Renting a Vehicle for a Fishing or Hunting Trip Up North

Heading to camp? The right rental makes the difference between reaching the lake and getting stuck on a logging road.

What to rent

• AWD/4x4 SUV: the go-to for gravel and camp roads with ground clearance for ruts and washboard.
• Pickup truck: best for hauling gear, ATVs, coolers and a boat — open bed shrugs off mud and fish smell.
• Van: good for a group sharing a base lodge on better roads.

Camp-road realities

Many access roads are unmaintained. Confirm the rental allows gravel-road use, carry a spare and know how to change it, and keep the tank topped up — services are sparse around Hearst, Chapleau and the far north.

Pack for the north

Bug spray, a tow strap, a paper map (cell service drops out), and an emergency kit. In late fall, treat it like winter and request winter tires.

Compare SUVs and trucks in the directory, and check distances to your destination with the trip planner.