onthegogo

Anyone been to Painter's Lodge or any other fishing lodge on Vancouver Island? We're interested in going there - 3 people who fish and 3 who don't. Would like to hear from anyone who has either visited the area or stayed at one of the lodges. thanks.

Sam_Salmon

Painter's Lodge is now owned by Oak Bay Marine Group-a by-the-numbers package tour specialist company.
The Lodge has actually been renamed Painter's Family Lodge because Salmon fishing was so poor for so many years.
The Guides are all minimum wage part timers who specialise in '<i>boat rides and story telling</i>'.
While fishing in Campbell River was '<i>decent</i>' for the last half of the season last year the first half was grim almost beyond belief.The reek of Pulp Mill often hangs over Campbell River another good reason to avoid the place.
IMO you're much better off going to somewhere on the '<i>Outside</i>' like <b>Ucluelet</b> or even <b>Tofino</b>.
Fishing is much more productive and there's more to see/do.
Kayaking, beachcombing, hiking, whale/nature watching are all on tap for non-fishing types on WCVI.
Tiny <b>Bamfield</b> also offers what Tofino does but in a smaller more rustic setting.
I can supply guide phone numbers if you're interested in independent operators with a proven track records, safe comfortable boats and polite easygoing personalities.

onthegogo

Thanks Sam_Salmon for the info. I'll check out Tofino. Right now we are looking for something that is not 'rustic', but has activities for 3 of us, and for the fishermen, &amp; would like something where catching a fish is a possibility. The overhanging mill smell doesn't sound enticing. Another thing I didn't mention previously, but perhaps you can comment on....we're from the US and someone told me there is an underlying atmosphere of anti-American tourist up there. I hope its not true. Actually I'm trying to entice this group to Vancouver Island instead of Alaska. I often visit Victoria and thought they'd like the it there as much as I do. Would like to hear what you know about this too. Thanks. (ps - don't mean to imply that sometimes there is no reason to be mad at the US gov't, but does it transfer to individual tourists?). TNX

Sam_Salmon

&quot;<i>we're from the US and someone told me there is an underlying atmosphere of anti-American tourist up there. I hope its not true</i>&quot;
All I can say is that I have never heard anyone express any such sentiment in the 30+ years I have lived in BC.
There are no perfect human beings here but resentment and hostility are in no way part of Canadian character.
As to the Tofino area it's definitely '<i>high end</i>' with 3 night minimums standard and many many fine properties to choose from.
A quick search will bring up lots of reviews on the area.
As to fishing the guides out of Ucluelet have a shorter run to the grounds-important everything is exposed to the full force of the Pacific weather.
It's not always blowing a gale but it can-in that case a guide can slip around the corner into Barklay Sound to more protected waters.
Ukee is a half hour drive south from Tofino.
Try Nick Hnennyj: [email protected] or (250) 720 5449
or Ken Myers-250-723-5252

onthegogo

Hey Sam_Salmon -- I checked out Tofino -- and you were dead on about 'high end' -- ridiculous! I think I'll have a hard time now convincing my travel companions that its a better deal than Alaska. Darn because I sure like Victoria &amp; Vancouver Island. But the guys like to fish and they'll probably have better luck up north. If by chance you are aware of any nice lodge/hotel not $300-$400/night in Tofino - let me know!! I guess the pulp mill churns every day, every month in Campbell River? Its a much more reasonable spot, except for the poor guides, poor fishing and smell! Thanks agaom for the info --

Sam_Salmon

Yes Tofino has become quite '<i>high end</i>' and it will hurt them with the strengthening Canadian dollar-much the same as Whistler is now being squeezed.
There are some reasonable deals to be had however..
http://www.lostsailor.ca/ is highly spoken of and there are many more B&amp;B listings http://www.tofinolodging.worldweb.com/BedBreakfasts/

HogtownJim

There are plenty of places to go fishing in Canada from Newfoundland to BC. Check out lodges in Ontario or Manitoba.

Google &quot;fishing lodge manitoba&quot; or
&quot;fishing lodge ontario&quot;.

Obabika looks interesting at http://www.obabika.com/