Outdoor adventure clubs

Katharine and outfitter Denis LeBrun with freshly caught Brook Trout.

whether we’d be comfortable there, because we aren’t hunters – we shoot wildlife with cameras. But Denis assured us. “We adhere to strict limits and work with the wardens from the ministry to ensure we’re following

all environmental regulations. They can and do come to inspect – and we have a stellar record. As well, all our guests use the meat of the animal they take: it’s not just trophy shooting here.”

Thoughtfully, he added, “It’s the only way to go, you know. We must respect wildlife and the ecosystem here; it’s our responsibility.”

Good words to live by and reflect upon.

The next morning off we went to another, smaller and quieter lake. “We’ll go here,” said Denis, “because it’s so windy today. This lake is sheltered and I’ll go out on a limb and say you’ll catch a fish here, you guys.”

We did. I outdid myself by a stretch. Jigging for brook trout – brook “char,” Denis corrected – I caught seven. Eric caught one – the largest – and Denis two. So I got to use the fish house after all.

If you want adventure in a back-ofbeyond beautiful lodge, it’s a long drive, but worth it. Go for the paddling. Go for the views, wildlife watching, hiking, treasure hunts and fishing. Take the children or grandchildren and introduce them to a Canadian-style “camp” lodge where everyone can listen to Denis’ tales.

You won’t regret it for an instant. 

BEFORE YOU GO, CHECK OUT …

• Domaine du Lac Bryson Lake Lodge: lacbryson.com, with a link for directions • Outaouais Tourism: tourismeoutaouais.com • Pontiac tourism: http://tourisme-pontiac.com

OUTDOOR SUMMER ADVENTURE CLUBS

ACC Ottawa Section Adventure Sports Access Group Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists Black Sheep Cycling Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society Creative Wheel Esprit Rafting Hike Ontario Madawaska Kanu Centre Natural Fitness Lab Ottawa Bicycle Club Ottawa Inline Skating Club Ottawa Mountain Biking Association Ottawa New Edinburgh Club Ottawa Orienteering Club Ottawa Outdoor Club Ottawa Rambling Club Ottawa Rowing Club Ottawa Sailing School Ottawa Triathlon Club OttawaCarleton Ultimate Association Oxygene Rideau Trial Association River Run Rafting Somersault Events TriRudy uOttawa Outdoors Club de plein air www.alpineclubottawa.ca www.asag.ca www.abrweb.ca www.blacksheepmtb.com www.cpaws.org www.creativewheel.ca www.espritrafting.com www.hikeontario.com www.owl-mkc.ca www.naturalfitnesslab.com www.ottawabicycleclub.ca www.inlineottawa.com www.ottawamba.org www.onec.ca www.ottawaoc.ca www.ottawaoutdoorclub.ca www.ottawaramblers.org www.ottawarowingclub.com www.boattraining.com www.ottawatriathlonclub.com www.ocua.ca www.cluboxygene.qc.ca www.rideautrial.org www.riverrunners.com www.somersault.ca www.trirudy.com www.outdehors.ca

OTTAWA RIVER HIGH ADVENTURE & FAMILY RAFT TRIPS

FORESTERS FALLS • 1-800-461-7238

MADAWASKA RIVER FAMILY RAFT TRIPS CANOE & KAYAK

BARRY’S BAY • 1-888-652-5268