ABOUT WILDERNESS NORTH

Wilderness North is a family led fly in lodge company rooted in northern Ontario’s boreal forest. We connect guests with remote lakes, wild rivers, and quiet forests through a network of fly in lodges and outpost cabins that can only be reached by floatplane. Our focus has always been simple. Share this place with people who love fishing, nature, and time away from the rush of everyday life.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Wilderness North began as the passion project of our original founder, John J. “Jack” Mark. Jack was an aviation enthusiast and Air Force veteran from Oshkosh, Wisconsin who first discovered northern Ontario in 1960 while flying his own planes. He returned again and again for more than thirty years to get his “nature fix,” exploring the boreal forest and falling in love with the wild, open spaces of the region.
In 1990, Jack purchased his first outpost cabin on a remote northern lake. That single cabin became the foundation of Wilderness North. His vision was to share this unspoiled region with like minded people who wanted real wilderness, real fishing, and real time away. That vision still guides us today.

A FAMILY STORY IN THE NORTH

Over time, Wilderness North continued to grow. Alan and Krista Cheeseman began working with the company and quickly developed a deep connection to the people, lakes, and lodges that make up the Wilderness North experience. In late 2000, they bought into the business and took over daily operations.
Over the years that followed, more lodges and outpost cabins were added, with a focus on thoughtful growth and care for the environment. Today Wilderness North includes three full service lodges, two housekeeping lodges, and ten outpost cabins spread across remote lake systems in northern Ontario.
In 2019, Alan and Krista purchased Jack’s remaining stake and Wilderness North became fully family owned. Their daughters, Megan and Sierra, now work alongside them, supported by a dedicated team of pilots, guides, lodge staff, and seasonal crew who return year after year. Together, they continue to welcome guests from around the world to fish, explore, and recharge in Canada’s only boreal forest.

FISHING IS WHERE IT STARTED

Our story starts with fishing. From the beginning, Wilderness North has been about sharing the joy of exploring new water, finding “honey holes,” and feeling the pull of a strong fish in a wild place.
Northern Ontario holds more than 250,000 lakes and 60,000 miles of river, many of them nearly untouched. These waters are home to walleye, northern pike, lake trout. and world class brook trout. It is one of the finest freshwater fishing regions in North America, and our lodges and outposts sit in the heart of it.
Whether guests arrive as first time anglers or seasoned fishers who plan their year around a trip north, our goal is the same. Help them experience the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back for decades.

THE WILDERNESS WE CALL HOME

Wilderness North operates in the boreal forest of northwestern Ontario, one of the largest intact forest ecosystems in the world. Here, black spruce, jack pine, lakes, and wetlands create habitat for moose, black bears, wolves, eagles, otters, and countless other species.
Our lodges and outposts are intentionally remote, often the only destination on a vast lake or river system. Guests wake to the sound of loons, see mist lift off the water at sunrise, and end the day under clear northern skies. The pace is slower. The air is cleaner. The evenings last a little longer.

OUR FLEET AND BUSH FLYING HERITAGE

A big part of the Wilderness North experience happens before guests ever step onto a dock. Our fleet of Canadian bush planes connects Thunder Bay and Armstrong to the remote lakes and rivers where our lodges sit. We operate as a fully licensed air carrier and meet or exceed Transport Canada regulations for safety and maintenance.
Our pilots are experienced northern aviators who know the lakes, weather patterns, and landscapes of this region. Many are local to northern Ontario and have spent their careers flying to remote communities and wilderness destinations. For guests, the flight is more than transportation. It is a scenic introduction to the north, with endless forest and blue water stretching to the horizon.

DEHAVILLAND BEAVER - DHC-2

The DHC-2 Beaver, renowned as the best bush plane ever built, captivates with its powerful engine and rugged airframe, providing world-class short takeoff and landing capabilities making any fishing resorts in Canada accessible. The resounding roar of its 400 hp Pratt and Whitney engine has been a melody over Northern Ontario for more than 77 years, narrating tales of adventure.
Our Beaver, “NZO,” (serial #399) isn’t just an aircraft; it’s a spirited adventurer in our fleet, a workhorse for over 30 years, gracefully soaring over the untouched landscapes of Wabakimi Provincial Park. It’s not merely a plane; it’s a gateway to boundless adventures, symbolizing the spirit of Canadian fishing trips in the vast northern wilderness. Read more about CG- NZOs history here: 399 (dhc-2.com)
DEHAVILLAND TURBINE OTTER - DHC-3T

