Most Canadian fly-in adventures begin in small northern towns that serve as hubs for floatplane aviation. In Ontario, Red Lake is known as the "Norseman Capital of the World" and is a primary gateway to the massive Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. Other major hubs include Kenora, Fort Frances, and Nakina, each offering access to thousands of secluded lakes teeming with Walleye and Lake Trout.

In Manitoba, Winnipeg or Thompson are common starting points for flights into the far north, while La Ronge serves as the gateway for Saskatchewan's monster Northern Pike waters. When planning your route, factor in a "buffer day." It is wise to arrive at your jumping-off point the evening before your flight. This allows you to check in with the air service, finalize your weights, and grab any last-minute supplies like live leeches or minnows (where permitted) before your early morning departure into the wilderness.