Are you searching for an authentically Canadian outdoor adventure?
It’s ice-fishing time in Ontario andA�the varieties of local fish you can catch include walleye, perch, northern pike, muskie, sturgeon, whitefish and lake trout.
A visit to Petrie Island, on the Ottawa River just east of Ottawa begins with a visit to Oziles Tackle Shop where Yves Grandmaitre will set you up for a fun day of ice fishing.A� After an exciting day of fishing in the great outdoors, kick-back and relax at Kichesippi Beer Company – a local brewery on Campbell Avenue in Ottawa. A�Plan your ice fishing trip to coincide with Winterlude, Ottawa’sA�Winter Festival taking placeA�January 31st-February 17th.
There is great ice fishing on Lake Scugog just east of Toronto until February 28th.A� You can rent ice fishing huts or fish in the open – offshore from Port Perry.A� Huts are available from Scugog Island Marina and Al’s Ice Hut Rentals.A� For a Great Canadian Adventure, combine the ice fishing trip with the annual Cannington Dog Sled Races and Winter Festival in Cannington January 25th and 26th.
The inner bays of both Owen Sound and Wiarton abound with several varieties of fish including Chinook salmon.A� After a day of ice-fishing, enjoy casual dining at Nathaniel’s Steak & Seafood on 8th StreetA�in Owen Sound.A� Since you are the in the area, why not try a guidedA�evening snowshoe hike in Collingwood.A� Weather permitting, the hikes take place every Saturday night until March 15th.
You don’t need to be an expert toA�ice fish!A� Follow these safety tips –
- Clear blue ice is the strongest.A� White opaque or snow ice is half as strong as blue ice.A� Grey ice is unsafe.A� If ice has a “honeycomb” look, avoid going on it.
- Ice must be 20cm thick for a group to walk on.
- Check the conditionsA�with the locals at bait shops.A� They know the lakes as well as the area and offerA�equipment and hut rentals.
- Never go on the ice alone.A� Always ice-fish with at least one other person.
Family Day Weekend is fast approaching.A� Treat your family to the “Great Canadian Outdoor Adventure” – Perch Fishing on Lake Simcoe – sponsored by Slow Food Toronto.
Experience ice fishing and catch your own lunch – a lake-to-table experience.A� Heated ice huts are equipped with trough holes allowing anglers to see the fish and choose which one to cook.
Chefs Tyler Shedden and Matthew Duffy of the Four Season’s CafA� Boulud will guide you through filleting and cooking your own fresh catch right on the lake.A� Bring a side dish to share and your favourite local beverage.
Maximum capacity is 18 people.A� Sign up now to ensure your spot.A� Cost:A� $65.00 for Slow Food Members, $75.00 for Non-Members.
Included:A� six hours of ice-fishing, fishing licenses, heated ice hut, bait, filet instructions, transportation from shore to ice huts, camping stoves
Please bring:A� fishing rod, reel and tackle (rods and hooks are available for purchase onsite for $10.00), warm clothes, filet knife, cooler, Ziploc bags, a side dish to share and your favourite local beverage.
