Bear's Den Lodge
2870J Hartley Bay Rd Bear's Den Bay, French River, French River Provincial Park, Alban, French River, Ontario P0M 1A0 Canada
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#2 of 3 lodges in Alban
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Specialty lodge Alban on the French River offers American plan meals, clean, modern housekeeping cottages fully equipped kitchens, stove, refrig, micro, propane BBQ on each deck, bedding supplied. Water taxi from Hartley Bay Marina included. Excellent fishing. Free WiFi. Guides and Boat rentals. Amazing Landscape and Wildlife viewing in remote setting. Family and corporate retreats. Fishing French River. 5 Star Quality Family-style meals are prepared by the Executive Chef, incorporating seasonal fresh garden ingredients. Enjoy dining with panoramic waterfront views while sharing the day's stories and tales.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Restaurant
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
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2870J Hartley Bay Rd Bear's Den Bay, French River, French River Provincial Park, Alban, French River, Ontario P0M 1A0 Canada
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We travelled to the Bear's Den lodge in late May for some early season fishing. Our overall experience was exceptional - accommodations, food and service, it was an awesome experience. The lodge sits on a beautiful secluded point, surrounded by classic Canadian shield wilderness. Only a five minute boat ride from the marina put in. We stayed in one of the adjoining cabins facing the water which was bright, clean and very comfortable. It was steps from our boat and the staff even provided extension cords to ensure our batteries were charged and ready to go each morning. The main lodge is a classic Canadian style fishing lodge with a large atrium and spacious dining area. The owners, Brenda and Art were gracious and full of knowledge regarding the local conditions and areas we should target for fishing. They have a long history in the area and have hosted some of the most renowned fishing guides in Canada. The food also deserves a mention. We opted for the American meal plan, which included breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although our cabin was fully equipped with kitchen and BBQ, this worked out to be a great decision. Breakfast was solid - bacon, eggs, pancakes, lots of coffee. Brenda sent us on our way each day with a wonderful packed lunch in a large cooler with sandwiches, drinks and homemade snacks which were delicious. The dinner bell rang around 6pm and included a wholesome combination of chicken, steak, sides and dessert. All of which were delicious. We were able to trade stories with other guests over the large dining table in the main room. Having travelled to many other similar destinations globally, this one was both memorable and well worth the trip. We couldn't have been happier with the place, experience and fishing. We hope to return in the future as the setting is phenomenal with more areas to explore than we had time for this round. They even have a small tackle shop, where we were able to purchase some musky and pike bucktails that are handmade locally, which were very helpful and made great souvenirs. Boat rental is available also and all are well equipped, maintained and just the right size to explore the many small back bays and channels along the French River. Overall, we couldn't say more good things about the lodge, the team and the experience. It's clear they have been doing this a very long time and know exactly how to make people feel welcomed, at home and provide an amazing experience! Thank you Brenda, Art and team! …
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
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Room Tip: Keep an eye out for Roxy, the friendly fox who likes to hang around the cabins at dinner time. ...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Brenda Barefoot, Owner at Bear's Den Lodge
Responded Jun 14, 2023
Thank you for your amazing review and experience of your recent memorable stay. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your cottage. We appreciate your kind review of the lodge, our meals, cleanliness, staff assistance, our hand crafted lures, boat rentals and the atmosphere we share with those who venture to enjoy the Great Canadian history and landscape. Thank you again for taking the time to share your stay with our staff, Bear's Den Lodge Team and those looking to venture to new areas!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We (a group of 4) have stayed at at least 18 fishing lodges over the last 30 years of trips to Canada, and I can say that we enjoyed our best lodge experience at Bear’s Den Lodge on the Lower French River. Brenda, Art, Joe, and Mike made sure all lodge essentials were top notch: well maintained cabins; boats gassed up and batteries charged every morning; restaurant quality food (spaghetti and meatballs to die for); attention to our every need (4th seat?Mike had installed one by the next morning).
