Is The Franklin Club a Fishing Lodge in Ontario? Here’s What to Know.

Ontario is home to some incredible fishing lodges, offering anglers the chance to escape into nature, discover new waters and enjoy memorable fishing adventures. From remote wilderness retreats to fully equipped lodges, these destinations have long been part of Ontario’s fishing tradition.

But what if you could enjoy many of those same experiences without travelling hours from home?

Located in Mount Albert, less than an hour north of Toronto, The Franklin Club offers something different. Our private, members-only fishing and outdoors club combines exceptional Rainbow and Brook Trout fly fishing with overnight accommodations, dining, family activities and 200 acres of natural surroundings.

Unlike a traditional fishing lodge, The Franklin Club is a place members can return to throughout the seasons, for a few hours on the water, an afternoon with family or an entire weekend away.

So, how does a private fishing club compare to a traditional Ontario fishing lodge? Let’s explore what makes each experience unique.

Fishing lodges have long been part of Ontario’s rich outdoor traditions, offering anglers the excitement of exploring new waters, pursuing different fish species and experiencing some of the province’s most spectacular wilderness destinations.

For passionate anglers, the adventure often begins long before the first cast. There’s the anticipation of planning the trip, preparing the gear and travelling to places that might take hours, or even days, to reach. A winding drive through northern Ontario, a boat ride across a secluded lake or a floatplane flight into a remote wilderness outpost can be just as memorable as the fishing itself.

From rustic lakeside cabins to fully equipped wilderness retreats, Ontario fishing lodges offer experiences for nearly every kind of angler. Many provide comfortable accommodations, meals, boats and experienced guides, allowing guests to focus on the fishing, the scenery and the excitement of discovering what lies beneath the surface.

For many anglers, including members of The Franklin Club, these trips are a treasured part of their passion for fishing. They’re opportunities to pursue new species, explore unfamiliar waters, share adventures with friends and family, and create stories that are remembered for years.

There’s something truly special about a destination fishing trip. The journey, the anticipation, the camaraderie and those unforgettable moments on the water are all part of what makes fishing lodges so appealing.

But great fishing experiences don’t always have to wait for the next big trip.

At The Franklin Club, members enjoy many of the comforts and experiences associated with a fishing lodge, with the added freedom to return throughout the year. A morning of fly fishing, an afternoon exploring the property or an overnight stay can become part of everyday life rather than an occasional getaway.

Founded in 1909, The Franklin Club is a private fishing and outdoors club located in Mount Albert, Ontario, just 65 km north of Toronto.

Set across 200 acres of countryside, the Club offers exceptional fly fishing, outdoor recreation and a welcoming membership community. At the heart of the property is Franklin Lake, a 22-acre private lake complemented by Harrison and Douglass Ponds.

The Club also maintains its own on-site hatchery, raising Rainbow and Brook Trout to support a carefully managed private fly fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.

But there’s much more to The Franklin Club than fishing.

Members and their families enjoy:

• Private Trout Fishing: Year-round fly fishing across the Club’s lakes and ponds, supported by its own hatchery.

• Learn to Fly Fish: Instruction and guidance from experienced Club Pros for beginners, families and seasoned anglers.

• Overnight Accommodations: Five clubhouse guest rooms, a four-bedroom cottage and three campsites, with daily and weekly rental options. Explore the Club’s overnight stays.

• Clubhouse & Dining: Chef-prepared meals, a welcoming lounge and waterfront patio overlooking Franklin Lake. Discover the Club’s dining experiences.

• Outdoor Recreation: Scenic hiking trails, swimming, picnicking and natural surroundings to explore.

• Winter Activities: Ice fishing, heated fishing huts and seasonal outdoor experiences throughout the colder months.

• Family & Community: Member and partner events, social gatherings and opportunities to introduce younger generations to the outdoors.

Membership provides the flexibility to enjoy these experiences at your own pace. Visit for a few hours, spend an afternoon with your grandchildren or settle in for a relaxing weekend.

It’s the feeling of getting away, without having to go far.

With membership limited to 200, The Franklin Club maintains the personal, welcoming atmosphere that has made it a special place for generations.

Both offer great fishing, natural surroundings and an opportunity to escape everyday routines. The biggest difference is how the experience fits into your life.

While a traditional fishing lodge is generally a destination for a planned getaway, The Franklin Club provides members with a private retreat they can enjoy throughout the year.

A fishing lodge gives you a place to visit. The Franklin Club gives you a place to belong.

Members can enjoy a morning on Franklin Lake, an afternoon with family or an evening gathering with fellow members. It’s a different approach to the traditional fishing getaway, combining outdoor recreation, familiarity and community in one private setting.

The getaway doesn’t have to end when the weekend is over.

There’s something special about finding a place you look forward to returning to. Somewhere familiar, welcoming and surrounded by nature, where you can escape the everyday routine without travelling hours from home.

At The Franklin Club, membership is about more than access to exceptional fishing. It’s about making time for family, discovering new interests and enjoying a private retreat throughout the seasons.

Located just 65 km north of Toronto, the Club makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors without planning an extended trip.

Visit for an early morning cast, spend an afternoon relaxing by the lake or book overnight accommodations for a weekend or longer stay.

With daily and weekly rental options available, members can enjoy everything from spontaneous visits to extended getaways.

Finding the right club is about more than the fishing. It’s about discovering a place that fits your lifestyle, interests and how you enjoy spending your time.

The Franklin Club’s one-year Trial Membership gives you the opportunity to experience the Club throughout all four seasons, explore its amenities, connect with fellow members and discover how membership can become part of your everyday life.

With immediate family included, Trial Members can enjoy everything from fly fishing lessons and outdoor activities to dining, social gatherings and relaxing weekends together, all while discovering what makes The Franklin Club the right fit for them.

“I have been a member here for seven years. Facilities, staff, restaurant and attention to detail on boats, fishing platforms have all consistently improved to a very high level. Sitting in a boat here, overflown by a pair of osprey, watched by heron and on a lake teeming with sizeable trout in excellent condition, you would not know you are 45 minutes from Toronto.”

Keeps Getting Better