FAQs 

A. The lodge provides bed linens, pillows, blankets and bedspreads, and kitchen towels, but not personal towels. Liquid hand soap is provided in the bathroom, and dish soap is in the kitchen. Kitchens have electric coffee makers, microwaves, and a stove and refrigerator. Coffee filters, one roll of paper towels, and one bathroom tissue package are provided. Kitchens are stocked with dishes, flatware, cups and glasses, cooking utensils, pots, and pans. Salt and pepper shakers are also provided in each cottage. Each cottage has a gas grill on the deck. Cabins will be cleaned thoroughly, but guests are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer and wipes.

A.There is no food service in the Bay, and the Bay’s General Store was closed in 1996, so you’ll need to bring all your supplies. Besides your food, bring drinking water, as the cottages are plumbed with untreated lake water only. Also, bring bath soap, toiletries, insect repellents, sunscreen, and personal beach towels. Water shoes are helpful if you plan to get in the lake, as most of the shore is rocky. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and flashlights with extra batteries. While we would like to provide fair weather for our guests, Mother Nature does not always cooperate, so bring some rainy-day activities.

A. There are two supermarkets on Hwy. 6 in Espanola, about a half hour north of Birch Island. Little Current, about 15 minutes south, has a smaller supermarket and a grocery store across the street from each other on Hwy. 6. McGregor’s Landing at Birch Island carries some grocery items.

A. The best place to get your fishing license is online at https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing. You can also buy one in Espanola at Service Ontario, M-F 8:30am-5:00pm; 148 Fleming St. Unit 2, or at the Petro-Canada gas station. You can buy live bait and fishing gear at Fishy Fishy Bang Bang, 90 Gray St. in Espanola, and Canadian Tire. In Little Current, you can purchase tackle and live bait at Wally’s Dock Service; on Water Street across from the Bank of Montreal. Both marinas at Birch Island usually have worms for sale.

A. Ice can be purchased at grocery stores in town, Birch Island marina, and the lodge.

A. If you bring your boat, gasoline may be purchased at McGregor’s Landing or Still Water Marina, both at Birch Island. Fuel tanks for McGregor Bay Lodge rental boats will be filled at McGregor Bay Lodge.

A. There are no public laundry facilities at the lodge; however, there are public Laundromats in both Little Current and Espanola.