Norm’s Cabin

Experience the serenity of the Algoma Highlands at this off-grid log cabin on Bone Lake. This is a true backcountry destination.

Capacity

Sleeps 7  (2 queen, 1 single, 1 cot, and 1 futon)

Access

10km hike, bike, ski, or snowshoe (no motorized vehicles)

Amenities

Propane kitchen, woodstove, solar lights, USB charging

Water droplet falling into wavy water.

Water

No running water (lake water/snow melt required)

Book your stay at Norm’s

To reach the cabin, you will depart from the Stokely Creek Lodge parking lot for a 10km trek.

SUMMER & FALL

(Jun 1 – Nov 1)

Managed by Forest the Canoe.

Hike or bike in.

Book via Airbnb

WINTER

(Dec 29 - March 15)

Norm's Cabin in winter

Managed by AHC.

Ski or snowshoe trail pass required.

Email to Inquire

Getting There

Norm’s Cabin is only accessible by non-motorized travel. There is no road and no shuttle.

Distance & Route

  • Approx. 10 km from the Stokely Creek Lodge trailhead to Norm’s Cabin
  • Hilly terrain with wet or muddy sections in certain seasons
  • No access during some spring/fall periods due to break-up and high water


Summer & Fall Access

  • Hike or bike via the AHC/Stokely trail network
  • Optional paddle approach on Bone Lake (if conditions permit)


Winter Access

  • Cross-country ski or snowshoe in via groomed trails maintained by Stokely Creek Lodge
  • Trail pass purchase required at Stokely Creek Lodge (map and route advice provided there)


Safety & Preparedness

  • Cell and internet coverage are limited or unavailable
  • Carry a GPS-enabled device or satellite communicator for emergencies
  • Travel in groups when possible; let someone know your plan and timing

What To Bring

Essentials

  • Food for all meals and snacks
  • Drinking water and/or water treatment system
  • Sleeping bags, pillowcases, and other personal bedding
  • Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear
  • Headlamp or flashlight + spare batteries


Recommended

  • Map and compass or GPS
  • First aid kit
  • Fire-starting supplies
  • Extra warm layers for evenings and emergencies
  • Camera, binoculars, field guides


Winter-Specific

  • XC skis or snowshoes + poles
  • Extra dry clothing stored in a dry bag
  • Insulated water bottles or thermos

Amenities

The cabin provides everything you need for a comfortable stay. Please note that cell service is limited.

queen bed Norm's Cabin

Cabin & Sleeping

  • Two bedrooms upstairs (queens + single bed with mattresses)
  • Futon in the main living area
  • Sleeps up to 7 guests comfortably
Woodstove and living room area at Norm's Cabin

Heat & Power

  • Wood stove for primary heat (dry firewood provided)
  • Propane heater and solar lights
  • Battery lanterns and basic safety equipment (fire extinguisher, CO monitor, smoke alarm)
Kitchen area inside Norm's Cabin

Kitchen

  • Propane range and oven
  • Propane refrigerator
  • Sink (no running water)
  • Pots, pans, utensils, dishes, mugs, coffee maker, kettle, corkscrew, etc. 
lake view at Norm's Cabin

Water & Sanitation

  • A limited supply of potable water is provided
  • Lake water must be treated or boiled for washing and drinking (Giardia present in lake)
  • Two outhouses near the cabin

About Norm’s Cabin

A two-storey sanctuary on the shores of Bone Lake. Positioned at the edge of the Stokely Creek trails, Norm’s provides a superb all-season access for backcountry silent-sport enthusiasts.

By hosting visitors at Norm’s Cabin, the Algoma Highlands Conservancy continues the welcoming tradition established by the original owner, Norm Bourgeois.


Visits to Norm's quickly became a cherished annual tradition for local skiers and Stokely Creek Lodge guests. The Algoma Highlands Conservancy purchased the property in 1996 to ensure Norm could continue hosting day skiers as he aged. He made his final trip to the cabin at age 88 and passed away in 2010.

In 2013, the Algoma Highlands Conservancy launched an ambitious project to rebuild Norm’s Cabin. Led by Board member Dean Thompson, the project secured $200,000 in government funding alongside private contributions from Stokely Creek Lodge owners Gaylen and Susan Byker. Master builder Richard Kargl and his crew demolished the original cabin and constructed the new structure over two years. The building now stands as a lasting tribute to Norm Bourgeois.


