When you choose one of our fly-in or train-in wilderness packages most trips begin and end in White River, Ontario, Canada. White River is conveniently located within a one day drive of most mid-western US or central Canadian cities.
Our White River Air seaplane base is located just north of town off Hwy 631. The VIA Rail train depot is downtown. Guests arriving by rail may also choose one of our eastern gateways: Sudbury, Cartier, Chapleau or Missinabie. Train rides aboard the VIA Rail budcar range from 1-7 hours and offer fantastic views of our wilderness in the comfort of new seats and surroundings. And as always the crew that manage the train will greet you with the hospitality you would expect.
For guests travelling from further afield, flying commercial airlines or private aircraft, we can arrange connecting ground transportation or charter float plane flights. Wawa Ontario's airstrip can accomodate small jets. From there you are a float plane flight away from fantastic fishing at our Lodge. We can make the arrangements while in Wawa all you have to do is show up. Most guests are fishing within a few hours of landing in Wawa.
Our hotel partners offer stopover rates in White River, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.
Arriving By Road
Directions to White River from Eastern Mid-West and Eastern USA
Follow the best route to Interstate 75 and follow I-75 North through Michigan and across the Mackinac Bridge to Sault Ste. Marie. After crossing the International Bridge and clearing Canada Customs follow scenic Highway 17 North to White River. White River is 200 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, approximately 3.5 hours driving time.
Directions to White River from Eastern and Central Canada
Follow the best route to Highway 17, the Trans-Canada Highway. Follow Highway 17 to Sault Ste. Marie and north to White River. If traveling from Southwestern Ontario it might be best to drive through Michigan to Sault Ste. Marie. Guests traveling by rail to either lodge may prefer boarding the VIA Rail Budd Car in Sudbury, Ontario.
Directions to Sudbury or Cartier from Eastern USA and Canada
For most guests find the most convenient route to Hwy 400 north which will become Hwy 69 north to Sudbury. From Ottawa and points east follow Hwy 17 west to Sudbury. From Sudbury follow Hwy 144 north to Cartier.
Directions to Chapleau or Missinabie from Sault Ste. Marie
Follow Hwy 17 east to Thessalon, then turn onto Hwy 129 north turning east onto Hwy 101 into Chapleau. Parking is south of the train station. Continue west on Hwy 101 then turn north on Hwy 651 to Missinabie. Parking can be arranged with Frank’s.
Directions to White River from Western Mid-West, Western USA & Canada
Follow the best route to Thunder Bay, Ontario. Follow Highway 17 East to White River. White River is 240 miles east of Thunder Bay, approximately 4 hours driving time.
Directions to White River Air Seaplane Base
In White River at the intersection of Hwy 17 and 631 turn onto Hwy 631 towards Hornepayne. Follow for approximately 3 miles then turn left onto the Tukanee Lake Road. The road is graveled and well-signed for White River Air. Follow for almost 1 mile turning right into our parking lot. The base building is at the end of the road.
Directions to White River Train Station
In White River at the intersection of Hwy 17 and 631 turn left if you are coming from the south or turn right if you are coming from the north and follow the signs for the business district. Follow through to the end of the street and turn left at the railroad tracks. The station is on the right and there is parking alongside the platform.
Arriving By Rail - TUESDAY TO SUNDAY
*Scheduled train ride approximately 7 hours from Sudbury or 1 hour from White River. No food service please pack a lunch.
VIA Rail Canada | Sudbury-White River - Canadian Pacific Railway - |
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TRAIN #185 Westbound to Lodge starting in Sudbury ending in White RiverDays Tue Thu Sat DEPARTURE TIMES |
Station MONDAYS - NO TRAIN |
TRAIN #186 Eastbound from Lodge starting in White River ending in SudburyDays Wed Fri SunDEPARTURE TIMES |
9:00am |
Sudbury |
3:50pm |
9:45am |
Cartier |
2:25pm |
1:35pm |
Chapleau |
10:30am |
3:10pm |
Missinabie |
9:00am |
4:05pm boarding or arrival at Lodge 88 |
Mile 88 (Swanson) LODGE STOP |
8:00am boarding or arrival at Lodge 88 |
5:05pm arrival in White River |
White River |
7:00am boarding in White River |
Sudbury, Cartier, Chapleau or Missinabie Departures
You may also choose to travel from the east departing any of these stations. The Sudbury VIA/Canadian Pacific station is located in downtown Sudbury. This is a full-day trip with trains departing Saturday, Tuesday and Thursdays at 9:00am arriving Mileage 88 (Swanson) at 4:05pm. There is no dining car so pack a lunch! Trains return Sunday, Wednesday and Friday at 8am arriving 3:50pm. The same train allows you to depart from Chapleau and Missinabie with mid-afternoon departures and early afternoon arrivals.
