Review Highlights
Wilderness Air Escapes earns consistently strong ratings, with every reviewer giving five stars. Guests repeatedly describe their trips as memorable and well-organized. The company has a loyal repeat customer base. One reviewer said it was their ninth trip with the outfitter and called all visits excellent. Reviews are enthusiastic throughout, and expectations match the experience.
Guests highlight the quality of fishing as a clear strength. Crooked Lake is a productive destination with Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Northern Pike. Staff and pilots receive consistent praise for being helpful, knowledgeable about local rules and regulations, and personable. Small touches, such as allowing a child to sit up front during the flight, add to the experience. Guests count the scenic float plane rides as a highlight, not just a means of transportation.
Reviewers raise no recurring complaints. Wilderness Air Escapes suits groups of friends or family members, particularly fathers and sons, looking for a remote fly-in fishing trip in a wilderness setting. It also fits multi-species anglers, first-time fly-in guests who want attentive guidance, and anglers who value repeat reliability over novelty.
Read all 24 reviews
Sharon H
Jul 10, 2025
Google
We just returned from another great trip! We've been using Wilderness Air for decades and 4 generations of our family have enjoyed the service, the lakes, the fishing, the hiking, and some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets! It's the best place to unplug and enjoy nature!
Outfitter overall
Tiffany M
Jul 13, 2023
Google
3rd time going through Wilderness Air. First stay was in 2017 at Devlin, second we stayed at Confusion in 2018, and now just returned from Solitary Lake. They all 3 have their own charm and own style. Solitary was our favorite lake to go to as a couple. The owner and entire staff is always amazing to deal with. We will continue to choose this place. Thank you for another great experience! Highly recommend.
This lake
Matt B
Jul 2, 2023
Google
We stayed at Solitary Lake. The fishing was pretty good. The fish in this lake are definitely on the smaller end - we caught about 200 walleye, but the largest was only 17". We caught about 125 northern Pike, but only 1 over 30" and only 3 total in the slot. We found one walleye jackpot while we were there and pulled out almost 70 within two hours. That was a lot of fun! We ate a few northern, but mostly walleye while we were there. I think this place could be great, but they need to work on the details so the hospitality is more in line with what I'd expect. For instance, I don't think they have much of a checklist for check-in/check-out and cleaning. In the cabin, we had five times as much toilet paper as we needed for the week, but not enough paper towels. There was only one cleaning sponge in the kitchen, which was pretty rough, but there were four full bottles of dish soap. There were 5 bottles of salt... but there were no other spices provided. They should provide basic spices. There were about 5 different kitchen knives, but they were all dull. There were about seven different pots and 9 pans, but only one regular sheet pan and a couple small sheet pans... We knew they had solar power and a generator on site, but didn't realize until we got there that the generator was just a small one if people needed to run a CPAP machine or it could power a single small tabletop fan in one of the two bedrooms... The mosquitos were fierce, but all the screens were in good shape. Pickup at the end of the trip was a problem. We needed to get picked up by 8, which they committed to 8-8:30. We then asked if they could do earlier, at 7, and they said yes, that should work... At 9:06 am, the plane landed. I found the lackadaisical approach to communication and etas soured the end of the trip a bit... The people were all very nice throughout, so if they can make some improvements, it'd be a five-star experience.
This lake
Brian
Jun 20, 2023
Google
Had an absolute blast flying in and fishing Crooked Lake thanks to Wilderness Air. Staff was very helpful with the rules and regulations for the lake, and both pilots, to the cabin and back to the outpost, were awesome. Even let my son sit upfront as a copilot. Great fishing, lots of Small Mouth and Walleye, and some pretty good-sized Northern Pike as you can see from the size of the one my son caught. 100% recommend them for fly-in fishing destinations.
This lake
William J
Aug 30, 2022
Google
We LOVE all our Wilderness Air experiences. The best testimonial for this fabulous outfitter is simply this---three generations of our family has been flying with Wilderness Air consistently for over 25 years (lost count!) to at least ten of their lakes (lost count!)...and EVERY year for the past 10+ years. Bob, Kelsey and their entire team are professional, accommodating and...just lovely people. Their pilots are top class and helpful to young and old. We always catch ALL the fish we can eat...and enjoy catching and throwing back the rest for all of you! So whether serious fishermen...or a family looking for an unforgettable Canadian North Woods experience...the entire Judy family recommends only...Wilderness Air. We'll be back next year! Thank you, team. Bill, Sue, Scott, Cindy and Ryan
Outfitter overall
Our group of 7 Dads and Sons flew out for a 6 day fishing trip and were very pleased with everything from Wilderness Air. It was the perfect company to get us where we were going and will be using them for future outpost trips.
Outfitter overall
prov1800
Aug 5, 2016
Forum
Confusion Lake with Wilderness Air
Have guided on confusion for willderness air some years ago.the cabin wad great and have heard its a bit more modern now.fishing was great.there are lots of walleye.also we caught lake trout and northerns and some decent muskies also.dont think you could go wrong.
This lake
prov1800
Mar 6, 2015
Forum
What are your top 3 fly in outfitters in Ontario?
I can only personally vouch for two outfitters in the vermilion bay area.wilderness air has always provided great service on there fly outs and clarkes northern lights on cedar lake has some great outposts as well.
