Do I need a passport to visit King Island Lodge from the U.S.?

Yes. U.S. citizens need a valid passport, passport card, NEXUS card or enhanced driver's licence to cross into Canada and return to the United States. Every member of your party, including children, needs proof of citizenship.

Do I need an Ontario fishing licence?

Yes. Every angler needs a valid Ontario Outdoors Card and fishing licence. You can buy them online in advance or at licence issuers in Fort Frances and Nestor Falls before you head to the water. We are happy to help you sort this out before you arrive.

Where do I cross the border?

Most guests cross at International Falls, Minnesota into Fort Frances, Ontario, then follow Highway 71 north to Nestor Falls. Baudette, Minnesota / Rainy River, Ontario is another nearby crossing.

Aerial view of King Island and the surrounding waters of Sabaskong Bay

Getting Here

Closer than you think — we'll help you every mile.

From the U.S. border to the boat landing, here's exactly how to reach the island.

Where We Are

Sabaskong Bay, Lake of the Woods.

King Island lies in Sabaskong Bay on the Ontario side of Lake of the Woods — about a 12-mile boat ride from Nestor Falls. You'll drive to the landing, leave your vehicle, and we'll bring you and your gear out to the island by boat.

Give us your arrival time when you book and we'll be waiting at the dock.

Get Exact Directions

Welcome to King Island sign at the water's edge

Driving Up

The route from the States.

Most guests come up through Minnesota. Here's the simple version.

Step One

Head for the border

Aim for International Falls, Minnesota. From the Twin Cities it's about a 4½-hour drive north on US-53. Baudette, MN is another good option from the west.

Step Two

Cross into Fort Frances

Cross the bridge into Fort Frances, Ontario. Have everyone's passports ready and know that you're heading to a fishing lodge for the week.

Step Three

Highway 71 north

Follow Highway 71 north about an hour to Nestor Falls. Grab groceries, gas and your fishing licence here — it's the last town.

Step Four

Meet us at the landing

From Nestor Falls it's a short hop to the boat landing, where we'll meet you for the ride out to the island. That's it — you've arrived.

Crossing the Border

What every U.S. visitor needs.

A little prep makes the crossing quick and painless. Here's your checklist for coming into Canada — and getting back home.

Passport or approved ID
A valid passport, passport card, NEXUS or enhanced driver's licence for everyone — kids included. Bring birth certificates for minors.
Ontario fishing licence
Every angler needs an Ontario Outdoors Card and fishing licence. Buy online ahead of time or in Fort Frances / Nestor Falls.
Know your limits
Personal amounts of alcohol and tobacco are fine within duty-free limits. Declare everything honestly — it keeps things simple.
Leave these at home
No handguns, pepper spray, fresh firewood, or certain plants and produce. Cased fishing gear is welcome.

Heads up on food. Canada limits bringing in fresh fruit, vegetables, and certain meats. Buy groceries in Fort Frances or Nestor Falls once you're across — it's easier than sorting out what's allowed.

Family loaded into the boat and ready to head out to the island

Returning to the U.S. You may bring your legal limit of processed/frozen fish home. Keep it packaged and labelled, and hang on to your Ontario licence — U.S. Customs may ask to see it.

Rough Drive Times

How far to the border?

4½ hMinneapolis–St. Paul

6 hDes Moines, IA

6½ hMilwaukee, WI

1 hBorder → Nestor Falls

Times to the International Falls / Fort Frances crossing, approximate and traffic-dependent.

Aerial view of the wooded island and bay

We'll Guide You In

Questions about the trip up? Just ask.

We've helped families make this drive for a hundred years. Tell us where you're coming from and we'll map it out with you.

Ask Us Anything