Wilderness North began as a passion project of our original founder – John J. Mark – an aviation enthusiast and Air Force veteran from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In 1960, Jack (as he was affectionately known) first discovered his passion for the region while flying his own planes. Over the next 30 years Jack returned to the area to get his “nature fix”, exploring the boreal forest and reveling in the unsurpassed beauty and wide open spaces of Northern Ontario.

In 1990 – with the purchase of his first outpost cabin – Wilderness North was born. Jack’s vision of sharing this unspoiled region with like minded nature and fishing enthusiasts has remained our goal to this day.

After working for Wilderness North for several years, Alan and Krista Cheeseman bought into Wilderness North in late 2000 and took over operations. Additional properties were added to the portfolio over the years and today we are proud to have 3 full service lodges, 2 housekeeping lodges and 10 outpost cabins available for our guests to explore the boreal forest. They have also expanded their air service in NWO and internationally.

Alan and Krista purchased Jack’s remaining stake in Wilderness North in 2019 and with the help of their daughters – Megan and Sierra along with the dedicated staff have continued to offer guests from around the world an opportunity to explore, fish and rejuvenate in the wonders of Canada’s only boreal forest.

At Wilderness North, our passion for the great outdoors began with our love of fishing. Adventuring into the unknown to look for the next big catch is an experience we have always wanted to share with visitors from around the globe. With more than 250,000 lakes and 60,000 miles of river teeming with walleye, northern pike, lake trout and brook trout, Northern Ontario is the number one fishing destination in North America.

In Wilderness North’s rivers and lakes you are sure to find some of the best of Canadian sport fish. From prolific walleyes to trophy pike and trout, you won’t be disappointed in the species our waters have to offer.

Fishing for Canadian northern pike is an adventure class all on its own. This adaptable and agile hunter has the ability to remain stationary in the water, stealing bait without even a ripple. The northern pike will dash and strike at it’s prey with short bursts of strength, providing anglers with a unique experience. Being solitary and highly territorial, toothy northerns make for an exciting day out on the water. As an opportunist omnivorous carnivore, Pike tend to lurk at the edge of weed beds unsuspectingly attacking fish, crayfish, frogs, mice, muskrats, and even young waterfowl, with a powerful striking dash.

The name walleye originates from the ability of their eyes to reflect white light, allowing them to hunt in low light situations. The best time to fish for walleyes is during dawn and dusk when they make the most of their traits and get a jump on their prey. While “walleye chop” or overcast days with rough water are the best conditions to fish for walleye, there is a new belief that bright sky fishing is just as productive. While other fish may run and hide out from the storm, walleye are the most active. In the spring walleye are more often located past the shoreline drop-off and around the bases of shore slopes. As the summer heats up, walleye head for deeper water.

Brook trout live in small streams, big rivers, ponds, and inland lakes. Brook trout are a member of the salmon family. Brookies are most active in the spring and fall when cooler water allows them to cruise the shorelines on their hunt for food. Angler’s looking to land a colourful trophy will most likely find success near overhanging trees, submerged wood, rocky points, and shoals. As waters warm, brookies in the lakes move deeper, becoming less aggressive. Brook trout in rivers holdout in cold aerated pools at the base of falls and rapids throughout summer, but spread out over the river in the spring and fall. In spring-fed creeks, anglers can ply the pools and shady areas caused by overhanging vegetation.