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Frequently Asked Questions
Customs & Border Crossing Information
Don’t forget your passport! Canada?
- A Passport, NexCard or PassCard is required for all adults. There are exceptions for children under the age of 16. Visit the Canada Border Services Agency for details
- If you are traveling with children that are not accompanied by BOTH parents, you are required to produce a formal signed letter from the other spouse or both parents, giving you authority to take the child out of the country. See details on line.
- Do not attempt to bring handguns into Canada – they are illegal to without a permit.
- Radar detection devices are illegal to be used in Canada – store while in the country
- Live or frozen bait of any kind cannot be imported into Canada. Plan to purchase these as needed right at the Lodge.
- Questions about what you can bring along? Check out the Canada Border Services Website.
- Inadmissibility issues at the Border….. Not sure if your criminal record will affect your ability to travel into Canada? Recent policy changes have relaxed the restrictions, so if you were not admissible in previous years, you may now be able to cross at the discretion of the border guard. Click here for more information.
- Curious about how long you may need to wait at the border? Visit the Border Wait Times website to check current status.
What are the current travel restrictions regarding Covid-19?
Canada has dropped all Covid-19 vaccination requirements for international guest effective October 1, 2022. Current Covid-19 travel information
We’re here to help! If you have concerns or questions about your travels, feel free to give us a phone call or e-mail. We’ll do our best to answer your questions, and/or provide the proper links or information for you.
How does the Lodge protect us from Covid-19 infection?
We want you to leave your cares behind, and travel with confidence. We, at Rainbow Point Lodge, take your health and safety very seriously. We follow all current public health guidelines in the cleaning and sanitization of our cottages, public areas and equipment. The extra care taken is why it is so important for everyone to not arrive earlier than check-in time, and to depart before or by the check-out time. The extra cleaning protocols take extra time. Your patience is appreciated.
Can I import my bait from the USA into Canada?
No. Current border regulations prohibit the import of any live or frozen bait of any kind, including night crawlers and salted minnows.
The Lodge maintains a stock of live minnows, night crawlers, and leeches for your convenience. Pick them up from us as you need them. If you foresee needing a larger quantity of bait, let us know in advance. Flats of crawlers can be pre-ordered for you and conveniently stored in our bait house refrigerator. You’ll find the cost of bait very competitively priced. Please do not bring bait from outside sources onto the property. Bait is stocked here for your convenience. Stock that we do not sell is wasted, and that only increases the costs for everyone.
Helpful Travel Tips
- Notify your bank or Credit Card company of your travel plans before you leave to avoid the possibility of your card getting locked out due to out of country transactions
- If you have an Ontario Fishing or Hunting Outdoors Card from a previous trip, whether current or expired, remember to bring it along. It’ll help save time when you get your license. You can conveniently get your hunting/fishing licenses on line in advance of your trip, or get them from us at check- in.
- If you are renting a boat from us, take a minute to check with your homeowners insurance to see if you are covered for outboard motor damages on your rental from us. If not, we offer optional insurance at the lodge.
- Check into your health insurance coverage before you leave your home country. Some health plans cover you for your travels away, but you may need to notify them. Some plans do not cover you, so you can purchase an extra rider to cover you for any unforeseen health issues while you are away from home.
What is the recommended driving route to the Lodge?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking your GPS knows everything! Several guests have been lead off onto back gravel roads and long diversions.
If traveling from International Falls, MN…..
- After your border crossing follow the signs to get onto Hwy 11 East toward Atikokan.
- Watch the speed limit going through and just out of Fort Frances; the local police have been known to have radar traps up.
- Remember Canadian signs are in kilometers per hour! In approx 20 miles take a left turn at junction for Hwy 502 N. This highway has no services for 95 miles.
- At the end of 502 ignore the signs & your GPS that want you to take a left turn. Keep right (594 E) and head into Dryden. This will avoid all gravel back roads.
