Winter, the Way It Used to Be
Winter at Lodge on the Point is quiet, real, and grounded. This is not a resort scene or a packaged experience. It is northern winter as it has always been. Snow heavy on the trees. Frozen lake roads. Stars that actually show up at night. If you are looking for silence, space, and a reset from noise, this is where winter makes sense again.
Located on Manitou Lake in Nipissing North, the lodge sits on a peninsula surrounded by crown land, off‑grid trails, and open water that becomes solid ice. Winter here is not something we work around. It is the season that defines the place.
Snowmobiling On Winter Trails
Direct access to regional snowmobile routes makes the lodge a natural winter base. Ride straight from the property without trailering. Each cottage is lakefront, so access to trails and frozen lake routes is immediate.
Trails wind through forests, hills and valleys, and frozen creek beds, connecting you to hundreds of kilometres of local, community‑maintained routes and dozens of lakes. Routes range from novice‑friendly lake and corridor riding to more advanced backcountry terrain. If you choose to explore beyond main routes, GPS navigation is essential, and we do insist that at least one person in your group is experienced with backcountry travel.
Riders come here because it is less crowded, well groomed, and still genuinely remote.
Whether you ride all day or head out for a few hours, returning to a warm cabin, hot food, and a quiet shoreline makes the difference.
Read more on our blog about what makes Lodge on the Point the best snowmobiling in Ontario.
Ice Fishing On Manitou Lake
Manitou Lake freezes solid and offers excellent winter fishing conditions, with access to several surrounding lakes that support a wide range of fish species. This area is especially rewarding for avid anglers who value quiet water and low fishing pressure.
Set up close to the lodge or explore farther out on the lake. This is not a busy ice fishing destination filled with permanent shacks and traffic. It is space, patience, and clean ice.
Guests are responsible for their own gear and safety. With advance notice, we are happy to set up a temporary ice hut with a heater, bait, and basic equipment. You can walk straight out onto the ice from your cottage. It really is that easy, and an ideal option for visitors from the city who want to experience ice fishing without owning or transporting specialized gear
Cabins Built For Winter
We offer just two cottages during the winter season. Cedar Grove is a three‑bedroom cottage with five queen beds. Birch View is a two‑bedroom cottage with two queen beds and two singles. Together, they sleep up to ten guests comfortably.
Both cottages are fully winterized and built for cold‑weather stays. Unlike most accommodations in this area, we have hot and cold running water year‑round, a very rare luxury in this semi‑remote setting. Propane systems and off‑grid power keep things simple and reliable.
These are not modern hotel units. They are solid northern cabins meant to be used, not staged.
This is a winter setting that needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated. You come prepared, settle in, and live with the season instead of fighting it
Is Winter Right For You
Yes, winter could be right for you, but it starts with experiencing this kind of winter firsthand.
This setting suits people who are comfortable with northern conditions. Snowmobilers and ice anglers. Couples looking to unplug. Families who value time together without rigid schedules. Small groups who prefer quiet over entertainment, or who are happy to make their own entertainment and enjoy a private winter gathering.
It is for those who understand that winter here is not something to avoid, but something to appreciate from this vantage point.
If you need constant services, nightlife, or cell coverage everywhere, this may not be the right fit. If you want peace, stars, and the comfort of a warm cabin with propane fireplaces, you will feel at home.
Planning A Winter Stay
Winter bookings are limited and weather dependent. Access is via a tertiary highway, meaning it is third priority for plowing. In our experience, conditions have rarely made the road impassable, and even cities experience occasional storm‑related delays. On the positive side, an unexpected extra day here often turns out to be a stroke of luck.
For those who prefer, we can offer a shuttle service from River Valley, so you do not need to worry about the final 35 km drive in winter conditions. Snowmachine rentals can also be arranged with advance planning.