Guests traveling by rail will depart the VIA/Canadian Pacific train station in downtown White River. Follow Elgin Street downtown to the railway and turn left. You may park anywhere along the station platform. There is only one intersection with the Trans Canada Highway 17 in White River so you can't miss it! Tickets may be purchased on the train however we recommend tickets be purchased in advance. Detailed instructions are below. VIA trains depart Sunday, Wednesday and Friday at 7am. You will arrive at Mileage 88 (Swanson) at approximately 8am where you will be met and transferred by boat. Trains return to White River Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday at 4:05pm arriving in White River at 5:05pm
Purchase VIA Rail Tickets
VIA Rail tickets should be purchased prior to travel. In many cases the advance purchase price is significantly lower than purchasing the tickets at the station or on-board the train (cash only in Canadian funds) on your date of travel. Please use SWANSON as your destination.
www.viarail.ca | 1-888-842-7245
Viewable timetable trains 185/186
Arriving By Air
White River Departures
Unless otherwise arranged all flights depart our White River Air seaplane base located on Tukanee Lake just north of White River. At the junction of Hwy 17 & 631 turn onto Hwy 631 towards Hornepayne. Follow for approximate 3 miles then turn left onto the Tukanee Lake Road (WHITE RIVER AIR) and follow for approximately 1 mile turning right to our main base building. Check in and follow directions of ground staff.
Wawa, Ontario or Hawk Lake departures
We can charter your float plane flight from Wawa Lake/Wawa airport or Hawk Lake for you. Wawa airport can accommodate small jets and prop planes transfers to the float plane base can be arranged at time of reservation.
Flying Commercial Airlines
We have multiple gateways when traveling by commercial airlines which allow you to choose what is best for your schedule and budget. From each arrival airport you can rent a vehicle for the final leg of your journey, ground transportation can be arranged or we can charter an aircraft for those looking to save time. Please feel free to contact us should you need any assistance in making your travel arrangements.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (YAM) via Toronto 200 miles/3.5hrs to White River Air Canada and Porter Airlines |
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (CIU) via Detroit 225 miles/4hrs+ to White River Delta Airlines |
Thunder Bay, Ontario (YQT) via Toronto or Winnipeg 240 miles/4.5hrs to White River Air Canada, Porter and WestJet |
Some of our guests choose to charter private jets from most major US and Canadian airports. From Wawa, Ontario you are just a short Float Plane flight away from our lodge. Takes about 1 hour from landing to arriving at our dock to start your fishing vacation. Large groups or small we can arrange your ground transportation and flights from Wawa and back to your aircraft. If a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city is in order we can accommodate. Call today and lets get your cabin reserved! |
Stop Over Hotels
White River Motel (White River) Clean comfortable rooms suiting varying party sizes, Wi-Fi. Restaurants nearby. Book early especially for Fridays and Saturdays! Hwy 17 (807) 822-2333 (807) 822-5887 |
Northbury Hotel (Sudbury) Just steps from the train station. When booking your stay mention the “Lodge Eighty Eight” special rate. Your vehicle(s) can be parked at the hotel while you are gone please inform the Hotel front desk and they will confirm with your vehicle license plate and further directions. Formally Lexington Hotel. 50 Brady St Sudbury, Ontario
(705) 675-5602
Quality Inn (Sudbury) Just steps from the train station. When booking your stay mention the “Lodge 88 Rate” special rate of $102 per night plus taxes. Your vehicle(s) can be parked at the hotel while you are at the lodge. Please inform the Hotel front desk and they will confirm with your vehicle license plate and further directions. 390 Elgin St South tel:705-675-1273
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Quattro Hotel (Sault Ste. Marie) We are very pleased to be able to recommend this newly renovated hotel. It doesn’t get better! Rates are from $139 Standard King Room. Ask for "Exclusive Lodge Rate." 229 Great Northern Road (705) 942-2500 or |