Red Pine Wilderness Lodge

Yes, many northern sunsets have passed since James & Janice Bowden first decided to leave their big city (Hamilton, Ontario) life of stress and chaos.  For James, after seven years working as a stage technician in a theater (lights, sound, set construction) the lure of dancing girls and high drama had lost its appeal.  As for Janice, life as a highschool teacher was also wearing thin.

Our first season, at Red Pine in the summer of '88 was indeed a "learning experience".  Our new, stress-free life was filled with wonderful challenges, like rebuilding electrical generating equipment, learning the difference between a walleye and a pike and trying to fathom how a flame makes a propane fridge work!

We have "come a long way, baby" and really do enjoy the lifestyle. It is a privilege to know many guests that have become great friends. A number of years ago, Janice won an award for the "Outstanding Lady In Tourism In Ontario" (Presented by the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association). She excelled as a cook and according many of our guests would often bestow the title "Best Cook In Ontario". Janice established a level of excellence that continues to this day. As for myself, I can now identify all the species of fish that call Lady Evelyn Lake their home, and actually get a chance to catch a few of them! I'm a happy guy if I can work most of the season on building and renovating on Red Pine Island.

Furry (and other) Friends

If you have a pet that is as much of the family as anyone else, has a pleasant temperament and would get along with the labs and retrievers already roaming the island, just let us know in advance of your arrival. Pets weighing over 300 lbs.may need special transportation arrangements and it is possible extra fees may be incurred...

The amazing staff that have worked, and continue to work at Red Pine all believe that the majority of their job is the hospitality extended to our guests.