Commercial Overnight Accommodations on Ice


Natural Resources and Northern Development is opening a limited opportunity for Resource Tourism Operators to offer overnight accommodations on ice on Lake Winnipeg for the 2022-23 winter season.

In order to participate in this limited opportunity, applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and must acquire both a Portable Camp Permit and a Crown Lands General Permit. Completed applications are due by 8:30 a.m. Central Standard Time Monday, November 14, 2022, and permits for approved applicants will be issued by December 15, 2022, subject to payment of a permit fee.

Following the ice season in spring 2023, Natural Resources and Northern Development will assess the program to evaluate future opportunities for commercial overnight accommodations on ice.


Application Deadline:
8:30 a.m. Central Standard Time, November 14, 2022


Read the following documents prior to submitting an application.


Operating Guidelines

Eligibility Checklist

  • Submit a completed checklist with the Portable Camp Permit Application.

Application Requirements

Portable Camp Permit Application

  • Resource tourism operators that meet all eligibility criteria are invited to apply.
  • Incomplete applications and applications that do not meet eligibility criteria will be returned to the applicant.

Crown Land General Permit Application

  • Submit a Crown Lands General Permit application to Real Estate Services Branch.
  • Real Estate Services Branch requires a printed application with a signature in ink.

Portable Camp on Ice Eligibility Requirements


  1. 2022 Resource Tourism Operators Licence in good standing with authorization to offer angling services on Lake Winnipeg
  2. 2022 Resource Tourism Operators Permit for a Related Facility Shelter on Lake Winnipeg
  3. Proposed operation is on Lake Winnipeg
  4. A certificate of insurance as specified in guidelines
  5. Accommodation units comply with CAN/CSA Z240  
  6. Heating appliances installed according to manufacturer specifications
  7. 10 lb fire extinguisher in each unit
  8. Battery operated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each unit
  9. Wastewater and greywater containers are water-tight, washable and of a size capable of being removed and carried by hand
  10. Fuel containers conform to CSA B376 and do not exceed 30 litres capacity
  11. Fuel spill kit for each structure
  12. A means of telecommunication in each unit

Frequently Asked Questions


Why is this opportunity limited to licenced outfitters with a related facility shelter permit on Lake Winnipeg?
Eligibility is limited in order to expedite permit authorizations for the 2022-23 season. Natural Resources and Northern Development will evaluate the potential for expanding the program in 2023.

Why is this opportunity limited to ice fishing operators on Lake Winnipeg?
Eligibility is limited in order to expedite permit authorizations for the 2022-23 season. Natural Resources and Northern Development will evaluate the potential for expanding the program in the future to include overnight accommodations on ice for other activities.

If I am a licenced outfitter on Lake Winnipeg without a related facility shelter permit, can I still apply to offer this service for this ice fishing season?
The Licensing Advisory Committee will defer ineligible applications until the review of overnight accommodations on ice is complete.

If I am not an outfitter and want to apply to become an outfitter on Lake Winnipeg to offer this service, can I still apply for this ice fishing season?
You may apply to become an outfitter on Lake Winnipeg at any time, according to the established Licensing Advisory Committee Schedule. The Licensing Advisory Committee will defer ineligible applications until the review of overnight accommodations on ice is complete.  

When will outfitters be able to apply to offer this service on other waterbodies?
Oufitters may apply at any time.  However, decisions on those applications will be deferred pending the outcome of the program review in 2023.


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