Ice Fishing Newbies, New experiences for our Venturers group.

Hi All - my Venturers group (age group up from Scouts) would like to go out for some icefishing as a new experience for them this winter. As I've never been myself, I'd imagine going with an outfitter would be a good idea. We are in Burlington, so I'm thinking the Innisfil area would be a good location as the drive is easily manageable.
My questions for you would be... what time of day is good for ice fishing? Does anyone know if there are any areas where we could rent a yurt near Innisfil for a Friday and/or Saturday night? Or maybe a campsite near to an outfitter in Innisfil?
Thanks all, any input is greatly appreciated. We've been thinking about doing this for the last few winters, but I'm trying to make it happen this year.
Best Regards,
Andy Clarke, 2nd Burlington Venturers group.

how many in your group?

you would want to go to the top of the page and talk to one of the outfitters on this forum they would be best suited to deal with your questions and have the answers your group needs. I think this would be a great time for your group as i was a scout leader at one time and have done this same thing .i wish your group the best and have a great time.

8 youth aged 14-17 and two leaders.

You can check with some operators and theyll rent you a couple or three huts they are usually 4 person huts some have 6 person huts. And you can camp right on the ice in the huts. But ya your best bet is to contact a hut operator.

Try calling these ice hut operators

http://www.lakesimcoeoutdoors.com/lakesimc..._outfitters.php

I believe Casey's has a cottage for 8 on shore and huts on the ice....takes you out ....also a restaurant there and a decent bloke to deal with from what is said about him on here.

So many things to consider so don't even try..Go with a hut operator and you don't have to worry about anything.. They will take care of everything and all you worry about is getting the group to the pic up area ... Pretty sure you should book right away if this was something your going to consider..
Cheers FM

I'm thinking maybe an Ice Bungalow rental. You guys can fish and then sleep over night on the ice in the bungalows. Did this with my boys and my friend's kids. They (kids) loved the experience.

There are no ice bungalows on Simcoe per se, only overnight huts with some extras.

For first time ice fishers and for this outing safety and fun is the key.

Go with an experience ice hut operator as already mentioned

You could try Hot Box Huts, they are on the West side and have sleeper huts, kitchen facilities, etc. I’m sure they would take very good care of your group.

He has a house and rooms available, 1 stop that has it all.

First off - Happy New Year! And Thanks so much for all of your input. We're getting in touch with a few of the outfitters you've mentioned, so fingers crossed! Looking forward to getting the youth out there. Hopefully the folks we encounter will be as friendly and helpful as you all have been! Maybe we'll see you out there!!
AndyC.

Enjoy your adventure.