Northern Light Resort — Hotel in Unorganized Thunder Bay District

Fantastic place. Jock Richardson and his wife Ida (Schan) opened NLR in 1964. Jock moved to the Boundary Waters area of Saganaga Lake in the 1930s and opened his first lodge there, on Red Pine Island. He became well known on the American side of the Gunflint Trail. Ida joined him in the late 30s, as a seasonal hire, but remarkably, they fell in love. Their daughter Betty was born in 1942. Northern Lights was part of their trap line, hunting grounds and fishing tour. Ida's younger brother Joe, came for work in 39, but left due to the war. He returned briefly in 45 after the war and soon left for out west to marry his wife, Barbara. They both returned to Sag in 48. Somewhere in this time, they built a short railway to move boats from Sag to NL, it can still be found up Trafalger Bay, in the North Channel. They guided many American tourists on fishing and hunting expeditions on the Canadian side of Sag, NL and surrounding area. All while running trap lines and living off the land. By time of winter, dog sled was their main means of transport. It was harsh conditions by anyone's standard. Somewhere around 48-49 Joe built a trap shack that can still be seen just past the creek, south of the resort (its private property so be mindful). They started developing the land that is now the resort somewhere around this same time. Cabin #1, the log cabin at NLR, was built by Jock and Joe painstakingly, so it's amazing to see it standing today. This resort has a ton of interesting history. And the best beach. The picture I attached was taken back in the 30s, before the resort and after the fire. The second picture is Jock, right, Joe, middle, and an unknown character (to me) on the left. AND the same creek that flows through the edge of the resort was once home to an Indigenous community in the summer, the same people that gave birth to the famous "Painted Rocks" on NLL, it is rumoured artifacts can still be found buried. The new owners seem to care about legacy on the lake, a legacy rich in nomadic history and a frontier spirit. A pristine Canadian get-away. Glad to see it modernized with a...

Wasn't that great. Cabin was not that clean. Refrigerator was not working well. Had to put food in freezer, which then froze. Oven on stove did not work. The two slice toaster only had one side that worked and the the other side only toasted one side of one slice of bread. No staff to help with any problems after the store closes. Coffee cups were chipped and stained. Grass around cabin was not cut or even trimmed down. Dishes provided were not clean. Plates, glasses, cups and cutlery still had crusty food left on them. Everything had to be washed prior to using it. Kitchen table was very tacky and had to wiped down several times before you felt it was safe and clean enough to put your dishes and food on it. Mattresses smelt more like urine not just stuffy from over winter. Some areas on the floor was questionable and you were not sure if you were going to go through. Windows are small and not enough air flow. For what you paid to rent a cabin you would have expected it to be in better condition and on the lake front not with personal motor homes all in front of you. Lake and beach was good. No garbage. Not too many party people and when there were they kept it to a decent level. Staff actually need to clean the cabins. Use some bleach and all purpose cleaner. Wash the dishes after every renter. Just don't sweep the floor and call it a day. Rent there again? I don't...

We have low expectations for a cabin in the middle of nowhere due to understandable difficulty of attaining resources, but basic expectations are as follows: Doors Beds Basic hygiene What we found: Our front door didn't close and the screen door was patched together with duct tape and toilet paper wadded in the holes. The beds were so uncomfortable that we left a night early. And frankly, the cabin was not clean. The sheets on one bed had obviously not been changed between stays as they had questionable stains. At least the last people had a good time!

DESPITE THIS the people were so nice. It gives off a strong "white trash" vibe what with campers crammed together and enough beer to intoxicate a small nation, but if that's what you're going for then this is your place. Personally, we were hoping for more peace and space. Employees were very down to earth and friendly, the cabin itself was just a bummer, especially for the price.

If you're looking for true peace, fishing, views, and seclusion I suggest still coming through here to the main lodge, getting a map, bait, and a camping permit, and going out to camping spots on the lake! I'm sure they'll help you find some.

I'd leave 1.5 stars if I could, but I rounded up because there were so many great dogs around.

TL;DR Loud, dirty, too expensive, but great dogs...