Your Route to a Remote Wilderness Adventure

We are easily accessible by major airlines and located close to major centers, so you’ll have no problems getting here. You can fly Delta into International Falls, MN or major airlines into Winnipeg, MB. We will provide floatplane or arrange for ground transportation (at an additional cost) to Wilderness Air Escapes from the airport.

By Road

From the Minnesota/Ontario border at International Falls, turn east on Hwy. 11 and then north on Hwy. 502 to Dryden. Turn west on Hwy. 17 to Vermilion Bay, then turn north on Hwy. 647 and, 3/4 of a mile up the road, you will find Wilderness Air Escapes . An alternate route would be to take Hwy. 71 north and then Hwy. 17 east to Vermilion Bay.
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Road Mileages to Vermilion Bay
Fort Frances: 160 mi – 2.5 hrs
Duluth, MN: 320 mi – 5 hrs
Minneapolis, MN: 470 mi – 8 hrs
Milwaukee, WI: 710 mi – 12 hrs
Chicago, IL: 800 mi – 13 hrs
Des Moines, IA: 720 mi – 12 hrs

You can fly Delta into International Falls, MN or major airlines into Winnipeg, MB.

By Private Plane

By private plane, fly straight north from International Falls, MN to Dryden, Ontario (not Vermilion Bay). Dryden airport (YHD) is 45 minutes from Vermilion Bay.

For airport pick-up, simply call us at:
1 807.227.5473, before leaving International Falls.

Call us Air Freq. 130.7 When you make your reservation we will ensure that you have all the information you need to find us easily.

What to Pack

Nothing’s worse than looking forward to a great trip and realizing you’ve forgotten something last minute. Be sure to read through our packing lists to ensure you make the most of your adventure. Our float plane limits are below. Try to keep your rod length under six feet and group your rods into one or two rod tubes. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us Toll-Free at
1 807.227.5473
VERMILION BAY WEATHER
Wilderness Air Escapes will make your trip as effortless and enjoyable as possible. Let us make your local taxi arrangements and/or local motel reservations, or arrange satellite phone rentals. If you are flying in commercially, we can purchase your groceries and have them ready and waiting for you. We are a full-service, customer-oriented outfitter!

You Supply:

  • Round trip air transportation to your cabin from our airbase in Vermilion Bay, ON
  • Fully equipped kitchen with all utensils and pans Propane fridge, stove, solar lights, BBQ’s, fish cooker
  • Linens, dish towels, pillows
  • Mosquito coils
  • 14 ft. boats, 8 h.p./9.9 hp motors, fuel, boat seats
  • Cushions, paddles, minnow buckets (where applicable)
  • Pre-cut firewood
  • Some Toilet paper, paper toweling
  • Life jackets, anchors, landing nets
  • Drinking water in 5 gal jugs (bring your own re-usable water bottle)

We Supply:

  • Clothing – rain gear
  • Food, beverages
  • Fishing, hunting gear
  • Fishing, hunting licenses
  • Cooler
  • Bath towels
  • Do not forget your medications

Personal Gear

  • Medicine, aspirin
  • Cough drops
  • Toothbrush/paste
  • Comb, brush
  • Wash cloth
  • Bath Towel
  • Hand/Shower Soap
  • Lotion
  • Lip balm
  • Razor, shave cream
  • Shampoo, conditioner
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunglasses, hat
  • Camera, film
  • Binoculars
  • Batteries
  • Passport, Photo id, birth certificate (for border crossing)
  • Airline ticket (if applicable)
  • Credit card, travelers checks, cash
  • Extra set car keys

Fishing Gear

  • Fishing license
  • Rain gear
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Fishing rods
  • Extra reels
  • Rod tubes
  • Fillet knife
  • Knife sharpener
  • Hand held GPS (optional)
  • Fish finder (optional)
  • Angler’s journal, pen
  • Tackle Box
  • Lures
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Jaw spreader
  • Spare spools
  • Fishing gloves
  • Nets

Hunting Gear

  • Hunting license from home state
  • Orange jacket or vest
  • Export Permit
  • Waterproof boots
  • Warm & waterproof clothing including gloves
  • Life jacket – float coat
  • 1 to 2 pairs of hip boots per group
  • Come-a-long
  • Rope 100 feet
  • Meat saw & hunting knife
  • Chain Saw
  • Cheese cloth (for covering meat)
  • Guns & ammo (30-06 or 3-0-8 recommended)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera & film
  • Coolers (optional) for transporting meat
  • Food and beverages for your whole trip.
*Don’t forget to include the guide when packing your food.

Visitor Faq

If the answer to your question isn’t here, just drop us a line and we’ll do everything we can to get an answer for you!

Click each question to see the answer, or download a printable PDF version of the entire FAQ.
What documents/identification do I need to cross the border into Canada?
How long is it going to take me to get across the border?
What amount of alcohol and cigarettes can I bring with me into Canada?
I’m taking prescription drugs, is this a problem at the border?
Can I bring my dog/cat with me?
Can I bring my own fruit and vegetables with me?

Visiting Canada Questions

What’s the weather like in Vermilion Bay?
Is my U.S. driver’s license valid in Canada?
What is the speed limit in Canada?
What’s the metric system?
I have a previous impaired driving charge, can I still get into Canada?

Fishing Questions

I’ve booked one of your deluxe outpost cabins for a fishing trip, what do I need to bring?
What is the fishing season for conservation lakes?
What is the difference between “conservation limit” and “catch and release” lakes?
Do I need a fishing license?
What is the price of a fishing license?
What kinds of hooks can I use to abide by catch and release regulations?
Can I bring live bait onto a catch and release lake?
What happens if I land a trophy fish on a catch and release lake?
How do I release a fish?
What happens if my fish is unconscious?
What should I do when photographing my fish?
Why is it necessary to release my fish?

Hunting Questions

Can I bring my hunting rifle into Canada?
Can I bring my handgun into Canada?
How much are hunting permits?
What do I need to get my game back to the US?

Wilderness Air Escapes Questions

What does Wilderness Air Escapes supply?
Where do I get detailed information about fishing regulations for my fly-in fishing trip?
What kind of outdoor gear, food and clothing should I bring on my fishing or hunting trip?
This is my first fly-in vacation, and I’m a little concerned about being in the middle of the bush. What does Wilderness Air Escapes do to assure my safety?
I need to buy groceries for my trip, where can I go in Vermilion Bay?
Where can I stay in Vermilion Bay and how do I get to Wilderness Air Escapes?
What sort of clothes should I bring with me
If I am flying commercially into International Falls or Winnipeg, what time should I book my return flight for?