In 2004, Louis L’Écuyer and Nancy Labelle made a decision that changed their lives. They took over Dorval Lodge — not to build an empire, but to build a place people would return to.
And that’s exactly what happened. More than 20 years later, the same families and groups of friends take Highway 117 each season. Some reserve their week a year in advance. Others call Louis in January to ask how the ice is forming. That’s the kind of relationship built here.
Because service here isn’t a marketing word. It’s simply the way things are done. Louis knows the Dozois Reservoir like few others. He knows where walleye gather, where pike become active in August, and which areas stay protected when the wind comes from the northwest. And he shares that knowledge — not in a brochure, but in person, in the morning, as you prepare for your day.
What makes a stay at Dorval Lodge different is the people. The team is stable and experienced. Local people who know the territory inside out — and who genuinely enjoy welcoming guests. The kind of people who remember your name, ask about your day on the water, and follow up to make sure everything is just right.
They know where to place your boat, what bait to recommend depending on the season, and how to ensure your catch is properly handled at the end of the day. Available without being intrusive. Present when you need them, discreet when you simply want to enjoy the quiet.
A team like this is rare. And it’s one of the reasons guests keep coming back.
We don’t promise luxury. We promise what’s real.
A warm welcome. A clean, well-maintained site. Functional cottages where everything works. Reliable boats. Honest advice. And an exceptional fishing territory that we actively protect.
Louis and Nancy take the environment seriously. Even though the outfitter is far from most services, a rigorous recycling system is in place. Waste and recycling stations are positioned throughout the site. Taking care of the territory also means taking care of the experience.
Two decades leave their mark. Children who came with their parents now return with their own. Friendships between regular guests who meet again every year during the same week.
Dorval Lodge is more than an outfitter. It’s a place that creates lasting memories. And that doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built, year after year, since 2004.
