Gustafson's Resort
Longbow Lake
807-548-5471
807-548-5471
| Box 676 Kenora, Ontario, Canada, P9N 3X6 |
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Your Hosts
summers later, it is still going strong. Originally it was a timber harvesting headquarters for the Hudson's Bay Company; in fact, one cabin was designed with hinges so it could be knocked down and moved by sleigh to the harvesting site where the cabin would serve as a bunk house and cook shed. The camp had 8 cabins (including a log home Betty and Walter would make their own) on 3 acres and was in desperate need of some TLC. The Gustafsons did not have a great deal of money, so they started renting the cabins right away. The first few years were spent cleaning the grounds and creating a safe, clean environment for guests. They tell stories of the piles of garbage they had to haul away or burn and the gracious guests during the tough times. When Gustafson's Resort began, there was running water only from a cistern, water supplied by a cantankerous and electrifying gas pump. Electricity was limited; iceboxes were still the rage. Inside toilets were not in style; the outhouse ruled. Few of us grieved the passing of that item into history. Starting from scratch, everything took a great deal of hard work... Betty and Walter, with the help of Walter's parents, Wictor and Ingrid (a strong Swede married to a lovely Norwegian) and children, Bob and Vicky planted trees and created vegetable and flower gardens. Every spring, more trees were planted and the gardens tended to.... The beauty of these gardens will be passed down from generation to generation for each to enjoy. In the gardens are roses from Betty's childhood town of Clearwater, MB, yellow flowers from this original site, (beautiful but no one knows the name!), assorted perennials from grandfather's gardens, lilacs from deserted CPR section-houses, 8 o'clocks from Ohio, and irises from the farm in Lundar, MB. Brian Twomey of T&T Seeds in Winnipeg, MB, has a special gift for flowers and his contributions of exotic lilies and roses add so much to the beauty that nature provides. It seems every garden tells a story, and each is filled with the serenity and beauty that greets the eye, the mind, and the heart. Gustafson's Resort is a family place. After all these years in the business, Betty and Wally still greet the guests with a smile. Bob, their son, and Cheryl, his wife, have returned from Florida to assist in managing the camp. Bob spends his summers at camp as the plumber, electrician, maintenance manager and development engineer. Cheryl, assists with reservations, with the many chores, works in the gardens, and ensures that guest accommodations meet our standards . Chris and Sheri, Betty and Wally's grandchildren, drive each weekend from Winnipeg to assist both parents and grandparents in meeting the needs of our guests. Other family members help out while visiting or vacationing at the resort. Cousins and relatives are often seen painting buildings, mowing the grass, planting trees and entering canoe races. Everyone pitching in has helped to make this resort possible. It is truly a family affair! Many of the guests have been coming to Gustafson’s Resort for generations. Bob met Cheryl when her parents began spending vacations at the resort more than 40 years ago. Other guests that used to come with their parents now bring their grandchildren. Families such as Anderson, Krueger, Rogers, Grice, Schellenberg, Sadoway, Frankewiecz, Otwaska, Anzia, Baker, Delp, Weaver, Klassen, Everett, Goodner, Seddon, Blyth, Feick, MacDonald and so many more have been coming for so long that they are part of the Gustafson family, part of our history.... We tell stories; we reminisce... The old days were tougher - we split and carried wood for wood-burning stoves; we pushed and cranked boats up an old roller system; we had old cedar strip wood boats with all the maintenance that is entailed, but there was a community spirit that drove us and kept us together. Those are the times that produce some of our warmest memories, our laughter, and, yes, sorrow in seeing the passing of some of "our family", but the memories will live forever. There is a beach area with several docks equipped with benches for fishing; some very large fish are taken right off the dock and children (of all ages) have fun catching perch, rock bass, pumpkinseeds, and northern. Kids can catch fish while their parents relax in the sun. Have you noticed how the s'mores, hot dogs, and fish taste better when prepared over an outdoor fire pit? Guests are welcome to have their meals down at the lake, using the gazebo, fire pit, and picnic tables to facilitate their meal. Gustafson's Resort has grown to a dozen cabins and is open from spring into the fall. Our "family" continues to grow with new guests who quickly become new friends. Call or e-mail today for your reservation. |
| 4 Generations of Gustafsons Your Hosts are Betty & Walter Bob & Cheryl Vicky Chris & Sheri Sean & Shawna Gabrielle, Rowan & Elise |
