On-Ice Bungalows An effortless ice fishing vacation
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| Although this site is not a destination site, I thought that I would share with you some information about a pretty cozy ice fishing vacation that you can take and believe me, it doesn’t get any easier than this. Also, the price is usually very affordable. The picture above shows a number of “on-the-ice bungalows” on Lake Nipissing in Ontario. These can be rented for a few days or a week the way you would rent a summer cottage and the idea is that you live in your bungalow out on the ice for the duration of your stay. When you arrive at your destination, you will be transported out to your bungalow with a vehicle like a 4X4 or enclosed bombadier. Some patrons take out their own vehicles and their snowmachines. The only things that you have to bring are your bedroll or sleeping bag, food and your fishing gear. Where we were, they provided pillows and pillow cases and even had ice fishing rigs available for those people that didn’t have any ice fishing equipment. The bungalows are about 8’x16’ in size and are completely insulated and heated. I have been in these ice fishing houses at –27C and very comfortable in my shirt sleeves. They have very good propane heaters. There are usually 4 ice fishing holes inside the building and the proprietor will drill the holes for you. He will also check on you daily and fresh water is provided and waste water from washing (personal and dishes) is removed as required.
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 | There are 2 or 4 bunk beds with foam mattresses, a table with 2 or 3 chairs and all cooking and eating utensils provided. There is a 2 or 3 burner propane stove for cooking and often an outdoor BBQ is also available. And guess what? In many cases a battery operated T.V. is also provided. So there you are. |
| After a hearty supper you can lie down on your bunk, watch your favourite show and jig your fishing line all at the same time. Now you tell me if it can get any more comfortable than this! Last but certainly not the least in importance is the bathroom. Yes, there is a heated outhouse out there on the ice. In the first picture, the small light tan coloured building in the centre of the group of bungalows is the “can”. If you are interested in an experience like this, you can get destination information from a magazine such as “Ontario Out Of Doors” or search out “Ice Fishing Ontario” on the internet. Most of the operators also have on-shore cottage or lodge facilities available and day trips out to smaller heated ice shanties. Either way, it can be a lot of fun and a very pleasant experience.
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