- In Dryden pick up Hwy 17 West, for approx 20 miles to Vermilion Bay, and the junction of Hwy 105 N.
- We are 40 miles up Hwy 105. You’ll see 2 lodge highway signs before you reach our big store sign at our entrance.
What’s Included with the Rental Boats?
The boats provided at Rainbow Point Lodge are comfortable 16′ Nadens, with carpeted flat floors, and swivel seats (up to 4 seats/seat locations per boat). The motors are new 25 hp electric-start 4 stroke Yamahas. Included with the boat you will be issued a landing net, seat cushions, minnow bucket, and detailed contour lake map. The boats are also equipped with standard safety equipment such as an emergency kit, and paddles and anchor.
Bring your own coastguard approved life jackets.
What do I need to know when bringing my own boat?
You will have free use of our ramp for launching your private boat. Docks are safe and sheltered. Bring your own bumpers, battery charger and extension cords. We have marine fuel at our docks. Bring along your own Coast Guard approved life vests; throw cushions are not acceptable. Lake maps are provided free to our guests. Our Lodge store has large laminated maps for sale.
Can I rent a depth finder at the Lodge?
Yes – If you have pre-reserved a portable depth finder it will have been installed and ready for you to use on your arrival. Since our outboard motors have a built-in troll-down feature, trolling motors are not necessary.
Is Live Bait Available at the Lodge?
Definitely – We carry all the common baits use on Perrault Lake, including minnows & crawlers by the dozen, & leeches by dozens or pounds. Just stop down at our bait house when you need something, and you’ll be able to get them fresh & lively.
We are happy to accommodate guests that require flats of crawlers or multiple pounds of leeches at competitive rates. Just contact us in advance to pre-order & they will be waiting for you when you arrive.
What is my Cottage Equipped with?
Your housekeeping cottage is equipped with a full size fridge, stove, microwave, coffee pot (with filters), all dishes, pots/pans, linens & toilet paper. You just need to bring your own towels, food and consumable items such as garbage bags, paper towels & soaps.
Some guests like to bring portable fish cookers, and electric skillets. We supply a charcoal BBQ outside. Charcoal & lighter are available for sale at the camp store.
How far is the boat ride to catch fish?
Most species of fish can be caught from as close as right in front of the lodge, to as far as the end of the lake, which is no more than a 15-20 minute boat ride.
Distances will vary depending on species and time of year.
What size are the fish?
- Walleyes average 16-22” with many in the 28-32” range caught every year.
- Northern range from 20-30”, again with lots of 40+” fish.
- The perch range from 8-12+”, and the Smallmouth average 12-18+”
- Muskie can vary in size, but the minimum keep limit on our lake is 54”. (There are some monsters out there)
Is there a Catch & Release Policy on Perrault Lake?
Yes. Perrault Lake has a tremendous reputation for quality fishing for all age classes, including great opportunities for trophy size fish. You are welcome to catch and keep your licensed limit of up to slot size fish on Perrault Lake To protect the breeding population and maintain the trophy fish opportunities for generations to come, you will release all walleye over 18” and all northern over 27” during your stay at Rainbow Point Lodge. Take a picture of the larger fish and release for others to enjoy.
Do I need a Guide to fish Perrault Lake?
No. Guides are not necessary, so you won’t be stuck on someone else’s schedule. We provide our guests with an excellent bottom contour map. Bob will get together with you prior to going fishing to help you get onto the hot spots quickly. The lake is easy to navigate, and there are very few hazards. We are available 24-7 and will be helping you through the week with fishing tips to ensure you have an enjoyable stay.
Is there Cell Service at the Lodge?
Yes, with a question mark. There is a cellular tower very close to the lodge and there is excellent reception, although not all US carriers have agreements set up with the local cell provider. This may mean your services won’t work. Call your cell phone provider to check on compatibility in our area.
