The Club on the Bonaventure

Perched on a bluff overlooking the crystal-clear Bonaventure River, the Club has graced its shores for over a century. Previously known as "The Canadian Salmon Club", this intimate lodge was historically for members only and guests. Hosting six anglers at a time, the Club provides a tranquil and private fishing experience allowing you to escape from the hectic pace of everyday life.  

Like its siter operations Camp Bonaventure and Salomon Lodge, The Clube fishes a wide range of beats on the Bonaventure, Petite Cascapedia, and the Grand Cascapedia rivers. These rivers are known for their beautiful clear waters and opportunities to target very large salmon. 

Located 25 miles up from the river’s mouth, The Club provides guests with a private fishing experience on a 7-mile stretch of the crystal-clear Bonaventure. The upper beat features famous pools such as Double Camp, Gallagher and Burnt Camp, while the lower section is home to Portage, Comical John and the famous Deep-Water Ledge to name a few. The Bonaventure is legendary for its water clarity and its sight casting opportunities, especially with dry flies.  

Guests will fish in pairs with a team of dedicated professional local guides. Their experience and knowledge of the river, and especially their home waters, is second to none. Fishing is done either by wading, or from our traditional 26-foot river canoes. Early season can allow for a combination of both while later in the season our pools are better fished by wading.

The Club’s historic buildings have been lovingly restored with a painstaking eye for detail. The Club features six private bedrooms, each with a private bath and screened porch. The main lodge boasts a comfortable and well-appointed "great room” with a wonderful fireplace and cozy leather furniture. Overlooking the river, the dining room has the best view of the river and its own fireplace. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a delicious meal after a day on the river. Complimenting this great setting is a huge wrap-around screened porch complete with big comfy chairs. Relax and enjoy a morning coffee or an after-dinner drink while listening to the river’s song.  

Fresh coffee is available as soon as you rise and breakfast is served at 7AM. Hot coffee or tea, juice and fresh pastries are served every morning along with fresh fruit, cereals, and oatmeal. The menu includes pancakes, omelets, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. Healthier choices are also available. 

 Lunch is served at the lodge or, at times, riverside. Evenings at the lodge begin with appetizers served in front of a blazing fire or out on the porch overlooking the river. Dinner is served in the dining room. Starters include fresh salads, soups and chowders while main courses include fresh local lobster and seafood and sizzling steaks from the grill, to mention a few.   

Wine is included with lunch and dinner as well as all alcohol, mix and bar ingredients. With advance notice, special dietary requests can easily be accommodated.  

Day 1: Arrive Bathurst and transfer to the lodge (rental car or shuttle) 

Day 2 – 7: Full days of guided fishing with all meals and accommodations. 

Day 8: Depart lodge after breakfast.

2025 Rates: Per person based on single accommodation and shared guiding

7 night/6 day package: CAD $12,450 plus 15% HST 4 night/ 3 day package: CAD $6,225 plus 15% HST  

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guiding 

Not Included: Round trip airfare to Bathurst or Gaspe, transportation between Bathurst or Gaspe and the lodge fishing licenses and permits, flies, alcohol, tax, and staff and guide gratuities. 

Who is best suited to this destination?
Any angler with patience and appreciation of the challenges of Atlantic Salmon fishing. Experienced casters will have an advantage in covering the water delicately and precisely. 

Where is the lodge?
The lodge is located on eastern Canada’s Gaspé Peninsula, in Quebec on the shores of the Bonaventure River.  

How do I get there?
Guests fly into Bathurst and take the prearranged lodge shuttle or rent a car and enjoy the drive to the lodge.  

When should I go?
June through September.  

How will I fish?
Most days guests swing flies in the down and across manner. There may also be options to dry fly fish with an upstream dead drifted presentation. 

Is there wade fishing?
Yes, guests can do a lot of wade fishing. Do expect to use a canoe for transport and possibly to fish from on occasions. 

Where will I fish?
Assigned beats on the Bonaventure, Petite Cascapedia and Grande Cascapedia rivers. 

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
From a few minutes to an hour drive depending on the river and beat you are fishing.  

What type(s) of fish will I catch?
Atlantic Salmon, brook trout 

How many fish will I catch?
An interaction a day would be considered a success. Catching a fish or two for the week is about average.  

Will I see other anglers?
Yes, you will see other anglers on other beats, but they will not be competing for the same water. All fishing beats are assigned and exclusive for the morning and evening sessions.  

What are the guides like?
They are a mix of locals who have great knowledge of the rivers. French is their language, but many do speak English well. The guiding style is often considered very traditional, and somewhat passive by western US standards.  

What are the physical demands?
Nearly any level of fitness can be accommodated. If guests are not able to wade well, they can be fished out of the canoes. 

Are there any special skills required?
No. 

Does the lodge provide equipment?
Yes, they can provide equipment.  

What is your favorite setup for the trip?
Single hand eight-weight rod with a floating line and a seven-weight Spey Rod with a floating Scandi line.  

What are the top flies?
Size 4 – 12 traditional flies like a Blue Charm, Rusty Rat, etc. The lodge will have a selection of flies for purchase on site.  

What are the options if water conditions become challenging?
Rarely are fishing days lost during the season, but it can happen with huge storms. The lodge will always do its best to put you on the water. If not, a day of relaxation is in order back at the lodge.  

What is a typical day like?
The pace is relaxed as your beat is essentially reserved. Breakfast is served at 7AM, and guests depart for fishing around 8AM. Lunch is served on the water or if close, back to the lodge. The afternoon session will last until about 4 or 5, and guests will arrive back to the lodge by 6PM. Dinner will be served once all guests are back and ready, usually around 7PM.  

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge?
Relaxed but with a historically formal setting background vibe.  

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge?
A lodge manager is always on site.  

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Guests will eat in the main lodge’s dinning rom. Meals will be multi-course and thoughtfully prepared.  

What is the alcohol policy?
Alcohol is not included but guests are free to purchase and bring along their beverages of choice.  

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
There are six single bedrooms with private bathrooms. All are well arranged and each with a screened porch. The main lodge offers a great room with a fireplace and the dining room overlooks the river. The main lodge has a wraparound screened porch with chairs to relax while listening to the rivers flow.  

Is there internet and/or cell service Yes, the lodge has internet. Cell service will depend on your service. It is spotty on the rivers.  

Are there other activities?
No 

Are there any other expenses?
Fishing licenses, flies, guide and staff gratuities 

Do I need a visa?
No.  

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? 
We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.