Fall Greetings from Sabourin Lake Lodge

Claudia Williams
12 minutes ago
4 min read

As the seasons change, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our guests, staff, friends, and family for their unwavering support during our much-needed pause for the 2025 season.

Today, we are thrilled to announce that Sabourin Lake Lodge will officially reopen on May 16th, 2026.

After thoughtful planning, reflection, and preparation, we are more energized than ever to welcome you back to the place so many of you consider your home in the north.

Welcoming Our New Managers: Phil & Liz-Ann Reid

One of the most exciting outcomes of this pause has been the opportunity to find the right leadership team for the lodge’s future. We are delighted to introduce Phil and Liz-Ann Reid to the Sabourin family.

Between the Reid and Williams families, there is over 125 years of combined lodge experience — a remarkable foundation for the next chapter of Sabourin.

Phil’s connection to Sabourin is deeply personal. He knew Ron Williams from his youth, when he first visited Sabourin and developed a lasting love for the lodge lifestyle. That passion continued as his own family built a legacy in the northern tourism industry.

The Reid family story spans three generations in the fishing lodge and resort industry. Phil’s father, Al Reid, was a true pioneer of the Canadian North — a pilot, entrepreneur, and outdoorsman admired across the continent. Phil began working in the family business at just six years old, doing chores around the resort. By twelve, he was already guiding customers at the family’s Stork Lake facility. At twenty, he purchased his first resort.

Over the past 70 years, the Reid family has owned and operated lodges and resorts throughout Manitoba, Northwest Ontario, and even the Arctic.We couldn’t be more excited to have Phil and Liz-Ann leading Sabourin Lake Lodge into this new era.

A Year of Reflection — and Heartfelt Messages From Our Guests

Over the past year, we received countless letters, emails, and phone calls from guests across North America, each sharing cherished memories of Sabourin and offering encouragement during our 2025 pause. Your words meant more than you know, and we wanted to share a couple of these heartfelt messages:

From L.A.

Dear Williams Family,

Although my advancing years tell my body, “Do not go fishing in the wilderness,” my memories of the wonderful trips to Sabourin are so strong that every spring, in my mind, I pack up my tackle and duffle bag and find myself standing on the plane dock. Rushing to our cabin to change clothes, grabbing my rods and tackle box, and hopping into a boat so we can sneak in a few casts before dinner.

I sincerely hope that things work out for you so that now—and for future generations—guests can enjoy and say, “There is a spot, a most unusual spot, for happy ever aftering… called not Camelot, but Sabourin Lake Lodge.”

Good luck,L.A.

From Ron (Charles Rock Group)

Dear Sabourin,

You all changed my life with natural beauty and the people who gave our group a lifetime of memories. I was with the Charles Rock group—I'm Ron, and I was there for 20+ years. Best of luck with the future.

Ron

A Quick Summer Check In

This summer, John flew up to Sabourin to check on the lodge, cabins, and grounds. We’re happy to report that—other than the grass needing a good cut—the lodge wintered and summered extremely well.

The water level was unusually low this year, but overall, the site came through the seasons in excellent condition, and the beauty of Sabourin remains as timeless as ever.

What’s News for 2026

As we prepare to reopen, we’ve invested in several improvements to make your stay more comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable. Here’s a preview of what’s planned for next season:

New windows and doors for the cabins
A brand-new deck on the front rock
New deck chairs for all cabins
New carpet in Cabins 4 and 5
Several new motors and boats added to the fleet
20+ custom-designed boat seats for improved comfort on the water
A new Sabourin Lake Lodge sign to welcome you back

These upgrades reflect our commitment to maintaining the charm of Sabourin while continuously enhancing the comfort and experience for our guests.

Warm Thanksgiving Wishes to Our American Guests

To all our American friends, we wish you a heartfelt and joy-filled Happy Thanksgiving!

Your support, loyalty, and shared love for Sabourin mean the world to us. As you gather with family and friends, please know that we are thinking of you with gratitude and appreciation.

We look forward to welcoming many of you back to the lodge in 2026.