~Travel & Tourism~

Adventure Destinations International
Saskatchewan's Premier Outdoor Outfitter
by Andrew Kudel

(Photo: Adventure Destinations International)

Adventure Destinations International (ADI) is a premier organization that operates some of the best fishing lodges in Saskatchewan . The company is unique in that they offer drive-in as well as fly-in lodges. As one of the most trusted outfitters in Saskatchewan , ADI manages the luxurious Selwyn Lake Lodge, Twin Falls Lodge, and Thompson's Camps Otter Lake Resort. As well, ADI boasts six outpost camps and 29 secluded fly-in lakes offering the opportunity for customers to experience near untouched nature first hand. With diverse locations and excellent fishing available there is truly something for everyone.

Adventure Destinations International was founded by Jim Yuel in the mid 1990's when Jim became an investor in Selwyn Lake Lodge, one of the only five star fishing lodges in Saskatchewan at the time. It was this initial investment that kick-started his company ADI. After some years of owning the lodge, Jim was at a crossroads. Being a successful businessman (Jim is the founder of PIC Investment Group Inc.) he felt the need to make a change to how fishing lodges were typically run. "At this point, my son, Greg Yuel, and I made the decision that it would be necessary to either sell our lodge or acquire more lodges so that we would have enough critical mass to justify a proper corporate structure."  Thankfully, for Saskatchewan anglers and those who visit Saskatchewan , Jim decided to grow ADI into a world-class operation. By doing so, the business was able to expand through better marketing and management of the fishing lodges. Plans were put in place to acquire more fishing lodges with the goal of improving the standards of lodges in Saskatchewan . Improvements are constantly being made to the lodges owned by ADI and the goal of the company is to ensure that every visitor has the trip of a lifetime when staying at one of ADI's fishing lodges. Speaking of the trip of a lifetime, there is no better place to catch that trophy fish and experience luxury in the wilderness then at Selwyn Lake Lodge.

A Trophy Selwyn Lake Lodge Lake Trout
(Photo: Adventure Destinations Int'l)

Selwyn Lake Lodge is one of the most prestigious and luxurious fishing lodges in Saskatchewan . The lake straddles the Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories border and offers trophy class fishing. As Jim Yuel puts it, "when people go up to Selwyn Lake Lodge, they are going to catch big fish." At Selwyn, angler's can expect to catch Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Arctic Grayling. The largest Lake Trout that has been caught and released there was 56lbs and Lake Trout in the 25lb-35lb ranges are not uncommon. Northern Pike can reach the 35lb mark with fish in the 15lb-25lb ranges being quite common. Arctic Grayling offer a unique challenge to anglers at Selwyn Lake Lodge with the most common way to fish for them being fly-fishing. According to Jim, the lodge offers everything their guests may need to ensure them a great time on the water. “The boats are 18 foot boats with captain chairs and rods and reels are supplied if needed. You don't even need to bring tackle if you don't want to. It really caters to people who want to get away from everything but still have everything available to them,” he said.  

For those who desire the comforts of home, Selwyn Lake Lodge offers guests the option to access wireless Internet as well as phone services should the need arise. Of course, these services do not need to be used, they are provided for those who need to stay in touch with family or business while enjoying their time in the remote wilderness. The ten available guest cabins offer 3 piece bathrooms and daily maid and laundry service.  A massage therapist is also on site to help guests relax their muscles after reeling in their trophy fish. After a day on the water, guests are invited to have a gourmet meal, which can include ribs, chicken, beef tenderloin, and prime rib followed by fabulous desserts. Selwyn Lake Lodge clearly offers one of the most spectacular fishing experiences anywhere in the world.

For those looking for something a little different, ADI offers a couple other great options for angler’s to pursue. Thompson's Camps Otter Lake Resort is one of the most convenient and friendly lodges in Saskatchewan . The resort is a drive-in operation, which makes it the perfect place for families or a group of friends to get away for some outstanding fishing and hospitality. The resort also allows people to bring their own boat and motor home up to Missinipe if they desire. As Jim Yuel notes, “you can haul your camper trailer or motor home up to Missinipe and rent a boat and motor from us. Also, you can stop in our dining room and have a meal if you would like as well. ”

Thompson’s Camps Ottering Hole Lounge
(Photo: Adventure Destinations Int'l)

Thompson’s Camps prides itself on providing anglers with a chance to catch good numbers of Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. As well as having great fishing, the resort provides other amenities as well. The resort offers a laundry facility, payphones, and access to a gas pump for boats and vehicles. The resort also boasts high-speed wireless Internet, a computer available to guests, and the Ottering Hole Lounge has an 8-foot projection screen television allowing guests to watch the game after a day on the water. While watching the game, guests have a variety of food options available to them. The dining room offers home cooked meals for dine in and take out all prepared by professional chefs. There is also a pizza oven where families can order a pizza to enjoy by the water.

Thompson’s Camps also acts as a hub for fly-out trips to some of the most pristine lakes in northern Saskatchewan . These lakes have abundant populations of Northern Pike and Lake Trout or Northern Pike and Walleye. According to Jim Yuel, “the fly-out lakes offer spectacular fishing as they are typically only fished a couple of times each summer.”

Twin Falls Lodge Shore Lunch
(Photo: Adventure Destinations Int'l)

At Twin Falls Lodge, fishing pressure is kept to a minimum as well. Angler’s can fly in from La Ronge or Otter Rapids and will be delighted by the scenic location of the lodge, as it is located between the Robertson and Twin Falls waterfalls. These falls supply great spawning ground for Walleye, making Twin Falls Lodge a great destination to catch 20-40 Walleye and Northern Pike per day. A very unique aspect of the lodge is that guests can portage to six other day lakes during their stay if they desire some adventure and untouched nature. As well, fly-out excursions are available to a number of day lakes and outpost camps.  Finally, Twin Falls Lodge offers an outstanding shore lunch of Walleye, potatoes, and vegetables that are prepared by the fishing guides over an open fire.  

So, if you’re looking for a chance to catch the fish of a lifetime or are looking for a great getaway for a group of family and friends, Adventure Destinations International has you covered.  When asked about his goals for his fishing lodges, Jim Yuel had this to say, “we are constantly upgrading our equipment and our facilities and we make a point of offering people more than their expectation for what their paying. Regardless of how little or how much our guests are paying, they have an expectation of what they are going to get and we try to see that they get more then they expected. Our goal is that they go away amazed at how good their experience was. Our objective is to raise the standards and expectations for the northern fishing tourist. We’re hoping that we are successful in doing that. “

For more information and for assistance in booking your trip, please visit Adventure Destinations International.