From City Girl to Partner & Owner of Lakeside Ice Condos: A Journey on Lake Nipissing

From City Girl to Partner & Owner of Lakeside Ice Condos: A Journey on Lake Nipissing

Growing up, Lake Nipissing was my playground—a place where I learned to fish, appreciate nature’s rhythms, and experience the changing seasons. Ice fishing wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way of life. My family followed the almanac, tracked the fish cycles, and paid close attention to the weather—every detail mattered.

But as anyone who’s spent time on the lake knows, there’s always a great story to be told.

Take my girlfried Fazeela, for example. She spent 25 years in Toronto, a true city girl who had never heard of ice fishing, let alone stood on a frozen lake. The idea of fishing on Lake Nipissing was as foreign to her as walking on the moon.

One cold January weekend, I convinced Fazeela to give it a try. “What’s the worst that could happen?” she laughed. Well, she was about to find out.

We set out early, bundled up in our winter gear, ready to spend the day fishing from one of our cozy ice huts. Fazeela wasn’t sure what to expect, but I promised her she’d have a great time. After all, there’s something magical about the stillness of a frozen lake.

We headed to one of our Lakeside Ice Condos, a sleeper cabin perfect for four, with a hole drilled in the ice for fishing. But when Fazeela realized we were standing on solid ice, her face went pale. “Wait… this is the lake? We’re really standing on the lake right now?” she gasped.

Before I could reassure her, Fazeela froze, her eyes widened, and—thud—she passed out cold right on the ice!

Thankfully, she was fine after a quick shake and a little laughter. It turned out her city instincts weren’t quite ready for standing on something that wasn’t solid ground. But here’s the twist—she loved it.

Once we settled into the hut, Fazeela quickly shook off her nerves. The fresh air, the beauty of the lake, and the thrill of fishing took over. By the afternoon, she was completely hooked (pun intended). She started asking about moon cycles, sunrise patterns, and when the fish would be most active. I could tell she was starting to get the hang of it.

But the best part? Fazeela didn’t just become a great angler—we joined forces and started Lakeside Ice Condos. By the end of the day, she’d caught more fish than anyone. At one point, I turned to check my line, and when I looked back, she had stolen my rod and was reeling in a big walleye. Grinning, she said, “I think I’ve got the hang of this—maybe I should rent one of your ice shacks and make this my full-time hobby!”

From that day on, Fazeela’s love for ice fishing on Lake Nipissing only grew. Now, every weekend, she dreams of fishing year-round. She even jokes that if I’m not careful, she’ll steal my spot on the ice and catch all the fish herself!

And you know what? She’s not wrong. The next time we’re on the lake, I’ll be sure to keep an eye on my line, because if I turn my back, Fazeela will be the first one to reel in the biggest catch of the day.

Lakeside Ice Condos isn’t just about ice fishing—it’s about creating memories in a winter wonderland. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer like Fazeela, our cozy ice huts and knowledgeable guides are here to make your experience unforgettable.

So, if you're looking for something different this winter, come visit us. Rent one of our ice shacks, huts, or shanties and experience the thrill of ice fishing on Lake Nipissing. You won’t be disappointed—just be careful who you bring along, because they might just end up with all the fish!

Moral of the Story: Sometimes, it only takes a little nudge (or a cold fall onto the ice) to turn a city girl into an ice fishing enthusiast. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, Lake Nipissing will leave you hooked—just like Fazeela. Rent one of our cozy ice huts and make some memories of your own. We promise, you’ll be back for more.