Cancellation Policy

We strongly recommend that guests purchase trip cancellation insurance. Trip deposit of $1000/person must be made at the time of booking and is non-refundable.

Cancellation insurance is inexpensive and will make a bad situation tolerable. You can explore options with your travel agent or look online; some of our guests have used www.insuremytrip.com.

Hotel Information

Guests stay at the Chateau Nova in Fort McMurray. The brand-new Chateau Nova has all the amenities and is a short distance up the road from the float plane hangar. Even better, Lakers Unlimited fishermen get a 40% discount from normal rates.

Find out more at www.chateaunovafortmcmurray.com.

Camp Life

Your week includes plane transportation from Ft. McMurray to the lodge and back, delicious buffet-style meals in generous portions, full guiding service in 18 foot aluminum boats with 30, 40, and 60 hp Yamaha outboard motors (plus an 8hp kicker on each), and experienced, well-trained guides who puts your comfort, safety and overall fishing experience first.

WE PROVIDE:
Use of our warm floater coats, towels, shampoo, soap, all bedding and sunscreen, as well as insect repellent.

YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:
Clothing for warm and cold conditions - you never know - as well as rain gear and water repellent footwear, toiletries, polarized sunglasses, a camera, and a small flashlight or head lamp (in the fall).

BE COMFORTABLE:
Ask the Camp Attendant if you need more pillows, blankets, or other bedding.

LIGHT:
There are solar lights in every cabin and bathroom, as well as propane lights throughout the lodge.

BUGS:
We do get a little mosquito action in the early spring, but on the whole, the bugs at Johnston Island are a minor inconvenience and for most of the season, there are very few. You won't need a head net! There are more at Spring Bay, but they're not terrible.

Food and Beverage

ALCOHOL AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUESTS:
These items are ordered when you make your final trip payment. We need to know well in advance what you'd like on hand, so we can be sure to get it in.  It is hard to get late orders into camp so be sure to order with your final payment.

PACKED LUNCHES:
We encourage our guests to enjoy the shore lunch experience, but if you did not order packed lunches and decide you'd like to have them some or all days, please give us a days notice so we can have your packed lunch prepared for you.

SNACKS:
We provide squares to go along with lunch, and we also have snacks like chips and chocolate bars for sale at the lodge.

SHORE LUNCH:
If you don't like spicy fish or fish cooked in oil, talk to your guide and he'll use a a different method to cook your lunch.

MEALS:
We provide buffet-style meals designed to cater to a variety of tastes, centered around steak, turkey, chicken, pork, burgers, etc. If you have an allergy, it is important to let us know on the special requests form. It is also helpful to know if you don't like something like chicken or pork so the cook can prepare an alternative on a night when those items are featured. Diabetics should also let us know so we can prepare some appropriate alternatives for meals/desserts - it is no trouble and we are happy to do it!

Communications

We don't have any electricity, but we have solar powered high speed internet! You are welcome to bring a laptop or mobile device. We use Skype for our phone system; these calls are free. We are happy to charge camera batteries and other small items with our solar power system.

Health Concerns

Your guide needs to know about serious health issues. All guides have Standard First Aid Training and knowing about existing problems may help if you were to have a health incident. Remember, if you are taking medication(s) for a health problem, you need to have a minimum of a 2 day supply with you at all times. Although it doesn't happen often, we never know when a bad storm could prevent us from returning to camp and therefore causing us to have to spend a night on shore. (Please also remember to take your medication in your carry-on luggage on your flights in case of lost luggage).

• CPAP machines - Many of our guests use CPAP's - we use boat batteries to run them.
• Back problems - Let your guide know if you have any back issues and he'll do everything he can to make your time in the boat more comfortable.
• Medical emergencies - On occasion, we have had to bring in a Medivac plane. Please note that this takes time depending on where you are at the time of the emergency. Medical help is generally 1 - 2 hours away.

Payment

Deposits are due at the time of booking. We cannot hold a spot without a deposit. Final Payment is due May 1st.

HOW TO PAY:
Checks should be made out to: H.A.F. General Contracting Ltd. or Lakers Unlimited.   At this time, we do not accept credit cards.

GST (Goods and Services Tax):
As always, taxes are included in the price of your trip.

FISHING LICENSES:
$80 USD for non-residents and $60 for Canadians - the under 16 set do not require a license.

PAYMENT FOR TACKLE, LICENSES, BEVERAGES AND TIPPING:
You'll need to bring enough to pay for any tackle you might buy, your fishing license, beverages or other special orders, and gratuities for guides and camp staff. If you wish, you can include payment for licenses and beverages with your final trip payment.

Tipping of guides, cooks, and camp attendants is standard in the industry. For more details or if you are unsure, talk to Cap'n Bruce.

Travel Arrangements

BOOKING YOUR FLIGHT:
We recommend Cathy Northcott at Travel Masters in Saskatoon. Cathy has worked with us for years, is familiar with our operation and sometimes has access to "outfitter rates" not available to the general public. Additionally, in the unlikely event of a major delay, Cathy can more easily get ticket changes made, and often at considerable savings. Call her at (800)667-7293. That said, flight prices fluctuate wildly, and there are sometimes great deals to be found online - you should be able to subscribe to your provider's email list to get up to date information on deals.
WEIGHT LIMITS: There is a 50 lb. limit for the float planes.

HOTEL INFORMATION:
Guests stay at the Chateau Nova in Fort McMurray. The brand new Chateau Nova has all the amenities and is a short distance up the road from the float plane hangar. Even better, Lakers Unlimited guests get approximately a 40% break on the price! Find out more at www.chateaunovafortmcmurray.ca (780) 791-6682.