A Quick Summary

There are really only a few things you need to remember:

• Book your plane ticket to Saskatoon early. Call the Lodge office if you need advice or assistance.
• Find and bring your PASSPORTor have alternative identification.
• Bring a quality raincoat and rain pants.
• Keep your personal tackle simple; the Lodge has everything you will need.
• Don't bring any firearms, knives or self-defense sprays, including pepper sprays.
• If you have a criminal record, contact the Canadian authorities or you may be denied entry into Canada (see Customs)

 

Nearly everyone brings far too much on any vacation. Far northern expeditions tend to amplify this tendency. "I didn't wear half the clothes I brought" is a common comment leaving Scott Lake. Just remember that while Scott Lake is in the middle of a vast wilderness, the Lodge is an oasis of comfort, convenience and equipment. We probably have whatever you think you'll need right on the island. When in doubt, leave it at home.

We must limit luggage to a maximum of 50 pounds. The flights from Saskatoon are carrying all the fresh foods for your epicurean meals. We don't want to bump the prime rib or pheasant because someone brought their entire collection of outdoor gear. Excess baggage will be put on the next scheduled service but it might not reach the Lodge for a couple of days. Keep your gear under 50 pounds and trust the camp to provide (for free) whatever you had to leave behind.

Clothing

The temperature at Scott is totally dependent upon wind direction. If it's from the south or southwest count on warm, even hot weather from June through August. If it's from the north or east dig out your long johns & gloves. It can drop from 80° to 40° in a few hours with a wind change. Since no one can predict the wind or weather, regardless of when you are coming, better to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures.

A few helpful hints:

• Think layers. You don't need two or three coats. A quality Gore-Tex (or equivalent) jacket will do the job in any weather if you have a polar fleece under it.
• Pick up some of the fast drying, cotton/poly blend shirts and trousers. While Columbia and ExOfficio are the fashion statements there are many brands that will work just fine.
• It will probably rain at least once. Don't forget a quality rain suit. Suit means jacket and pants. Pants can be 100% nylon and inexpensive. The jacket should be a breathable fabric to prevent that clammy feeling in warm, wet weather. And, of course, a good waterproof hat.
• Your feet need more than tennis shoes in bad weather. You need some type of waterproof footwear. Inexpensive knee high rubber boots are great or a pair of short L.L. Bean-type (rubber bottoms/leather tops) boots. If you're coming in early June or late August/September bring a pair of warmer boots just in case the weather turns bad. Two or three pairs of extra socks will be adequate.

A Clothes List:

• A pair of lightweight polypropylene (or equivalent) long underwear
• One short sleeve and two long sleeve shirts, again of quick dry fabrics.
• Two pairs of fast drying trousers, one with zip off legs to make shorts for the hot days you hope to have.
• A heavy fleece or wool pull-over
• A Gore-Tex or equivalent mid-weight jacket. Any quality "breathable" jacket you use for hunting or fishing will do fine. Rain jackets with hoods are an absolute necessity to keep dry in a downpour, in our neighborhood you need a hood.
• A pair of waterproof rain pants. Warning: ski pants may look waterproof but they don't cut it in heavy rain.
• For early June and late August trips, a down vest and neoprene gloves.
• One pair of sneakers and one pair of waterproof boots.
• Extra socks.
• Waterproof hat. Find one with a strap to keep it from flying off your head. A good brim is helpful.
• Your travel clothing (casual is fine) for dinners, but your fishing clothes are OK as well.