07/17/2026
Forest fires have ravaged Northwestern Ontario, including Wabakimi Provincial Park. The Wabakimi Outfitters team is relieved that all of our clients and staff were evacuated safely, due in large part to the tireless efforts of Michael Hyer and Lindsey David. Now we can begin to regroup, replan, and recover from the loss of the Wabakimi Lodge and Shawanabis Lake Outpost.
Our thanks and gratitude to Whitesand First Nation for issuing the evacuation notice and contacting our Lodge staff! Tom, Kassandra, and Tanner did a great job of helping some customers get on the road, then pulling things together and getting on the road south at midnight! Thank you to the amazing floatplane and helicopter pilots who risked their safety to rescue others. This undoubtedly saved precious lives.
Our hearts go out to the community of Collins, all of the evacuees from Armstrong, Whitesand First Nation, Gull Bay First Nation, Whitewater Lake First Nation, our friends, neighbours, and colleagues who have lost their homes and businesses.
Bruce started his outpost on Shawanabis Lake 50 years ago, then joined forces with Margaret 30 years ago to build the Wabakimi Lodge on Mattice Lake. Their contributions to the Park, conservation, wildlife (especially caribou), and the experiences of countless paddlers, fisherpeople, and nature lovers, are immeasurable.
Understandably, trips planned for July have been postponed. We have had a bit of rain and are hoping for more. We will provide more information and updates soon.
Thank you for the hundreds of emails, phone calls, and texts showing your care and support. We sincerely appreciate it. Stay tuned!
