Reviews of Bowhey's West Nipissing Resort Marina & Cafe (Zoo)

Catherine Tokarz

Had a wonderful stay at Bowhey’s last week. Our cottage was very clean and comfortable with everything we needed. We loved the pool also. Boat rental was perfect and the fishing was great. The owners were very helpful and friendly.

Mr Camper

the owner is a bit off... but beautiful place

Vandana Lalwani

First of all, great hosts and the eating joint that have... And the list continues.. Cottages were very clean and well equipped! The location of cottages is so beautiful that you won't believe your eyes when you'll wake up in the morning.. it's breathtaking.. So many activities like kayaking, canoeing and others.. There was a spot right in front of our cottage for bonfires.. Definitely stay for atleast 2-3 days to absorb the natural beauty and freshness in th air..

Xavier leveque

The rooms were recently renovated and looked great! The cottages we're well kept and everything work early fine. The hot water worked great Every cottage has lots of space and a fire pit overlooking the lake. Grill worked great, was clean and hot. The owners are great, kind and great to talk to. Would go again!

nadine fontaine

new docks; well maintained; friendly service; quirky yet well run with owner pride.

Terry Crawford

We stayed here for a week and had a great time. Lil and Ian are super nice and there kids are great to. Cabin was great and the fishing and pool were awesome. Had the Carmel apple cheesecake wrap and it was delish, other great varieties of wraps at the wrap shak. Would definitely recommend this place for fishermen and family's.

Murray Kangaloo

A resort that keeps getting better and better each year. Wonderful owners who look out for the best interest of all their guests.

Corey Mccafferty

My brother and I have been going here for the past 4 years soon to be our 5th. For us we wanted to be able to go to a place out of the city for great fishing. Booking was super easy and the cost was more than resonable. The cottages are great for a northern retreat especially when you dont need to bring your own cookware big bonus in my books The boat rental was perfect for a day on the water and with the resort having there own gas pumps makes it evem better The fishing is hands down some of the best we have had in a long time even with some of the insane heat we have had over the years. And i cant forget to mention Ian L, Lill and there family they are some of the greatest people. Always checking to make sure things are great, giving some pointers on where to fish what more could you ask for in hosts truly awesome people and are always looking for ways to make the resort and experiance better

sacredsoul 2

Cozy cottage community year round

Elliott

Best Wraps in Northern Ontario!!!

Clayton Morrow

My family and four children, along with my sister and her husband Larry, stayed here a couple of years ago. We rented two cabins for a week. We had fun, no issues with the water nor the septic system. All was good. Nice location on Lake Nipissing. Good place to take the family.

J J

Great experience/ Good Staff. Although not too strict on returning rental boats on 10/15 mints late but be mindful of time, time flies sooner than usual when on Boat ????

Jennifer Vettor

A beautiful resort to visit. First the positives. The landscaping, pool, and scenery was five star. Built on top of the Canadian Shield, you will be blown away by the views. The snack cafe offered delicious treats on the weekend. The owner was hard working and clearly proud of his establishment. Some improvements could be made to the rustic cabins themselves. The mattresses were quite dated and not comfortable at all. If we were there for a weekend, it would not have been a big issue but a full week made sleep very uncomfortable. We drove to town to purchase mattress pads, an expense we would not have had to add if the mattresses were better. I would also recommend a few details be addressed, like fresh bath mats and an inventory of kitchen utensils to ensure there is a decent knIfe and flippers to flip eggs etc. Those small but important things would have made the guest experience so much better. All in all, we enjoyed our stay.

Day N Nite Towing

Great service

Dan Rako

Nice cabins, good fishing, great people. I've been coming off and on with a large family group for over ten years, and we always have a fantastic week. The pool is really a nice amenity when it's hot. Ian and Lil work hard to keep the place in nice condition. It's great to see the improvements they've made year by year. Already booked for next year and can't wait!

Kimpee Natano

best place for your kids and family they have boats kayaks canoes and also swimming pool and beach for the kids, if your looking for a good fishing experience this is one of the best place to go. the owner is a very nice guy aswell as the family. thanks Mrs Bowhey!

