Commercial Overnight Accommodations on Ice
Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources is expanding eligibility for resource tourism operators to offer overnight accommodations on ice, for angling and ecotourism activities, for the 2023-24 winter season on the following waterbodies:
Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg
New applicants and applicants with a 2023 Resource Tourism Operators Licence in good standing are eligible to apply for a portable camp on ice, for angling and/or ecotourism activities, on Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg for the 2023-24 season.
Other Waterbodies
Applicants with a 2023 Resource Tourism Operators Licence in good standing and authorization to offer angling or ecotourism services on the following lakes are eligible to apply for a permit for a portable camp on ice, for angling and/or ecotourism activities, for the 2023-24 season:
- Athapapuskow Lake
- Cedar Lake
- Cormorant Lake
- Joey Lake
- Kississing Lake
- Lac du Bonnet
- Lake of the Prairies
- Lake of the Woods (Buffalo Bay)
- Lake Wahtopanah
- Oak Lake
- Ospawagan Lake
- Partridge Crop
- Pelican Lake
- Rock Lake
- Rocky Lake
- Tramping Lake
- Upper Ospawagan Lake
- Wekusko Lake
The Licensing Advisory Committee (LAC) will review and consider applications according to the established LAC meeting schedule.
Read the following documents prior to submitting an application.
Operating Guidelines
Resource Tourism Operators Licence Application
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 Land 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
- Fisheries Branch authorization to offer angling services on the lake specified on permit application (if angling services will be provided)
- A certificate of insurance as specified in guidelines
- Accommodation units comply with CAN/CSA Z240
- Heating appliances installed according to manufacturer specifications
- 10 lb fire extinguisher in each unit
- Battery operated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each unit
- Wastewater and greywater containers are water-tight, washable and of a size capable of being removed and carried by hand
- Fuel containers conform to CSA B376 and do not exceed 30 litres capacity
- Fuel spill kit for each structure
- Reflectors affixed to all corners of all units
- A means of telecommunication in each unit
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this opportunity limited to the listed waterbodies?
Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources added 19 waterbodies to the eligibility list for 2023-24. The department will continue to evaluate the potential for sustainable program expansion in the future.
Why are some waterbodies limited to existing operators?
Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources is limiting eligibility on some waterbodies to ensure fish populations can support increased recreational use. This phased approach to expanding eligibility limits the risk of unsustainable resource use in a niche resource tourism market.
If I am not an outfitter and want to apply to become an outfitter to offer this service, can I still apply for the 2023-24 ice season?
You may apply to become an outfitter at any time, according to the established Licensing Advisory Committee Meeting Schedule. New applicants are eligible to apply for a portable camp on ice on Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba.
Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources will continue to assess the program and evaluate future opportunities for commercial overnight accommodations on ice.