Established in 1951 and dubbed the “King Beaver,” YCX, our turbine otter, is a robust bush plane, succeeding the DHC-2. Known for its exceptional Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) prowess, YCX (serial #44) continues to lead in its class. In 1998, it underwent a significant transformation, shifting to a Pratt and Whitney PT6 Turbine engine, boasting an impressive 750 horsepower. Skillfully executed by Springer Air in 1998, this upgrade not only increased YCX’s power but also enhanced its practicality.
More than just a plane, YCX embodies adventure. Picture soaring into the wild, surrounded by the powerful hum of the turbine. With room for nine passengers and a crew member, YCX invites you to explore the untamed beauty, offering an adventure where the thrill of fly-in fishing meets the comfort of a powerful aircraft. Discover the perfect fusion of exhilarating fly-in fishing adventures and the luxury of a robust aircraft as YCX takes you to exclusive fishing resorts nestled in the heart of nature.
Learn more about YCX’s history here: 44 (dhc-3archive.com)
CESSNA GRAND CARAVAN - C208B

The Cessna 2088 Grand Caravan, a standout in the world of aviation, is not just an aircraft; it’s a gateway to unforgettable fishing and tourism experiences. With its spacious cabin designed for comfort, this versatile turboprop plane is tailor-made for scenic flights. The C208B’s Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine ensures a smooth journey, even in challenging terrains, making it ideal for exploring breathtaking landscapes and reaching fishing lodges in Canada. The Cessna 2088 Grand Caravan elevates tourism, promising a journey filled with both comfort and discovery for up to 9 passengers.
Embark on exceptional Canadian northern fly-ins, where the Cessna 208B becomes your ticket to remote and captivating destinations, blending the thrill of aviation with the allure of the northern wilderness.
CESSNA 185-C-185

The humble yet robust Cessna 185 holds a crucial position in our fleet, playing a vital role in the seamless maintenance of our fishing resorts. This mighty aircraft dedicates its days crisscrossing from resort to resort, ensuring that every nook and cranny receives the attention it deserves. In the realm of fishing resorts, where the delicate balance between man-made comfort and the raw beauty of nature is maintained, the Cessna 185 emerges as a stalwart guardian. Its tireless rounds ensure that general maintenance remains a top priority, preventing these havens from reverting back to the untouched embrace of the wild. In the skies and on the ground, the Cessna 185 stands as a symbol of reliability, ensuring that our fishing resorts continue to offer an escape into nature without sacrificing the comforts we cherish.

CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP

From the very beginning, Wilderness North has operated with the understanding that the wilderness comes first. The health of the fisheries and the integrity of the forest are at the core of every decision we make.
We support conservation by:

Keeping our lodges and outposts fly in only, which limits pressure on lakes and shorelines
Promoting responsible catch and release, especially for larger breeding fish
Encouraging selective harvest that respects the long term health of the fishery
Minimizing our impact on shorelines and surrounding habitat

Our goal is to ensure that future guests can experience the same quality of fishing, wildlife, and wilderness that our earliest visitors did.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE EXPERIENCE

Wilderness North is more than planes and cabins. It is the people who make guests feel at home in a remote place. Our team includes bush pilots, guides, dock staff, cooks, housekeepers, maintenance crew, and office staff who handle planning and logistics.
Many of them return each season. They know the lakes, the weather, and the rhythm of lodge life. They are the ones greeting guests at the dock, helping clean fish, preparing meals, pointing out where the fish were active yesterday, and sharing stories at the end of the day.

WHERE WE ARE HEADED

Today, Wilderness North continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. We still help guests chase big fish on wild lakes, but we also welcome families, corporate groups, and travellers who simply want time in nature. We are expanding our focus on storytelling, conservation, and thoughtful experiences that highlight everything the north has to offer.
What has not changed is the feeling guests describe when they step onto the floatplane, when they see their lodge for the first time, or when they look out over a calm bay at dusk. That feeling is why Wilderness North exists, and it is why we look forward to welcoming new and returning guests every season.

PLAN YOUR TRIP NORTH

Whether you are planning a fly in fishing trip, a wilderness getaway, or a family tradition that you hope to repeat for years to come, our team is here to help.

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP