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Explore the beauty of Temagami's wilderness with the comfort of knowing you have a cozy cabin and gourmet meals to return to each day. Hike the 5,000 year old Nastawgan trails through world renowned old-growth forests and paddle or snowshoe throughout one of Canada's most scenic wilderness parks. Sunrise Eco-Lodge is owned and operated by Hap Wilson and is located on the Lady Evelyn River, overlooking Cabin Falls in the Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Wilderness Park, the only retreat situated within the park. The cabins are completely secluded and are accessible only by canoe or snowshoe. Cabin Falls is part of "The Golden Staircase", a series of 7 waterfalls on the north and south channels of the Lady Evelyn River. The dramatic and profound landscape provides plenty of opportunities for daytrips from Sunrise Eco-Lodge, exploring different waterfalls, scenic lookouts and hiking trails through old-growth forests.

Few people know the Temagami back-country as well as Hap Wilson, wilderness guide and author of the best-selling Temagami Canoe Routes guide book, first published in 1978 and updated in 2003. Hap delights in providing guided day-trips throughout a spectacular area, gourmet meals and comfortable and rustic accommodation for adventurous people from all walks of life, of all ages and skill levels.

Sunrise Adventures offers a variety of retreats, including:

  • corporate team-building workshops and retreats
  • art and photography retreats
  • women's retreats
  • paddling and wilderness skills workshops
  • outdoor ed. and wilderness skills for student groups
  • soulful retreats for families and friends of all ages

The sun crests the high ridge of white pine that tower over the river, mist rises off the falls, the smell of fresh-baked bread and muffins emanate from the main lodge. You've started your morning with yoga on the deck and the adventure begins.

Day one might include a day paddle downriver to Twin Sisters Falls and Fat Mans Squeeze…keep a sharp eye because we've seen eastern cougar in the canyon along this stretch! We gather for a delicious trail lunch under the pines and watch the water cascade over the falls. Perhaps you want to try fishing for brook trout at the base of the falls, or just relax on the warm smooth rocks in the sun. We paddle back upstream and portage along the ancient Nastawgan trails and return to the lodge by four o'clock. The sauna's hot and you can't wait to sit in one of the "jacuzzi" river pools, and sit with friends on the deck, reflecting on the day's adventures. A gourmet meal is served in the dining hall, followed by a campfire with music, stories and lots of laughs. If we're lucky we may see a display of Northern Lights overhead, but we can always lie back on the world's oldest rock and look at the starry sky, or go for a moonlit paddle. You're tired and it feels great!

Day two, the pace picks up and the group may choose to head upriver to climb to the summit of Dry Lake ridge - one of the highest points in Ontario; and, if time allows, we'll explore Shangri La, appropriately named, it's one of the most beautiful chutes in the park. Some whitewater thrills on the way back to the Lodge, a refreshing swim in the river, a sauna, another tastefully prepared meal and some quiet time by the edge of the falls before gathering around the campfire.

Day three might concentrate on wilderness skills, nature photography and the environment; walk along our old-growth pine trails, they always provide plenty of inspiration for photographers, artists and nature lovers. Learn about the history of the First Nation peoples and discover the local flora and fauna.

On day four we head across the river to the main trail that takes us to Helen Falls - the highest falls on the river; but first we have to step quietly through the sphagnum marsh next to the beaver pond where moose often feed near the shore. The view at Helen's is spectacular, and there's a resident magic that defies explanation. Good thing you brought extra film! Back at the lodge you can't believe the time went so quickly. But the adventure isn't over yet…even the trip out will hold you spellbound as we trek through ancient forests to the "Golden Staircase Falls", a short paddle out to Lady Evelyn Lake, and a boat cruise back to our rendezvous point.


Canoeing retreats are available from May after the spring thaw until October before freeze-up. Previous canoeing experience is not necessary, as we give instruction to participants as they travel to and from the cabins. The remoteness of Sunrise Eco-Lodge is always taken into consideration and we always place great importance on safety. Participants can learn to paddle flat-water, solo or tandem, portage a canoe and gear, line a canoe from shore, navigate and learn to also read the topography of the land (never relying solely on maps), improve camping skills, and paddle whitewater in nearby class II rapids. Fishing for natural brook trout (not stocked) is also available in various locations along the river.

Return to Sunrise Eco-Lodge after a day of paddling and hiking and relax on the deck overlooking the falls, swim in the natural pools in the river, chat with friends, have a sauna and then join the group for another gourmet meal in the screened dining cabin. Spend the evening singing and telling stories by the campfire, stargazing or watching Northern Lights, and then drift to sleep, lulled by the soothing sound of the falls outside the cabin.

  • Conduct corporate business meetings on the deck or in the dining cabin.
  • Build your tandem canoe skills and other team-building exercises with co-workers, friends, or family.
  • Start your morning with yoga on the deck!
  • Artists can enjoy sketching and photographing the awe-inspiring environment surrounding the retreat.
Sunrise Eco-Lodge is accessible in the spring, summer and fall by float plane from Temagami, which lands on Divide/Katherine Lake north of Sunrise Eco-Lodge, after which participants travel by canoe and portage to the cabins, or by boat shuttle from Lady Evelyn Lake and then by canoe and portage to Sunrise Eco-Lodge. There are numerous other ways of accessing the retreat with a two-three day adventure by canoe in or out of the park.


Venture out for daytrips from the cozy cabins and experience winter camping in a canvas tent heated with a small woodstove, learn to build a quinzhee (snow shelter), explore the river corridor and the ancient pine forests by snowshoe. Experience the absolute peace and tranquility of a secluded winter wonderland. Learn to identify a variety of animal tracks: moose, wolf, rabbit, squirrel, pine marten, weasel, lynx and possibly even the rare sighting of eastern cougar. Return to the comfort of Sunrise Eco-Lodge and enjoy more gourmet meals and a hot sauna. Stargazing and Northern Lights are often at their best in the winter months and the remoteness of Sunrise Eco-Lodge is the perfect place to enjoy a clear winter night.

© Sunrise Adventures, 2006.