Kailyan Up North

Mr. Bhowey is just a nice Guy!! We will come back for sure!!!

Lance J

Many unique options to enjoy all northern Ontario has to offer

Sherri Warnes

Stunning views, quite and peaceful. Get in touch with nature and relax at Bowhey's. Stayed for the week. Loved it. They have a beautiful pool, clean and tidy. Booked our week for next year. Wrap shack for delicious meals and lots of boats, canoes, kayaks an peddle boats. You will not be disappointed. Great hosts Ian and Lil and their kids. Hard workers. Very accommodating. Thanks for he wonderful vacay. See you next July. The Warnes Family.

Kendra Piper

Stayed here last year with my family. Amazing views, the owners were nice, the cabin was what you would expect a cabin to be when you’re camping. The owners always made sure the pool was well maintained to swim in and the price was more than reasonable for all the amenities included. There was always a paddle boat, canoe or kayak available when we wanted to use them. Just make sure you bring your own water.. the tap water had a little bit of a brown tinge to it. But us city slickers never drink tap water anyway ;) I’m looking forward to going back sometime, my heart is missing those views.

Cadgineering

Stayed the weekend on the yatch. Had a great time and the owner operator was super nice. Beautiful pool to enjoy a nice swim after a day of canoeing or hiking.

Mike Spiezio

My family has been coming here from Ohio every year for the past 18 years for a fishing trip. Cottages are nice and we'll kept. Marina is beautiful. Boats are perfect for fishing. The in ground pool is clean and refreshing and has a nice view of the lake. Also, the owners are great people and are attentive to any issues that might arise during your stay. I highly recommended staying here.

William Redpath

Great location very scenic. You won't be disappointed

Jessica Kearns

The cottage was very clean, beautiful scenery and the owner I met Ian, was super nice and accommodating. Who writes the responses to former clients, can't say as much. See below for response. This place is advertised as "family friendly" highly reccomend NOT bringing young children there. My 18 month old was constantly supervised, I could not sit down or take my eyes off of her for a second without fear of her tumbling downhill off of a 20 ft cliff. Just to edit the review after owners mature response of "common sense supervision" :) Landscape is just not safe for them is all and when you have young ones and you're on vacation you eventually want to sit down. The park is not safe, and the beach is non existent for children. The pictures taken & advertised are very deceiving and taken on specific angles to not show the true nature of the land. I would highly recommend checking this place out if you're a couple without kids, a group of friends looking to have a good time or on a fishing excursion. This place should be a 19+ resort. They threw a wicked party - looked and sounded like a ton of fun, was shut down at a respectable time-just not a place for young kids, can't stress that enough.

Jeremy Mccafferty

I love this place. Great people, great boats. Every year i go i never want to leave. The family is great and friendly. Have always had a great experience fishing and enjoying the outdoors. Keep up the great work west nippissing resort!

Pierre Gagnon

I was there one night because my girlfriend and her friends had rented a houseboat. For starters the owner is very unprofessional, dramatic and rude beyond belief. He got drunk with other renters and then when a situation got out of hand he was too drunk and interested in the party in question to do anything remotely appropriate or professional. This review is to warn people of this idiot.

Kelly Christo

Amazing experience excellent staff the owner Ian went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable I would definitely recommend Bowheys for a great vacation spot

ruchi jain

Loved it... supercool host, delicious food and awesome stay...

Reg Jones

Stayed here for Sept fishing trip. Cottages are nice and well maintained. Ian and Lil are great host. Only thing better was the fishing. We targeted bass and were into fish early and often. Great location lots of fishable protected water no matter the weather. Can't wait to return.

Wayne Frey

Thank-you Ian, Lil and family! We really enjoyed our stay! We stayed here and now wish we could live here! Thanks for being great hosts!

John Thompson

great view, terrible customer service!

Sue Stoer

Took both my boys for 3 nights to fish the lake and both got a pike on the 1st day out. The yacht we stayed on was clean and comfortable and Ian the owner made sure we got the best advice on where to fish successfully . Enjoyed the pool daily and the company of the other guest's..highly recommend a stay here if you want to relax and get in some good fishing !