Important note – It is against the law in Ontario and most Canadian Provinces to handle/talk/text on a cell phone or any hand held device while driving
Is there a hospital nearby?
We are between two hospitals; Red Lake to our north, and Dryden to our south, both about 70 miles from the lodge. We have excellent ambulance service, by land or air in the district, and there is a medical clinic with full time doctor and nurse practitioner in Ear Falls, just 20 miles north of us.
Will the Weather be perfect for the week of my stay?
Absolutely (you’re not at work – who cares)! But, if you really want to know, click here. This will link you to the weather information for our area.
What should I bring to the fish fry?
The Tuesday night fish fry is a potluck dinner. We supply the fish and potatoes, cooked over an open fire BBQ pit. We also supply the cutlery and plates. Each cottage brings along their favorite beverages, and a potluck dish to pass, sized according to the number of people in your group. It’s a great night out, and a chance to meet the other fishermen or families at camp.
Are there any mosquitos?
The nice thing about our mosquitoes is they are free range, and raised without the use of hormones or steroids. Seriously though, people over exaggerate the number of mosquitoes and black flies in the woods. Most guests are surprised at the relatively low problem with flying insects. Numbers are dependent on the amount of moisture on the ground and the heat of the summer.
Is the Water safe to drink?
Yes. Rainbow Point Lodge is proud to be one of the few lodges in NW Ontario that has a government approved on-site water purification system. Regular testing is conducted to ensure that all tap water is completely fit for human consumption.
Are gratuities required?
Optional but very highly appreciated. The hard working hardworking staff appreciate your gratuities very much. The dock, grounds & cleaning staff work very hard to make your stay enjoyable. Just consider the tip that you may give a waiter or waitress for a 45 minute meal, compared to the appreciation you may express to our staff for their service to you for your entire stay.
Is it safe to leave things in the boat?
While there is never a guarantee, after nearly 40 years we have never so much as lost a fishhook from a boat. All of our guests are here to enjoy themselves, and enjoy the freedom from worrying about theft.
Where is the nearest Laundry Facility?
There is a Laundromat in the next town (Ear Falls) approx 20 miles away.
Are there daily fly-in fishing trips available?
Yes. A one-day fly-in fishing trip can be arranged with one of the local floatplane charter companies at prevailing rates. With a few days notice, we will be happy to assist you in your plans.
Can I get my fish cleaned for me?
Yes. Just notify us that you require your fish cleaned, either for the day or for the week, and we’ll look after you. Nominal fees apply.
Can I bring my pet?
While pets are not encouraged, they are accepted with conditions, to ensure the cottages and other guests are respected. Please contact us prior to your stay to ensure we can accommodate your pet. A $75.00/week fee applies to pets staying at the lodge. Check the Canada Food Inspection Agency for restrictions on traveling with pets and import of pet food.
Can I have alcohol in the boat?
No. Under Ontario law, boaters cannot have alcohol in the boat. Boat alcohol levels and DUI penalties for boaters are as severe for boaters as they are for automobile drivers. Boat responsibly.
Can I arrive early?
No. Please No. Saturday check-in time is 3 p.m. With the departing guests’ check-out time of 8 a.m., we have very little time to ensure that all the cottages, marine equipment and other lodge facilities are cleaned, serviced, and ready for your enjoyment. Please plan your arrival accordingly.
Where should I buy my groceries?
The Lodge store is stocked with basic groceries including fresh milk, bread, eggs, pop, canned goods, ice cream and much more. For major groceries, fresh produce & meats, many guests will stop in Dryden on their way up, about 60 miles from us where there are several large grocery stores to choose from. Closer to the Lodge, Perrault Falls, Vermilion Bay and Ear Falls, have liquor outlets as well.
Hope this information is helpful! If there is something you are not sure about, PLEASE don’t hesitate to give Bob or Gale a phone call at 1-800-282-9039 or e-mail info@rainbowpoint.com. We’re here to help make sure your trip is great!