Our Story: Five Generations on Crow Lake
Family Owned Since 1936 - Five Generations Strong
For nearly a century, Hanson’s Hideaway Lodge has welcomed anglers, hunters, and families to the pristine waters of Crow Lake in Northern Ontario. What began as a rugged guiding operation in the 1920s has grown into one of the region’s most trusted family-owned fishing lodges — built on hard work, resilience, and a deep love of the outdoors.
Where It All Began
The Hanson family story began in Sweden before immigrating to the United States and eventually settling in Battle Lake, Minnesota. From there, the family moved north to Canada, homesteading on the shores of Lake of the Woods at Minahico, near present-day Morson, Ontario.
In the early 1920s, Anna and O.C. Hanson raised six sons while farming, commercial fishing, logging, and participating in the fledgling tourist industry. While the entire family contributed, Ken Hanson quickly emerged as the driving force behind what would become Hanson’s Wilderness Lodges.
Ken spent 1921 and 1922 surveying on Lake of the Woods, then worked at Calvert’s Camp on Kishkutena Lake, where he guided a Chicago businessman named Warren Jones — a relationship that would help shape the family’s future in the Northern Ontario fishing lodge industry.
Building the First Remote Lodges (1920s–1930s)
At the time, there was no highway to Nestor Falls. Travel into the region was primarily by canoe or lake boat, making early lodge development both ambitious and demanding.
The family chose Brooks Lake as the site of their first remote outpost — an extremely isolated location requiring miles of portaging and nearly 160 kilometres of travel from Rainy River, then the main departure point for American guests.
Despite the challenges, business grew quickly.
By the third year of operation, the family built a 26-foot gas boat to transport guests across Crow (Kakagi) Lake, improving access and setting the stage for expansion.
In 1926, Hanson’s King Island Lodge was constructed on Lake of the Woods with the help of skilled Finnish builders. Over an intense three-year period, the family established:
Brookside Lodge (Brooks Lake)
King Island Lodge (Lake of the Woods)
The Jones family lodge (east end of Crow Lake)
The Hanson name was quickly becoming known among serious anglers seeking a true Northern Ontario fishing experience.
Hideaway Lodge Is Born (1936)
A major turning point came in 1936 when the highway linking Fort Frances and Kenora was completed through Nestor Falls.
That same year, Hanson’s Hideaway Lodge was born.
Ken and Ellen Hanson relocated from Rainy River to the new drive-in fishing lodge on Crow Lake. At its peak, all six Hanson brothers were involved in the growing operation, which included multiple lodges and auxiliary outposts across the region.
Later that year, tragedy struck with the drowning of Ken’s brother Marion, marking the beginning of several difficult seasons compounded by the onset of World War II.
Adapting Through Changing Times
Following WWII, the remote lodge and canoe outfitting industry began to evolve rapidly with the arrival of small float planes and changing travel patterns.
During this period:
Raven’s Roost was sold to a close family friend
Brookside Lodge became a fly-in camp
The family later acquired the Ajax Lake fly-in outpost
Through it all, Hideaway Lodge increasingly became the heart of the operation — a drive-in Ontario fishing lodge known for its cabins, outfitting services, and loyal returning guests.
It also served as the central hub for visitors continuing on to King Island Lodge, which had grown into a premier Lake of the Woods fishing destination.
The Next Generation Steps In
Ken’s son Charles (“Chuck”) Hanson married Merla Whalen in 1956. With the support of her parents, the couple managed and eventually owned King Island Lodge into the early 1990s.
Their children, Randy and Donna, grew up immersed in lodge life. Donna went on to university and worked in Calgary for two years and in 1983 married Pete Allison and a year later they moved back to Nestor Falls to work at King Island. Donna and Pete had two children. Nadia (1985) and Devin (1987). Donna along with Nadia’s Fiance Adrian still operate King Island to this day. 2026 is King Island’s 100th anniversary all in the Hanson family.
In 1977, Randy married Maureen Strachan. After Ken and Ellen retired in 1980, Randy and Maureen took over operations at Hideaway Lodge, where they raised their three children: Kiley, Stephen, and Martin.
During their years at the helm, the property evolved significantly. After a devastating fire in the late 1970s destroyed the main lodge, dining room, and store, they rebuilt with larger, modern housekeeping cottages — shifting away from traditional meal plans while maintaining the authentic Northern Ontario lodge experience guests loved.
Growth, Expansion, and Focus
Through the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Hanson family expanded with outpost cabins on Ajax, Beaverhouse, and Miner lakes. These operated successfully for years before being sold between 2014 and 2020 as the rising costs of servicing remote locations increased.
Even as the business evolved, Hideaway Lodge remained the primary destination for guests seeking:
Crow Lake fishing trips
Lake of the Woods access
Drive-in fishing lodge convenience
Authentic family-run hospitality
Hideaway Lodge Today
Today Randy and Maureen are slowly transitioning into semi retirement and reside on a stones throw away from the main lodge at Hideaway.
Kiley, her husband Derek Shebagegit, and their daughter Paige are also close by and enjoy the summers close to the lake on the property. Kiley is also the director of the Crow Lake Classic Bass Tournament which Hideaway hosts each year.
Marty currently lives and works in British Columbia.
In 2017, Steve Hanson — part of the fifth generation — took over day-to-day operations of Hanson’s Hideaway Lodge.
Having grown up around the resort, Steve spent 17 summers at King Island Lodge learning the guiding business alongside his grandfather Chuck before returning to Hideaway to raise his own family.
Today, Steve and his partner Chelsey proudly operate the lodge while raising their four children — Georgia, Gavin, Sawyer, and Ella — on the same waters that shaped generations before them.
As the lodge approaches its 90th anniversary in 2026, the Hanson family remains deeply grateful for the hard work and sacrifices of those who came before them.
Looking Ahead
Five generations in, the mission remains simple:
Provide unforgettable Northern Ontario fishing and hunting experiences while preserving the family traditions that built Hanson’s Hideaway Lodge.
The next chapter is still being written — and the Hanson family is honoured to have you be part of the story.