Rene Brennan

We love This place. Been going for years the owners are fantastic and the cottage is very well priced, clean and comfortable. Ian and Lyn are fantastic hosts and very accomidating. There kids are lovely and we would all recomend them to anyone. We will see them again next year and every year for as long as possible.

Stuart Everett

Ian and lil were great hosts daralle the guide was great every body was great hi Sonya hi Cole we hope to book next year good clean cabin great view

David Hagg

I had put a review on here quite some time ago. In reading the newer ones we see others are realizing similarities as us. We lived there quite some time ago and couldn't get out fast enough. We saw a reviewer specify the owner's immediately respond and yes its absolutely unprofessional but trust ill get a response too. We had reached out in a site for a couple units to please get on touch with us from april 2020 to may 2020. Thankfully were all out of that resort and have became friends. We ourselves are currently living on the lake again thanks to renters who recently moved. Yes there will be another review. All in all they party alot they lie alot they dont help with nothing they treat you poorly. The property isnt safe for children. Its loud . All the people we met who left all are glad to be out one was even scared to go to sleep. I cant stress enough do your research before staying or renting there. They have watchful eyes trust that. They play blame we saw stuff . The 2 units we got to meet will come forward in due time.. poor service ignorant treatment drunk drunk and pricey they say everything has a price ! Only good thing is 2 sons are very nice. We will never go back nor will we ever stop in. All of us do drive by straight to where were welcomed and safe and not treated badly. The apparent guide watch out too. I wont be waiting for a response because we saw truth we feel for the new tenants alot have moved in. Bad bad service the key reviews are coming from recents. Do your research people i absolutely do not recommend this resort unless you can tolerate the utter misbehavior of the owner. Just a heads up its not my full name the beach is sand thrown on a rock park isnt safe.well folks again weve found the units and resort people we were looking what myself got out of this are friendships and a new and better location without watching patties and fights by the owner. Typo before we get correct as they cant even spell correctly. They also had us watching the property and other tenants

Eric C

The view is beautiful from the cabins. Also the owners are very nice and respectful people. Finally at night you can see so many stars, being away from the city.

Ian Bowhey

The bad reviews are from past fulltime tennants that lived separately from the resort. They are not guests or customers of West Nipissing Resort. These people were tennants and owe back rent and left before there lease was up because of personal issues .Very vendictive people. Please contact us. we can provide a long list of happy customers. We provide VALUE, VALUE, VALUE!

Chris Carney

Update - another great week this year of fishing, food and family at Bowhey's. It got hot mid-week and the crystal clear pool was a welcomed respite from the heat. Just right to cool down before dinner and heading back out for the dusk fishing session. Planning to be back next year. Just returned to the States from my third consecutive summer fishing trip / reunion with my cousins at Bowhey's West Nipissing Resort on Lake Nipissing. Had a great time again enjoying the fishing, amenities and the hospitality. Ian and Lil go out of their way to make us feel welcomed and comfortable - it's nice to go back each year to friends. Try the poutine wrap at the Route 64 Wrap Shack.