Outfitter overall
Vermillion Bay Bait Shop open??
We have taken many trips into their lakes via Wilderness Air (Unbelievable fishing) Some of the lakes were so full of Walleye we tell the story the boat motor would be grinding the fish the lakes were so thick) and also fished on their lake and totally loved all of it. Alan stops by our home here in Minnesota still and we have the greatest visits.
Outfitter overall
Fly in for me and boys NW Ontario
Suggest you ck Wilderness Air out of Vermillion Bay. they have a variety of lakes, prices, and facilities depending on the size of group. In my experience, well run family owned outfit, Where ever you go, great memories will be made.
Outfitter overall
As in past years, our annual trip with Wilderness Air was terrific. This past trip to Wasa Lake was the best ever for me personally, the greatest walleye fishing I have ever had! I have certainly caught larger walleyes in my time but have never caught so may in the 18"- 22" range, at times almost one after another. We had more rain this time than any other but even that didn't dampen anything. Once again, Wilderness thought of everything, from courteous employees to great pilots to immaculate aircraft to great accommodations. Thanks for the memories!
This lake
My Dad, Brother and myself got back from our Self Guided Moose Hunt, we hunted with longbows and recurves only. My brother and I called in a 49 2/8" Monster Bull... Unbelievable hunt, our first time moose hunting and we filled both bull tags with traditional archery equipment.
Outfitter overall
I just wanted to say what a great experience I had a Campfire lake. The facilities were excellent and the fishing was great. We caught well over 100 fish a day and the smallmouth fishing was fantastic. Herb was a top notch pilot and a real pleasure. Bob keep up the good work and we'll see you again next year.
This lake
Rex & Cheri Thorne
Outfitter
Thanks for the perfect trip to NW Ontario this past September. The weather, Northern Lights, Fall tree color, and the great fishing added up to one fabulous trip. The cabin, equipment and plane flights all went or worked smoothly. Cheri caught the largest pike at 20 1/2 pounds and I lucked out at 8 1/2 pounds with the largest Walleye. Thanks again for running one of the finest outpost camp operations in Canada. Wilderness Air is one of the best!
Outfitter overall
Well, we've only been away from the lake for a week and we can't wait to get back! Your outfit was a find that couldn't be beat. Devlin Lake was all you said it would be and more. We spent 10 glorious days and caught over 500 fish. The look on Rick's face when he landed the first big Northern Pike was the best part for me. It was the 3rd day and Rick had 38 inches of heart-pounding Northern fight on 8 lb test and a light rod. Not to mention the 80 plus walleye that graced our boat. When you said the place was stocked, you meant it! The boats were in excellent shape and the motors always started on the first pull. We really appreciated the professionalism and the friendliness of the entire staff.
This lake
Absolutely, without a doubt, the best father/son trip I could imagine. Words cannot convey truly how unique and incredible this experience was. From the first phone call, to the moment we left was top notch. The fishing like no other, the scenery breathtaking, the set-up perfect. My 14 year old son didn't even mind that there was no wifi lol! If that doesn't speak volumes I don't know what will. Thanks Kelsey!!! See you soon. Well worth the trip from southwestern Ontario (Elora).
Outfitter overall
Ryan Fuhrman ~ Franksville, Wisconsin
Outfitter
There are so many good things to say about Wilderness Air Escapes, it's hard to pick a starting point! From the friendly and outgoing staff/pilots, the great Outpost Camps, the new boats and motors, to the fishing, they are a top-notch outfit!
Outfitter overall
Reta & Rick Davies ~ Rapid City SD
Outfitter
Well, it's done. Another extraordinary trip made with Wilderness Air. And it was a trip to brag about! Oneegum has once again shown us that Mother Nature and the wilds of remote Ontario are the perfect ingredients for a superior vacation.
This lake
Jukkala/DeBauche Party ~ Wisconsin
Outfitter
If there is a better place than this, I am not looking for it. Fabulous experience!
Outfitter overall
D.F. – Walton, Indiana
Outfitter
Once again hats off to you and your staff! We just came back from our trip to Campfire Lake and the fishing was again great! We are looking forward to many trips with you all in the future. We really enjoy your great service and accommodations. Thanks again for a great fishing experience.
This lake
The Hoffmans ~ Minneapolis, Minnesota
Outfitter
This is my ninth trip through Wilderness Air Escapes – all have been excellent with great service and great fishing.
Outfitter overall
This is my ninth trip through Wilderness Air Escapes – all have been excellent with great service and great fishing.
Outfitter overall
I just wanted to say thank you to you again as I never got the chance to see you when we left. Our trip will certainly be a memory we will not soon forget. The serenity, the experience, the beauty of the land, and of course the plane rides was just plain awesome. To be able to share that experience with my son is truly indescribable. I am extremely grateful to you for making that possible.
Outfitter overall
Had an absolute blast flying in and fishing Crooked Lake thanks to Wilderness Air. Staff was very helpful with the rules and regulations for the lake, and both pilots, to the cabin and back to the outpost, were awesome. Even let my son sit upfront as a copilot. Great fishing, lots of Small Mouth and Walleye, and some pretty good-sized Northern Pike as you can see from the size of the one my son caught. 100% recommend them for fly-in fishing destinations.
This lodge
Boats included
