Our journey began in a wilderness paradise
Discover the rich history and unique charm that makes Matabitchuan Lodge more than just a cabin rental. We invite you to explore our story, rooted in the rugged beauty of Northern Ontario and cinematic legends.
Welcome to our wilderness paradise
Located in the beautiful, rugged wilderness of Northern Ontario, East of Temagami, Matabitchuan Lodge is truly a wilderness paradise. You can reach us by water, following Rabbit Lake, or by land via ATV trails. Our three cozy, private log cabins overlook the serene Matabitchuan River.
A place steeped in cinematic history
Our story uniquely begins in 1930 when one of the last silent films, "The Silent Enemy," was shot on this very property. Remnants of movie props, such as corrals and fencing, still stand as silent witnesses to its past. The lodge officially came to be with the cabins built for the filming of "Captains of the Clouds" in 1942, starring James Cagney and Billy Bishop (WWII ace pilot). The main lodge served as the kitchen and mess hall, while cabins 1, 3, and 5 housed the cast and crew. Cabin 2 has since burnt down, but it was used at the original main lodge. If you walk past Cabin 3 you can still see the old stone fireplace.
Fun Fact: This movie was the first Hollywood movie to be filmed entirely on location in Canada. We still have some movie props hanging in the Main Lodge, and Cabin 3 has the original bed that James Cagney slept in during his stay in Temagami.
Following the filming, the land and buildings were sold to Stanley Patterson in 1953 who rented them out as summer cottages. The property then sold again in 1968 to Jack Pearson, Howard Robbins and Ranger Bakkeberg who also rented it as summer cottages.
In 1973 Dieter and Marlis Maurer bought the property and Matabitchuan Lodge has been run by our family ever since.
In 2021, Tom and Dorothy Maurer assumed ownership of the Lodge. Being Dieter's son, Tom has been helping out around the Lodge since he was 10 years old. Dorothy has been helping out since she and Tom started dating back in high school. Needless to say, the Lodge has a very special place in their hearts, as well as the hearts of their children and grandchildren.
Experience our unique blend of comfort and history
Miles from city streets and the power grid, our lodge offers the many benefits of an off-grid vacation, enhanced by pristine wilderness untouched by artificial light and noise. We strive to make everyone feel like they are coming home to a grandparent's cottage. We offer numerous amenities and services, dedicated to blending comfort and convenience to provide you with the attention and peacefulness you are looking for.