Faith Scott

I’m not one to write negative reviews, but I feel with our experience here, it’s more than warranted. I had gone back and forth for several days with Ian to book the private lake retreat for 2 nights. I was waiting to get the go ahead for my husband to have the Friday off before confirming, which I told Ian. Once we had confirmation, I emailed Ian to tell him we were good to reserve Friday through Sunday and asked him to send our next steps. His response was “kk”. We had somewhat discussed the deposit process prior so I called him that day to be able to provide my credit card. When I called him I said who I was and my reason for calling, he told me he was checking in some customers and would need to call me back. I never received a call from him so I called again the following day (two days before we were booked to check-in) with no response and left a message telling him that I hadn’t given the deposit yet and for him to call me so I could, or if there were any problems. I also mentioned that if there were no problems, or if he wants me to pay the deposit when I get there, that we would see him Friday. He was well aware of the distance for us, as I had mentioned it in a previous email. Because I never heard from him, and with it being Canada Day, to me that meant everything was okay. However, you can imagine our frustration and upset after driving 5hrs with our large dogs in the back, to be told by Ian that he was “confused” by who I was, followed by that he had booked the cottage to someone else. He then tried to blame my not giving him a deposit for why he did not hold it for us. Claiming that “he never holds anything without a deposit”. I guess he wasn’t that confused on who I was after all. I explained to him that I tried to give the deposit, but that he never called me back. He then insisted that he called me and left a message. I did not have any voicemails, nor missed calls from him. I think you’ll agree that paying a $500 deposit is well worth not having to drive 10 hours in 1 day, and with my two attempts to pay it, that clearly wasn’t the problem, but common sense isn’t as common as you’d think. Ian tried to find us a room at a resort across the lake, which was appreciated in the moment, but when you’re expecting a secluded cottage with its own dock, a packed trailer park/cabins does not suffice. We were very sad at the outcome, given the drive, and the anticipation to stay there which could have potentially lead to many more stays in the future. But it seems that Ian had already reserved the cottage for someone else when I tried to pay the deposit, and instead of coming clean on that, he allowed us to drive all the way there to find out. And instead of owning up to his mistake, or maybe a lack of being organized (which would have been better received), he tried to blame it on us. My mistake in all of this (because we all make them) was not trusting my gut on the lack of paperwork, professionalism I received while trying to reserve the cottage, and for expecting a stranger to respect our time and money.

Doug D

Had a great trip with 3 other anglers in late September, Ian was a great host and very accommodating, set us up with a great fishing boat and a great weekend

former Tenant

when I saw these reviews I could not help but crate an account and chime in. I also lived at West Nipissing Resort. believe me I could not get out of there fast enough. The turn over rate in the cabins is insane saw at least 8 different people move in there in the year or so i was at the resort. There are only six cabins!!!! 8 people??? It is not a nice place to live witch is a shame considering how beautiful area is. the tap water was not fit for human consumption (one of the other tenants had it tested) . it also should be mentioned that a 4X4 is a must for navigating the hilly train and winter months. i got stuck many times, and i had winter tires!! I don't really want to say anything bad about anyone but please do your research and trust your gut. I will say this... I saw many different sides to the landlord I also don't wan this review to be completely negative so... The tavern down the street has really good pizza and great bands in the summer!! definitely check it out!!!!!

Misha Smith

This is a great place to stay. Ian is a super guy, friendly and helpful and quite funny too. The premises are well kept and the cottages are clean. Even the other guests are fantastic with a special shout out to a great couple, Veronica and Mike who were there when we were. The only thing that I can't figure out is how anyone could give this place a negative review. I plan on coming back longer next year. Thanks Ian!

william blake

Boat rentals are very fairly priced! Boats are in very good condition. Rented a 16.5' prince craft with 40hrs 4stroke and bow mounted trolling motor, all equipment was in very good working condition! Very fair as well, one the seats broke when I was leaning back sitting and he didn't charge me, "the seats should be able to take a leaning on, I can't charge you for that." Very honest and very good service, I will be back!

Darce Thibeault

had a excellent time and a beautiful place. very professional owner and a must go destination

Hunter W

Awesome place visit 10 stars

Timmeh360

Spent a weekend here for fishing trip with a couple guys. They advertise that they offer fishing boats provided with GPS, trolling motor ect. Both boats we rented didn’t have GPS and both of the trolling motors were broken. The first boat was full of gas but our second boat was empty after 45 mins of use and almost caused us to become stranded out in the lake. They also failed to provide proper life jackets and there were no oars provided with the boat. The cabins were dirtier when we arrived than when we left. Ian (the owner) failed to check in with us once through out our stay. No disinfectant to be seen either. You’d think in a pandemic you’d offer some at least provide some sense of concern for your guests safety. Would not recommend staying here. There are plenty of other fantastic resorts to stay at. Don’t waste your money here.

