Up And Running
by Jason Hamilton, General Manager
The Lodge was still cloaked in its winter mantle when our team made the first (human) tracks on the island in six months. There was evidence of a busy winter around the boarded-up cabins and lodge: marten, ptarmigan and even a wolverine left their trails in the snow. The crew was checking in on the place and moving in yet more material for improvements in the spring.
Update from the Island
It was a quiet winter according to the local trappers around Scott Lake, with hardly any caribou hunting traffic. The local community members south of the lodge hunt the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou herds on the southern end of their migration from the Barren Lands. This year these herds stayed far north of Scott.
A total of four turbo Otter loads of metal roofing and materials, ranging from fly reels to plywood, were moved into camp. The aching backs of the winter work crew can attest that all 8000 pounds of those supplies made it in. These winter trips are greatly anticipated and appreciated, the silence and beauty of the far north in winter are stunning and always justify the hardship. But there is no shortage of work to be done immediately upon arrival, since all systems shut down and covered in feet of snow. After much effort breaking trails, shoveling, removing bear boards and the inevitable mechanic work, most basic systems were up and running on the first day. While we had two full seasons to work tirelessly on the place, the job is never complete (it is a small city) and we refuse to rest on our laurels. The goal is to provide the best lodge fishing experience in North America, and we will continue to do everything in our considerable, collective powers to make this goal a reality for our guests. The summer of 2022 is coming: we will be ready and waiting!
As the calendar pages keep flipping at an alarming rate, we find ourselves already in mid-April, with less than 60 days until the first anglers of 2022 will step off the floatplanes onto our brand new docks! The excitement in our team over these long-awaited first steps is nearing fever-pitch. So many preparations and details in every department: from centerpieces to fuel filters and everything in between… we are on it.
We do have a few items to ask of you, our first guests post-pandemic, to be prepared for your Scott Lake Lodge adventure.
The Answer Is: YES
You will be required to present proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID19 to cross the border into Canada.
(Check out the questionnaire on Travel Canada’s website for up to date info: “Find out if you can enter Canada”)
If you are on our guest list for 2022, we are asking that you let us know as soon as possible if you will not be able to meet this requirement and need to cancel your trip. After May 1, we will be unable to issue any credits or refunds on 2022 reservations.
Arrival in Edmonton
There is a lot to be excited about: a new season, a new departure city. While there are few direct flights from the US to Edmonton, the good news is that almost every major US city flies direct into Calgary, and there are several daily flights between Calgary and Edmonton.
While travel is slowly returning to normal, we strongly recommend arriving the day before your Lodge arrival date to relax and explore Edmonton as an added protection against any unforeseen travel delays. We don’t want you to miss a single cast of your trip.
While we are excited about exploring a new city, one thing we will all miss is the smiling face of Donna Hill, our expert Saskatoon concierge. As a consolation, our recommended Edmonton hotel, the Edmonton Renaissance, is conveniently located right at the airport. Also there is a free shuttle service from the airport to our charter provider, North Cariboo Air, where the welcoming smiles of Paulette, Karye and Janice will ensure a personalized customer service experience for all of our Lodge guests.
Review all the reminders, including travel links and important info, in our Guest Portal.
So, You’re Saying There is Still Hope to Come to Scott?
You bet! But definitely hurry and reach out to Jon Wimpney, our Sales Manager and long-time Scott guide. Jon will get you on the cancellation list, ready for any spots that open up.
We have had a few openings in recent weeks and they are typically filled within the same day. Make sure to touch base so we can do our best to get you to Scott in 2022. Give Jon a call at (306) 209-7150 or send him an email.
