Norm's Cabin
Staying at Norm's Cabin is a unique experience in the area. You can only access the cabin by walking or cycling. The property is owned by the Algoma Highlands Conservancy (AHC), whose mission is to conserve and protect the unique beauty and ecological integrity of key areas within the Algoma Highlands region. Their mission is based on four core principles - Conservation, Environmental Education and Research, Silent Sport Recreation and Sustainable Land Management. The AHC has rebuilt Norm’s cabin on the northeast shore of Bone Lake as a key infrastructural element which can be used to help realize the mission and promote all four core principles.
Norm's Cabin in the Fall
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Access to Norm’s Cabin is via the trail system that crosses lands belonging to Stokely Creek Lodge and Algoma Highlands Conservancy. During our orientation meeting we will provide you with the keys, a map, a suggested route and some safety orientation and gear before you head out. The total distance to the cabin is approximately 8 km although there are longer route options for the ultra-keen. We provide a free shuttle service to help get your food and gear out to Norm’s should you require it.
Guests are responsible for providing all of their own food and beverages for the duration of their stay at the cabin unless it is part of a Blaq Bear Package. In either case, guests are required to bring their own linens, sheets or sleeping bags, towels and dish cloths. Please recognize that we are limited by the physical capacity of the vehicle used for the purpose of transporting your supplies and gear. In this regard, plan to bring your food and beverages in not more than two standard sized coolers and consolidate your gear in a maximum of one backpack per person and one bag for the linens. We will shuttle your gear plus sufficient drinking water to the cabin and ensure that the cabin is warm, clean, organized and functional for you upon your arrival. If you wish to bring anything in excess of this amount it will be up to you to carry it in and out yourself.
Guests are responsible for providing all of their own food and beverages for the duration of their stay at the cabin unless it is part of a Blaq Bear Package. In either case, guests are required to bring their own linens, sheets or sleeping bags, towels and dish cloths. Please recognize that we are limited by the physical capacity of the vehicle used for the purpose of transporting your supplies and gear. In this regard, plan to bring your food and beverages in not more than two standard sized coolers and consolidate your gear in a maximum of one backpack per person and one bag for the linens. We will shuttle your gear plus sufficient drinking water to the cabin and ensure that the cabin is warm, clean, organized and functional for you upon your arrival. If you wish to bring anything in excess of this amount it will be up to you to carry it in and out yourself.
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The best part of what’s at Norm’s is the surrounding natural beauty and tranquility, but the cabin itself, just completed in 2015, runs a close second. It’s a beautiful two-storey structure constructed of squared pine-timbers with chinked seams to withstand the rigours of Algoma Highlands winters. The main floor of the cabin is open-concept consisting of a kitchen area, dual dining areas, each with views of Bone Lake, and a lounge area with wood stove and futon. A spacious lower deck provides an area for sitting out in the sun and drinking in the view of the lake and the surrounding rolling hills. Inside, the stairway, constructed of solid white pine timbers provides access to the second story, which is divided into two bedrooms and a storage closet all of which are locked.
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A propane wall mounted heater and a wood stove provides heat for cooler months. The cabin does not have running water but the kitchen area has a sink, as well as a four burner propane range, a propane refrigerator and a full array of standard kitchenware including pots, pans, kettle, utensils, plates, bowls, cups and even a corkscrew! Drinking water is supplied during the summer months and wash water can be obtained by boiling lake water. Dry fuel wood and kindling is provided by the conservancy and conveniently stacked under the stairway. Two outhouses are situated outside. Detailed instructions on safe and appropriate use of the wood stove and propane appliances will be covered both in the orientation and via written protocols readily available in the Norm’s cabin binder. Safety gear at the cabin includes a fire extinguisher, smoke alarm and CO monitor and overnight guests will be provided with a SPOT unit for emergency communications.
During the winter season, the rooms in Norm’s cabin are available for rental for completely self-supported skiers: you will need to ski in your own gear (including sleeping bag and pillow), food and other supplies, as there is no shuttle service. Norm’s cabin is accessible via the trail system that is being groomed and maintained by Stokely Creek Lodge. You will therefore need to purchase a trail pass at the lodge’s office, where you can get a map and up-to-date information on the best route considering weather and trail conditions.
During the winter season, the rooms in Norm’s cabin are available for rental for completely self-supported skiers: you will need to ski in your own gear (including sleeping bag and pillow), food and other supplies, as there is no shuttle service. Norm’s cabin is accessible via the trail system that is being groomed and maintained by Stokely Creek Lodge. You will therefore need to purchase a trail pass at the lodge’s office, where you can get a map and up-to-date information on the best route considering weather and trail conditions.
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Norm’s cabin provides a very safe, comfortable and tranquil location where you can kick back, relax and enjoy the natural world. There is no internet and cell service is spotty. Enjoy the natural rhythms associated with the environment. If you enjoy your stay, consider donating to the Algoma Highlands Conservancy by clicking on the logo or going to https://algomahighlandsconservancy.org/ |
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*Additional $500 security/damage deposit for loaned equipment and lodgings which will be returned after the trip is completed.
**Total price includes all taxes and service charges except for Harmonized Sales Tax.
*** N – Norm's Cabin,
****There will be options for clients to purchase their meals when not included.
**Total price includes all taxes and service charges except for Harmonized Sales Tax.
*** N – Norm's Cabin,
****There will be options for clients to purchase their meals when not included.
Winter reservations are available when snow conditions permit (usually from mid-December until late March).
For winter reservations, please note that,
1. Norm’s Cabin is always open to day-skiers who can use the ground floor any time to rest, warm up, eat their lunch or just visit. Day users do not have access to the second floor, which is reserved for paying guests. Bedroom doors can be locked when paying guests are absent from the lodge.
2. The Algoma Highlands Conservancy provides a host on Saturdays and Sundays to serve day skiers. One bedroom will be reserved for the host. Paying guests will therefore be sharing cabin facilities with the host when their visit coincides with the host’s presence, thus limiting the amount of rooms available to one.
For winter reservations, please note that,
1. Norm’s Cabin is always open to day-skiers who can use the ground floor any time to rest, warm up, eat their lunch or just visit. Day users do not have access to the second floor, which is reserved for paying guests. Bedroom doors can be locked when paying guests are absent from the lodge.
2. The Algoma Highlands Conservancy provides a host on Saturdays and Sundays to serve day skiers. One bedroom will be reserved for the host. Paying guests will therefore be sharing cabin facilities with the host when their visit coincides with the host’s presence, thus limiting the amount of rooms available to one.
Best months to book |
May • June (Blackflies) • July/August • September/October |