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Brenda Barefoot, Owner at Bear's Den Lodge
Responded Jul 18, 2022
Thank you for the recommendation and positive review! We are glad you had a great time and had the best experience at our lodge with the accommodations, rentals and meals. Our doors are open as we look forward to your return.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thanks Brenda, Art, Joe for an exceptional experience, the French River was as I remembered it was almost 60 years ago.Your hospitality went well beyond making us feel welcomed, from the hardy breakfast, the shore lunch and scallop potatoes to Joe’s guidance of the channel.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Brenda Barefoot, Owner at Bear's Den Lodge
Responded Sep 5, 2021
Thank you for your recent review of our hospitality, food service and Joe's guiding experience to safely navigate the channel. We are so glad you were able to return after 60 years to recreate new memories!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
What an amazing spot Bears den is . The location is beutiful. Our hosts Art Brenda and Joe Barefoot were great hosts .The Fishing is truly something special . We stayed in the lodge and loved it . We opted for the American plan. Food was very good had Loved the breakfasts. Topped off with a great steak dinner on the Sat.Now the Fishing wow just wow . My target species was muskie and it did not disappoint. Over the weekend we caught lots of pike , seen so e real big 4+lbs smallies and both my partner and I both caught a trophy , I started the ball rolling with a sunset 52in piggy and my partner George caught a beutiful 54in monster . Both fish were released to fight another day . Thank you for the memories Bears Den and the French river already planing my next adventure back .…
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Date of stay: July 2021
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Room Tip: I love the rooms I the lodge
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Brenda Barefoot, Owner at Bear's Den Lodge
Responded Jul 13, 2021
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review of your stay at Bear's Den Lodge. We are pleased you had such an amazing fishing experience with great catch and releases of trophy muskies along with bass and pike. We are pleased to hear your enjoyed your American Meal Plan. Again, thank you for sharing your memories and we look forward to your return!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just returned from bears den lodge. The boat and motor were excellent and the cottage was clean. Everything else sucked. We were picked up at Hartley bay marina by, I guess it was Joe. He didn’t say a word to us the whole way, even though I introduced us to him. We were taken to our cabin and given a map of the river. The topic of breakfast came up and I said we would like to eat at 6am. I was told “the fish don’t bite til after 8 “so breakfast would be served between 7 and 8. The boat was never gassed up and wiped down until after breakfast. Coffee usually was delivered between 7:15 and 7:30. Breakfast between 7:30 and 8:00. We wanted to start fishing around 6:30 but never got on the water til the earliest was 8:20. American plan was supposed to include beverages,worms, boat and maid service. The boat was gassed and and the seats wiped but never cleaned. We asked for coffee twice, once after dinner, and once after lunch. We were told there wasn’t any and then told begrudgingly she’d make another pot. My grandson went to get some worms and was told it would cost $ 7.00.Finally she gave him some. Meals were served in styrofoam containers with the cheapest plastic utensils available, and three napkins for 3 people. Dinners were ok at best but try to cut a skinny grisly piece of steak with a cheap plastic fork. Same brownies for dessert every dinner. Lunch was another story. Some had lunch meat with cheese and mustard on the side, there was also peanut butter and jam. Six sandwiches the same cookies every lunch, fruit and three napkins.Monday she asked what kind of sandwiches we wanted packed in the cooler, so we told her bologna was fine. What a surprise when we opened the cooler to grab a sandwich and it’s two pieces of bologna between bread. No butter no mustard no mayo no cheese no lettuce. Also pop and the same cookies and yes,3 napkins.I phoned this morning to talk to the owners about the maid service that was never supplied and was told that the government won’t allow them in the cottage and if I want a rebate it’s never going to happen. I mentioned the other complaints to the man on the phone and he told me us yuppies have a sense of entitlement and expect too much. I happen to be a 64 year old retired autoworker who was taking his son and grandson away for a “memory”. He was even ruder on the phone than in person. I told him I was doing a review on trip adviser and he said he didn’t care he had 500 great reviews and people would know what kind of person I was by reading my review. I really didn’t expect a lot but certainly a lot more than I received. Good thing we caught lots of fish. The woman even ask my son where we caught some pickerel and when he told her she said no way and argued with him. Why would he lie? The bottom line is we stopped at french river lodge because they had an ice cream sign an felt more welcome there buying ice cream than we did paying big money at bears den lodge.…
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Date of stay: July 2021
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Brenda Barefoot, Owner at Bear's Den Lodge
Responded Jul 9, 2021
Thank you for taking the time to review our boats, motors, cottage cleanliness and our meal plan. We have taken your concerns to the fullest review as indicated during our conversation prior to your departure. Meal times have been added to our website. As noted in our COVID-19 Protocol we are not permitted to enter your cottage for daily maid services other than for emergency services. We appreciate your grandson following COVID Protocol and I am sorry that I did not recognize him masked and with sunglasses thinking he was either one of our neigbours or part of a different group. I quickly corrected the situation and no receipt of money occurred for the worms as that was part of your package. Your boat was serviced and fully cleaned on a daily basis. Boats are available to the guests during daylight hours from arrival to departure to freely come and go at their leisure. You asked advice about fishing our area and with 36+ years of experience and fishing logs we offered you advice of when the best fishing times were and reviewed the map with you for navigation and fishing. We did not stop you from going fishing early morning before breakfast. We even offered as compensation the opportunity to fish an extra morning at no charge which you declined before departure. Our staff delivered all the “take out” meals. Nonalcoholic beverages were offered to you and you notified us you had “plenty of your own” and that you “only required coffee for breakfast”. Nonalcoholic beverages were served with all meals and coffee was served extra once we knew of your desire. Prime Canadian angus beef was served on China plates with silverware and steak knives. Styrofoam containers are used to provide a means to maintain temperatures for food serving during take out in Step 2 of COVID-19 requirements. All our cottage kitchens are fully serviced with silverware, dishes, glassware, coffeepots, microwave, refrigerator, stove plus more of which you were welcome to have used. Our staff is committed to providing a safe and COVID-19 free environment for our guests to enjoy their Canadian wilderness experience and we continually strive to maintain high standards of service.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have been meaning to write this review for months. We booked a cabin at Bears Den this past July for the first time. From the extremely clean and well appointed cabin to the friendly outstanding dock service(even during covid times) our experience was outstanding. Fantastic boats, comfortable wide bottom boats and motors ran like a charm. We will definitely be back this summer once again. Thank you for a wonderful vacation.. P.s. Buddy the dog is a bonus..
