness experience. We spent a week at a huge, clean, clear lake and had fresh walleye for dinner every night enjoying the peace and tranquility. Wildlife abounds in this unspoiled, natural wilderness experience. Joel flew us to our lake and ensured that everything was in working order. He asked a few days later if there were any issues that needed to be addressed - only one small problem that he immediately resolved. Attention to detail and customer service are evident. Daniella is great with customers in the office; very thorough and pleasant. We have been enjoying this unique experience for 20 years, sometimes visiting 2 or even 3 times/year but are still exploring new lakes since they rest some lakes occasionally but open new lakes/cabins. They really care that customers have a fantastic experience and do all they can to make that happen. Where else are you able to have a huge lake all to yourself in total privacy surrounded by such natural beauty? It is unique and if you try it, you will be 'hooked.'
This lodge
4kidsadvisor
Mar 1, 2015
TripAdvisor
Fly in fishing
Had the lake all to ourselves. Great fishing! Very remote. The owners and staff are tremendous! Short hike to Green Lake, canoe provided, and not so good fishing but very fun experience. Fishing on the main lake with 3 boats was amazing!
This lodge
They're a good outfitter
They're a good outfitter. I fished Rush lake two years in a row and it was excellent walleye and smallmouth fishing.
This lodge
A fantastic fishing and hunting outfitter
A fantastic fishing and hunting outfitter. Fly in, drive in and boat in spots available for fishing. Me and my group do their fly in fishing trips every year and have been for 16 years straight. We flew in to Pebonshewi Lake and caught 1,367 fish as a group of 6 to give an example of the superior fishing. Not to mention the top of the notch lodge and staff who go beyond means to make your trip the best outdoors experience ever!
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