26 Amazing Whitetail Hunting Lodges in Sunset Country

Big game hunters look forward all year to whitetail deer season in Northwestern Ontario.

Few big game species have the same hold over hunters as whitetail deer. Some may say they're an all-consuming obsession that typically stays on hunters' minds year-round. 

pine acres

What is it about those crisp calm mornings where breath lingers in your line of vision and the sound of your footsteps can startle even yourself? As I write this, whitetail season has just ended in my Ontario WMU, and all I can think about is October 1st of next year. 

big-north-lodge-whitetail-hunting-ontario crawford-camp-whitetail-hunts

For non-residents, the Ontario season (specifically in northwestern Ontario) begins in some WMUs as early as September 16th (bow only). Open season with all firearms for non-residents can start as early as October 7th. Some WMUs are not open to non-residents of Ontario at all. All of this information can be found in the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary.

The fastest way to interpret the regulations is to call an outfitter of your choice and get the ball rolling on your whitetail plans next season. Outfitters will have all of the necessary information you need, specific to their WMU. 

new-moon-lodge-whitetail Rainy-River-Outfitters-Rainy-ontario

Hunting outfitters offer a great opportunity to get into quieter hunting grounds whether you’re a resident or non-resident. Here are some incredible outfitters in Ontario’s Sunset Country to try your chance at a trophy whitetail. From fully outfitted hunts to choose-your-own-adventures, a lot of lodges cater your meals as well, so all you have to worry about is bringing your clothing, firearm of choice, and aiming true. 

Rainy-River-Outfitters-Rainy-R

Vermilion Bay 

Minaki 

Emo 

Atikokan 

Sioux Narrows 

Dryden 

Morson  

Nestor Falls 

Fort Frances 

Kenora 

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

Moose Outfitters in Ontario

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

Crossing the Border into Canada

How to legally bring your hunting rifle into Canada.

Chasing Gobblers

Spring Turkey Hunting in Brant County, Ontario

Moose Hunt Magic

Hunting moose in Ontario can be an incredible experience.

Gogama Lodge Grouse

Autumn colours, a northern road trip, and a small-game hunt in the heart of Ontario’s wilderness.

A Bear of a Lifetime

I have been lucky to harvest a number of bears in my lifetime, but this bear truly made me speechless

A Dryden Buck

Hunting Trophy Bucks in Dryden, Ontario

Setting up for Bear

Stacking the Odds in Your Favour

Turkey Lessons

Never Underestimate a Wild Turkey

How to hunt black bears

How to Scout locations, Bait & Place a Tree Stand

Fins and Feathers

Hunting Grouse at Gowganda Lake Lodge

Moose Calling Tips

Learn How to Call Moose

Top Pheasant Destinations

6 amazing places in Ontario that offer quality pheasant hunts.

Black Bear Camp

Bird Hunting in Northeastern Ontario

Long Point Bay

Ontario's Prime Duck Hunting Grounds

Fall Moose Hunting

Try These 6 Tips to Help You Get Your Moose

A Father Daughter Date in the Turkey Woods

Spending time with those you love watching the woods and world wake up.

Bird Dog Friendly Lodges

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

Goose Hunting

Southern Ontario is Prime Habitat, Offering Prime Hunting

Inside Deer Season

Learn the Four Major Whitetail Cycles