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Date of stay: July 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: we were in eagles nest, nestled back from water and quiet.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Brenda Barefoot, Owner at Bear's Den Lodge
Responded Nov 13, 2020
Thank you jefferyf334, for the fantastic review! We are glad our friendly staff were able to give you and your family a great holiday and that you felt safe here at Bear's Den Lodge! We look forward to your return here this summer.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My Husband and I visited in July. Had an amazing time!! Great fishing and so beautiful. Hosts were friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend taking a trip to Bears Den for great atmosphere and great fishing!
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Brenda Barefoot, Owner at Bear's Den Lodge
Responded Nov 13, 2020
Glad you and your husband had an amazing time with great fishing and beautiful French River scenery! We are always happy to help and look forward to your return!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A beautiful stay at this lodge. Highly recommended for a clean, relaxing,lovely little spot. The fishing is great. I love this place! Thanks to the staff there. We will be back when those piles are larger!
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Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Brenda Barefoot, Owner at Bear's Den Lodge
Responded Jul 9, 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review of our facilities, staff, fishing and area. We are glad you enjoyed your stay and look forward to your return.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I just want to thank Art and Brenda for their hospitality during our three day fishing trip. The food was awesome along with our cabin. You can tell they take pride in lodge and service. We caught more fish than we anticipated for being our first trip to the lower French river. Looking forward to another trip 2020
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Date of stay: September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from fishingfrenchriver, Owner at Bear's Den Lodge
Responded Sep 13, 2019
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience of your stay at Bear's Den Lodge, the quality of our food and cottage. Yes, we do enjoy being of service to our customers and glad you were able to enjoy the fishery of the lower French River. We really enjoyed having you and look forward to your return in 2020.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Spent a week at BDL with my son and 2 of our best friends. Having stayed in the area before and previously been provided with a tour of the lodge by Owner Brenda Barefoot, I was excited at the prospect of spending the week there. No disappointments!! The area is a fishing mecca and we caught lots of big Smallmouth bass, Northern Pike and Walleye during our stay with many fish caught on the live bait that is provided daily by BDL. Had one Muskie on that threw the hook and raised 2 others during the trip as well. Exciting!. BDL provided box lunches for us each day and Brenda accommodated any special requests we had for them. Breakfast and dinner are served "family style" and the company of other guests at BDL makes for very enjoyable meals while meeting new friends and participating in lively, memorable conversations. Considering the location in the Canadian wilderness, the food is quite good and we never left the table hungry. Our accommodations were a 3 bedroom cabin with large deck that overlooked the bay that was impeccably clean upon arrival and then cleaned daily. Being environmentally conscious, they even had recycle bins which made me very happy. We only used the refrigerator in the kitchen area (no cooking since we are on vacation!) and the plumbing worked very well with all men having hot showers daily. A couple of table lamps in the main living area would be a nice addition as the overhead lights are a bit bright and stark at night time. Other than that the cabin was quite nice. I brought my personal boat and we rented a 2nd boat with trolling motor for the trip. While not the most comfortable boats (after all they are rentals) they served their purpose well. We did have a mechanical breakdown one morning, fortunately not too far from BDL, and had to tow the rental back to BDL. It was apparent by the faces of Brenda, Joe and Mike that they were truly sad that we had experienced this incident and they were quick to provide us a replacement boat. By the way, Brenda, Joe and Mike are very attentive, extremely hard workers and have a desire for everything to be right for their guests. A great staff makes any stay more enjoyable. All in all, we had a great time and highly recommend. Watch out for Mississauga Rattlers though!…
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Date of stay: August 2019
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from fishingfrenchriver, Owner at Bear's Den Lodge
Responded Aug 30, 2019
Thank you for taking your time to write a review and leaving us your suggestions on how we can improve. We strive to provide the best service for our customers and thank you again for recommending us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
CanadaOntarioNortheastern OntarioFrench RiverAlban
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bear's Den Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Bear's Den Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a business centre.
What food & drink options are available at Bear's Den Lodge?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Does Bear's Den Lodge offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.