Welcome to the Wanapitei Chateau, Lake Temagami

When the Wanapitei Chateau opened its doors in the spring of 1934, it was the last stop on a 50-kilometre steamboat ride from the village of Temagami.  It had been hewed out of the forest the preceding winter by the Maki family, fresh from Finland, and was owned by Canada's WWI Director of Recreation and Sport for the troops in France and Olympic pole-vaulting bronze medallist, Ed Archibald.  In 1956 the Chateau was purchased by veteran canoeists Stan and Laura Belle Hodgins, who had camped on the site as early as 1930.  It has been operated since by three successive generations of the Hodgins family and now stands alone on Lake Temagami, as the last of the great steamboat era lodges.

Natural Setting

Overlooking a magnificent beach on the northern tip of Lake Temagami, the Wanapitei Chateau is surrounded by dense forest, lakes and rivers.  Accessed by a 1 1/2 km trail, by water or floatplane this backcountry inn offers an ideal wilderness getaway for individuals, families and groups.

Rustic Comfort

Our two-storey log Chateau is a designated heritage structure. It has 10 rooms, each with a balcony overlooking the water. A central lounge with a stone fireplace provides an area for games, relaxation and dinning. The food is wholesome and generous.

Our Back Yard

Any stay at the Chateau offers unlimited opportunities for the nature enthusiast and wilderness explorer.  Take an early morning paddle up the tranquil Red Squirrel River to a picturesque tumbling waterfall.  Hike the Ferguson Trail through stands of Old Growth Pine to a magnificent cliff-top summit.  Paddle across the bay for a steep but short climb to the spectacular granite lookout atop Napoleon Mountain.

Guests have full use of our canoes and kayaks, we are happy to supply a hearty packed lunch and with some notice we can even provide a guide.  On the other hand, the beach is but a few steps away, hammocks swing from the pines in the lakeside breeze, and if you've never experienced a wood-fired sauna followed by a plunge into crystal clear Temagami water, you've never experienced a sauna.

Corporate Facilities

Conference, retreat, meeting or workshop, the Wanapitei Chateau is a back-country inn that caters to your need for a unique "distraction-free" environment.  The Chateau (open from early Spring to late Fall) can accommodate 24 people.  Rent the whole building to ensure privacy and a personalized service from our friendly staff.

Our Chateau is known for its superb food and friendly, informal atmosphere has ample space for meetings and workshops.  During breaks and recreation time there are unlimited opportunities to explore and experience the outdoor environment.   We can also organize activities such as hiking, canoe excursions, team-building exercises or whitewater instruction.  In the evenings, relax in our wood-fired sauna and then take a refreshing dip in the lake.

Contact us now so that we can help plan your program.