22 Bird Dog Friendly Lodges in Ontario

Bring the friend that does the most during bird hunts—your dog.

Let’s be honest, we all know our best hunting pals are the friend that carries the most weight during hunting trips—bird dogs. Where would we be without them? Likely still putting on miles and miles on foot without a single bird in hand. 

Being able to bring your trusted hunting partner with you to an area full of grouse is what dreams are made of for upland hunters. Plus, your dog will be super happy out there too, doing what they love. Give yourself and your working dog the “vacation” of a lifetime flushing abundant grouse in thick and open cover. Perhaps you can justify a few duck retrieves also, depending on the lodge you choose. 

Before You Go Bird Dog Hunting

Each lodge, however dog-friendly, will appreciate a heads-up that you’re bringing Fido along. Be sure to let them know when you’re booking that a dog (or two) will be joining your hunting party. There may be some guidelines they’d like you to follow such as on leash at all times at camp, no dogs left in cabins unattended, etc.  

When you book, be clear that you will be hunting with your dog, there may be some important additional information the lodge can give you to make your trip even better. 

Some lodges have pet fees, and it is understandable as some of our furry friends seemingly leave more of them behind than they take with them. People with severe pet allergies will likely book at a pet-free facility, but the lodges are only doing their best to accommodate guests. The pet fees help lodges spend extra time cleaning the dander and dog hair up for the next guest.

ruffed-grouse

Packing For Hunting With Your Bird Dog

  • Blaze orange for yourself and your pup- even out of rifle season this is a good idea.

  • Goggles go a long way for pups working in thick grouse cover, especially for gnarly retrieves.

  • A small first aid kit for yourself and your dog as well in case you run into any minor injuries so you can treat them. Odds are your dog will be willing to get back to work before you will anyhow.

  • Leash and collar, no matter how well-behaved your working dog may be, most lodges require dogs to be leashed. It’s for their safety too.

  • Drinking water receptacle for your pet on the trail. Collapsable bowls and a canteen of water are easiest.

  • Dog food. If travelling from the U.S. check ahead of time border crossing rules for dog food.

  • Any medication your dog may take currently

  • Saddlebags if your dog carries any of your gear

  • Game bag for your bounty 

Crossing the border of Canada with a dog can add some additional planning to your trip, be sure to check out all of the criteria necessary to bring your pup with you. 

Flame-Lake-Lodge

Bird Dog-Friendly Lodges in Algoma Country

Bird Dog-Friendly Lodges in Sunset Country

Mowat-Landing-Cottages

Bird Dog-Friendly Lodges in Northeastern Ontario

About Alyssa Lloyd

Alyssa Lloyd is a photojournalist based out of Kenora working with Ontario's Sunset Country. The outdoors has been the center of her work and personal life for as long as she can remember. As an angler, Alyssa spends most of her time chasing multiple species on both conventional and fly gear. 

Recommended Articles

Grouse Hunting in Sunset Country

You won't have trouble reaching your ruffed grouse limit here

Crossing the Border into Canada

How to legally bring your hunting rifle into Canada.

Northwest Deer

Four Places to Hunt in Sunset Country

The Secret Life Of Grouse

Locate roosting locations, food sources, and predator signs to help you find more grouse this fall.

Trophy Deer Hunts in Thunder Bay

Gord Ellis reveals one of Northwest Ontario's most overlooked trophy hunts.

Moose Calling Tips

Learn How to Call Moose

Fall Moose Hunting

Try These 6 Tips to Help You Get Your Moose

Snow Hunt for Moose

Late Season Hunt for Moose in Ontario

Moose Tales

A fly-in hunting adventure in Ontario

First Class Duck Hunt

Avid Duck Hunters Should Hunt Walpole Island at Least Once

Moose Hunting in Ontario

Ontario is one of the best places to fulfill the dream.

Ontario's Largest Moose by a Female

A father and daughter's big game hunt in Ontario.

Moose Outfitters in Ontario

Ontario offers archery and rifle moose season for residents and non-residents.

Ontario Turkey

Hunting with Wingeather Oufitters

Ground Blind Hunting

Late November Hunting for Deer in Northwestern Ontario

Grouse Hunting Outfitters In Ontario’s North

The pros and pros of heading north for grouse

Top Pheasant Destinations

6 amazing places in Ontario that offer quality pheasant hunts.

Bush Walking for Grouse

Stepping off the trail for a better hunt

Whitefish Lodge is a Bear Hunter's Paradise

Big game hunting for black bear in Ontario

Big Ontario Bull Moose at 8 Yards

An epic moose hunt into Northern Ontario's remote wilderness.