The new cabin also serves as an ideal base for overnight stays. From this central hub, skiers, snowshoers, hikers, mountain bikers, and paddlers can explore the iconic rolling hills and wetlands of the Algoma Highlands.

The Heritage of Norm’s Cabin

Norm Bourgeois was a local legend celebrated for his hospitality and storytelling. For decades, he welcomed cross-country skiers into his cabin for tea, cookies, and captivating tales. By the winter of 2000, he had greeted his 10,000th guest.


His rustic cabin was filled with unusual artifacts like a self-made diving helmet and a porcupine quill hat. These items served as backdrops for stories about his life as a logging camp cook and his many adventures.


As Norm entered his eighties, the demands of cabin life became more difficult to manage. Stokely Creek Lodge supported his continued visits until the Algoma Highlands Conservancy purchased the property in 1996.

This partnership ensured Norm could maintain his tradition of entertaining guests well into his later years. He made his final trip to the cabin at age 88 and passed away in 2010 shortly after his 94th birthday.


Rebuilt with his enduring spirit in mind, the cabin will always carry Norm’s name and preserve his memory. His tradition of welcoming outdoor enthusiasts to the beautiful Algoma Highlands continues in a way he would surely be proud of.

Rebuilding of Norm’s

Slider image showing Norm's Cabin prior to the renovation. It's a 2-story red cabin.
Slider image showing what Norm's Cabin looks like now. It's a 1.5 story cabin featuring upper and lower decks.

Building in the Wild


Imagine building a two-storey cabin using locally milled square timbers. Now, imagine doing it in a remote environment, 12 km from the nearest paved road, where bush trails are often impassable. Finally, imagine having just nine months to close the structure in before the notorious Algoma Highlands winter arrives.


This was the reality for master craftsman Richard Kargl of Stokely Creek Lodge when he began the redevelopment of Norm’s Cabin in 2013.


Heavy Lifting: Preparing the Timbers


The scope of the project was massive. The new cabin consists of 120 timbers, some weighing up to 400 lbs. Preparing these materials was a labor-intensive process where each timber required three to four days of attention. Every piece was measured, labelled, notched, drilled, grooved, sanded twice, and treated against pests.


Finally, three coats of stain were applied, with each coat requiring 24 hours to dry. This rigorous schedule meant only two timbers were completed daily, demanding 8 to 10 hours of constant labor.

A Logistic Feat


Once prepped, the materials began a difficult journey. Each load was trucked 10 km down a bush trail to the boat launch, transferred to a pontoon boat, and ferried across Bone Lake.


Navigating the lake required precision. The 24-foot structural timbers had to be floated out one at a time to keep the boat balanced. Even with smaller timbers, the 2-km trip took an hour. In total, the crew handled approximately 120 tonnes of material, touching every timber five times before it was set in place.

The Race Against Winter


A solid building needs a solid foundation. Richard subcontracted long-time friend Enn Poldmaa, who laid 250 concrete blocks in just a few days. With the foundation set, Kargl and his crew began erecting the walls.


The timeline was tight. Windows and the classic red metal roof were installed just as the season turned. The crew barely beat the elements, having to break through ice with the pontoon boat to deliver the final materials needed to close the cabin in.

Finishing the Interior


Throughout the winter and into 2014, Kargl worked to complete the interior. This phase included:


  • Installing floorboards, dividing walls, and gable siding.
  • Fitting iron piping, propane appliances, a chimney, and a woodstove.
  • Crafting tables and kitchen counters from excess pine flooring for a warm, homey feel.


After two years of labor, the completed cabin stands as a testament to the legendary Norm Bourgeois and the impeccable workmanship of Richard Kargl.

With Gratitude


The Algoma Highlands Conservancy is forever indebted to Richard and his team. As Kargl notes, the project’s success relied on the dedication of a supportive community.


The Core Crew


  • Support: Summer students Tyler Morin, Mathew Fitton, and Pascal Tuarze.
  • Right-hand Man: Owen Blake.
  • Logistics & Finance: Cynthia Marcinkowski.


Key Supporters



  • Gaylen Byker: Provided financial support, equipment loans, and the pontoon boat.
  • Volunteers: Jennifer and Rob Cross, Laurie and Paul McBay, Nicolle and Dean Thompson, Mitch Comrie, Kees van Frankenhuyzen, and Derek Chartrand.


This project was also suppored by: