Viking Island Lodge Box 1574, Red Lake Ontario, Canada 807-797-0707 info@vikingisland.ca
James, Teresa, Jack and Carson
Living in Red Lake allows us to enjoy the lifestyle and outdoor activities the area has to offer. As the new stewards, we can build upon the traditions honoring the lodge's history while also introducing fresh ideas and experiences for our guests. We are excited to meeting new and returning guests alike.
Relax in Canadian Style
Our guests gather in the lodge or out on the large deck to visit. The camp is powered with a combination of propane and solar power. This is carefully planned to provide a pleasant atmosphere with an emphasis on the beauty and sounds of nature. There is no better stress reliever than the cry of a loon as the sun sets or the dance of northern lights during the quiet and darkness of night.
Adventure – it begins with you!
When you fly into Viking Island Lodge, you are leaving roads behind and entering Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. Walleye, Northern, Perch and Lake Trout fishing is excellent here. Douglas is the main lake within a group of deep, small, productive lakes. Onnie, Spider, Peterson, Page, Frank's, Hatchet, Caribou, Embryo, Anchor, and Foley Lakes are all within reach with boats and motors ready. It is at the top of the watershed flowing east into Red Lake. When you travel to Embryo, you cross into the watershed running west to Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba.
From Viking Island Lodge, there are many directions to go. Each day can be a different adventure. The staff at the island are available for advice but you plan your own trips and drive your own boat. You can fish the main lake for an hour or two and come back to the lodge for lunch. If you prefer an adventure, there are many possibilities, ask the staff to pack you a shore lunch and boat or canoe up a river, walk a portage, or take an overnight trip.
Viking Island Lodge Map Showing Abundant Surrounding Lakes for Adventure
Viking Island
Viking Island is a small lodge dedicated to fishing. The short flight by float plane to Douglas Lake from Red Lake adds an element of adventure to the journey, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience in Woodland Caribou Wilderness Park. This is beautiful remote country, renowned for walleye, northern and lake trout fishing as well as wildlife viewing. The lakes are deep, but not huge, and closely connected with plenty of bays, the perfect setting for a relaxed fishing trip with nine portage lakes for adventure. The atmosphere of the island adds to the charm of the experience. We have a maximum of 30 guests in camp per week and with many returning visitors.
How it Began
Art Carlson left Sweden in 1928 and headed for the Canadian wilderness. He was looking for adventure and he found it west of Red Lake. While hunting for moose to feed a mining camp, he discovered Douglas Lake.
In 1947, with no extra money but lots of hard work, Art and his wife, Florence, set to building their dream... Viking Island Lodge. Arthur used the logs from around the lake to build the cabins by hand. Here they brought up their three boys and hosted many guests. Art loved the bush. He trapped, hunted, fished and explored, always on the lookout for changes on the landscape.
In 1981, Hugh and Enid Carlson took over Viking Island Lodge. Their commitment to the island provided guests with memorable experiences ensuring that Viking Island remained a retreat for generations of visitors.
Vito Tarantino purchased Viking Island Lodge in 2014 and preserved the heritage. Carrying on his legacy, Donna Tarantino continued his vision making sure that the lodge provided a destination for fishing enthusiasts.
James and Teresa Boehm became the new owners of Viking Island Lodge at the end of January 2024. We are looking forward to become a part of Viking Island history.
Woodland Caribou Wilderness Park
Stretching across 1,700 square miles, this park sits on the top of the great Canadian Shield, granite rock 3 billion years old. Glaciers carved out the 1,000 miles of rivers and lakes. This is the center of the great boreal forest. Park protection ensures that no logging, mining, hydro electric or road development will occur within its boundary.
One of the largest herds of woodland caribou south of Hudson Bay still roams this region. Bald eagles patrol the skies, moose cool off in the creeks, beaver build along the shore. The lakes hold an abundance of walleye, northern and lake trout. Beautiful sunshine with the brightest blue skies and sudden thunderstorms are the norm. Nature rules here.
Douglas Lake flows east to Red Lake while Caribou Lake is the headwaters of the Gammon River system that winds west through the park. This area is the top of the watershed where the water is pure and life begins.
Woodland Caribou Park was created in 1985 and is remote enough that guest numbers remain very low which is fine with us. Fewer people means a better wilderness experience for those willing to trek this far north.
