Experience a kid-friendly resort hotel at Open Bay Lodge in Upsala, ON. Enjoy recreation and sightseeing near Thunder Bay International Airport with a 4.8 guest rating.
Visitors appreciate the welcoming and attentive hosts, clean and comfortable cabins, and the beautiful natural setting. Some note the gravel road access and presence of mosquitoes as minor drawbacks.
GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.
Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.
Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Open Bay Lodge is a resort hotel and campground situated along Lac Des Mille Lacs Rd in Upsala, Ontario. This lodge offers a peaceful lakeside setting surrounded by forest and wilderness, appealing to guests looking for a quiet outdoor retreat. The property combines elements of a fishing camp and park, providing direct access to fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking activities.
Facilities include clean and comfortable cabins as well as spacious sites suitable for trailers and campers. Reviews highlight well-maintained washrooms and showers, with the lodge’s family-run atmosphere contributing to a welcoming and friendly experience. Staff are noted for being courteous and accommodating, even during last-minute stays and winter conditions such as ice fishing weekends.
While the lodge's location involves a 17 km gravel road, which received some mixed feedback due to accessibility, the natural surroundings and lake views are often described positively. Mosquitoes and other insects are mentioned as a minor drawback, consistent with the rural environment. The setting is especially recommended for visitors interested in sightseeing, recreation, and exploring the outdoors.
Open Bay Lodge's rating of 4.8 from 45 reviews reflects strong guest satisfaction, particularly among fishing enthusiasts and those seeking relaxed summer or winter getaways. Its family-friendly service options make it suitable for travelers with children who want to enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable yet rustic setting.
Located within reasonable reach of Thunder Bay International Airport, this lodge is a good choice for visitors traveling through or seeking an extended lakeside experience in northern Ontario.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
My friend and I got stuck on one side of a highway 17 closure caused by a major motor vehicle accident, and Jen was absolutely amazing and let us stay here even though it was incredibly last minute. She was so nice, and we are super thankful to her and to this place! The road in is dirt, but I've been on quite a few dirt roads and this one is maintained very well. The lake that the lodge is on is lovely, there is a lot of forest and wilderness all around, and the whole area is peaceful and quiet. Because of the nature of the area and the landscape there are mosquitoes and such outside, but that would be my only negative point at all. Everything else was lovely.
My wife and I had a wonderful time with Kevin and Jen at Open Bay. Have been to several lodges in Ontario and Open Bay is by far the best. We would recommend it to everyone looking for a beautiful, peaceful, enjoyable vacation. Comes with great memories and fishing.
We stayed 2 nights in our 44ft fifth wheel as we were passing thru the province. Nice site, we were by the office, but it was still very relaxing and a big site, easy access. The drive in on gravel for 17 km is why location only got 4 from me.
Spent the whole summer here on the waterfront with our trailer. Best view everyday! Met so many great and friendly people! Had friends and met new friends who stayed in the cabins which were so clean and cozy! The owners are awesome and with their 3 boys keep everything running smoothly! The washrooms and showers are always clean and comfortable! Fishing is amazing and so is this spot! Book now!
We rented a cabin at Open Bay Lodge for a week and had a fantastic stay. The cabin was just the right size, clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The owners and their family were incredibly polite, courteous, and always eager to help. Pricing was more than reasonable. Open Bay is absolutely beautiful, and the fishing was great—even relatively close to the lodge. We can't wait to come back!
Jen and her family run this beautiful lakeside place, called Open Bay Lodge, with stunning views, clean facilities, and they are so friendly and kind! I highly recommend this warm and welcoming place. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking - it's all available
Highly recommended! The staff went above and beyond on one of the coldest weekends in January to make this an incredible first foray into ice fishing! The cabins were practical, warm, and snug (with super comfy beds!), the gear was great, and the frozen lake was gorgeous. But the true treasure of this place is Jen & Kevin! We will definitely be returning to this gem of a lodge :)
Spent a weekend at the Open Bay lodge to try out ice fishing. Was an incredible time with incredible hosts. Cabins were comfortable, lake was beautiful. Jen and her husband really went out of the way to make our stay great. 5/5
Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in City. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
642 reviews 100 Princess St, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S2, Canada
Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.