Val Perchenok

No gas station around

Marlene Ryan

Believe in fate? We were scheduled to go to another camp further north but due to forest fires and travel restrictions were unable to go. A search on the web brought us to Bowheys and thanks to a vacant cottage we were able to come. We have stayed in numerous cottage resorts over the years but hands down, Ian and Lil along with Amber and Kyle were the best hosts ever. So accommodating and friendly, The cottage was extremely clean, beds comfortable, everything worked well. Pool was clean. Grounds were well kept and Zeus the cat, gorgeous and friendly. Food at the wrap shack was mouthwatering, we sampled both the breakfast and ice cream wraps. We have totally changed our future summer plans to include Bowheys every year. Thanks Lil and Ian. Let us return the favour should you ever be down Windsor way. We have officially adopted you into the family!

Marilyn Walton

Unfortunately we were thoroughly disappointed in our time there. Owner seemed completely uninterested in our concerns and became quickly agitated and aggressive when we approached him with it issues The cottage had not been checked for cleanliness prior to our arrival and the pontoon boat was not properly equipped or working safely. We eventually relocated to a different campground in the same area and were able to enjoy the rest of our vacation time. The only positive thing we can comment on was the view from our cottage #5. As usual, Lake Nipissing has a beautiful sunrise and sunset.

Leah Mcisaac

We had an absolute blast here! Fishing is amazing as well.

John Lee

Spent 10 days at Bowhey’s “Resort” in June. It’s not a resort just 3 cabins and the stay was not enjoyable – don’t waste your time or money. Do what Bowhey did for his holiday and go to Cuba. - Owner Ian Bowhey was in our face at 7.00am. - Cabin tap water was brown and had a terrible smell. Owner said it was drinkable well water. Partner was sick for weeks after drinking the water. - Take a bug zapper. I did and in 10 days it was covered in black fly and mosquitoes. - Lake is 2 – 4 feet deep. I assume it was a swamp that has been flooded. - Swimming pool was not open. Cafe was not open until Bowhey’s wife arrived at the week end. Then it was party time for the Bowhey’s. - Bowhey likes to play with his toys, a motor cycle that he revved up making a much noise as possible and a Trans AM he left idling out side our cabin. - Owner doesn't know if he wants to run a marina, cafe, gas station or power generating plant, manage rental properties cabins or sell cars!

worried local

After my experience living at this "resort" I felt it important to give prospective tenants and vacationers a warning about the unexceptionable treatment you could receive while visiting/renting here. In my opinion the owners are unreasonably suborn and very short tempered. I met many people on vacation just out to have a good time who genuinely felt ripped off by unnecessary charges to there credit cards and unprofessional behaviour from the owners. For the people living at the "resort" its like pulling teeth to get any problem even acknowledged let alone fixed. the tap water smells so bad I would not even give it to my pet. parking in the winter is an absolute nightmare. There is low expectation of privacy and lots of drama caused but the owners. There has bin a very high turn over rate in the 6 units renovated for mouthy tenants. all leaving with the same complaints about how they where treated. I could go on for pages and pages about the specific problems I had, but I'm not writing this review to complain I left things vague intentionally and just tried to state facts. There are lots of other reviews about this "resort" on-line so I suggest you do your research and form your own opinion. lots of useful reviews at the stayCanada Web sight. I'd leave the link but Google dose not allow it

Brad & Shelley

Cole was a great help with launching the Seadoo. Will be back for sure.

Chad B

The all day breakfast offerings are decent.

Lisa Drawder

dirty Cabins, oblivious staff, leach infested waters by the so called "beach". the food at the marina was sub par. The regulations on Walleye in lake Nipissing are so strict if you do catch you probably have to through it back. just all around not a good place to spend your time and money.

Sonya Johnson

Just in case its not my real name so when ian bashes me back it wont matter. The lake is beautiful thats the only good thing. The owner and his wife are mean they gossip and they turn on you just like that. Ill never go near there again. They are clicked in with the tenant side the front cottages. They watch you they listen. One minute their in a good mood and the next they treat you badly . The person i visited alot is out of there thankfully. Id sure like to speak in person with all the new tenants trust that yous wont last there. They yell all the time especially ian and thats not good for a resort. Dont go there dont stay there the waters gross dont drink it. No privacy not to mention blame games. Please i do not recommend bowheys resort whatsoever in any shape or form. They are manipulating people just like their click friends. Im doing this review because my family member is finally out and theres no going back. They are horrible people but you have to keep quiet trust that. I gave it a 1 because it had no zero. Go ahead look around and observe because they are. They are okay in the beginning but its short lived. They treat people bad and is the 100 % why the tenant side move out accept their own friends. I wish all the new tenants luck yous will need it. He runs his bike his car he is short tempered very much so. If my review makes it which ive been trying to do since a member moved out hopefully all the new tenants will see this and get out of there . Worst resort weve ever seen. We will never ever go back. Im again glad my family member is out. Watch he will say something because 8 tenants in a year were all wrong right ? Wrong ! I wholeheartedly do not recommend bowheys resort drive past it !

brent roach

1000 % would recommend. Such a awesome experience renting the yacht. Ian Bowhey and the staff are amazing and great people to know. If you are not from the area, it is definitely worth the drive. Great fishing, 5 stars. Can't wait to return again.

Tanya Clements

Absolutely amazing week at Bowhey's. Ian is attentive and goes above and beyond. He keeps the resort incredibly clean. The pool was awesome. Great marina. The cottage was equipped with everything we needed. Wrap shack was a complete hit for lunch and dinner when we didn't feel like cooking. Already booked for next year. Thanks for a week of fun Ian, see you next year for more karaoke -The Clements Family

Dan MacEwen

Stayed at Bowheys the week of Aug 22-29, had an amazing time!! The resort was clean, very well taken care of. The cabin was clean with everything you needed. Ian the owner was great with everything, anything you needed, he delivered. We booked the place 2 months prior, I tried to get a pontoon boat, when we arrived I reminded Ian that if one happened to come up I wanted it. As luck would have it 2 days went by and then Ian was at my door. Made our whole week even better. The snack shack was great as were the Kareoke parties he hosted. This is a place where you can have a great relaxing time. If you want to participate thats great, if you want to have your privacy then thats there to. There is a little something for everyone. We'll definately be back. Dan, Carl, Linda and Wendy

Ann Milne

It was a really nice place enjoy the pool my husband and Friends caught a couple fish there was beautiful sunsets did not make any sun rises but I'm sure they were beautiful too love being able to have the fire pit later than 11:00 at night definitely would go back only complaint is a single beds or a little hard

Brad Vernon

Stopped at the chip stand last night well fishing food and service was great owner even gave us a tour of his beautiful Chris Craft boat

El Yoda

Family Friendly? I think not, if you wanna go away to a place that's private stress free/ worry free where you can relax and have fun this Is definitely not the place you're wanting to go to,the owner Ian is very unpleasant and rude beyond measure , he's RACIST and always watching, very unprofessional and drinking on the job, partying with the visitors thinking he's cool and funny , the firewood barely burns its so wet... I could go on but it's not worth my time just like the owner

Jeremy Mccaffarty

Spent 10 days at Bowhey’s “Resort” in June. It’s not a resort just 3 cabins and the stay was not enjoyable – don’t waste your time or money. Do what Bowhey did for his holiday and go to Cuba. - Owner Ian Bowhey was in our face at 7.00am. - Cabin tap water was brown and had a terrible smell. Owner said it was drinkable well water. Partner was sick for weeks after drinking the water. - Take a bug zapper. I did and in 10 days it was covered in black fly and mosquitoes. - Lake is 2 – 4 feet deep. I assume it was a swamp that has been flooded. - Swimming pool was not open. Cafe was not open until Bowhey’s wife arrived at the week end. Then it was party time for the Bowhey’s. - Bowhey likes to play with his toys, a motor cycle that he revved up making a much noise as possible and a Trans AM he left idling out side our cabin. - Owner doesn't know if he wants to run a marina, cafe, gas station or power generating plant, manage rental properties cabins or sell cars!

Ian Munro

One of the more scenic cottages we have stayed at. Spectacular views and sunsets every night. Cottage was clean and well maintained. The grounds were well kept. The owners, Ian and Lil, were so welcoming and friendly we felt right at home all week. The pontoon boat was the perfect hybrid for my wife and I. I was able to fish while she was able to spread out her quilting and we were both very comfortable. So relaxing.