Case Study: Kannuk Outfitters

Q: What inspired you to create a new product or enhance your existing one?

A: We decided to upgrade and expand some of our equipment to be able to offer a new type of trip experience for our guests. Our goal was to be able to offer multiple trips at different price points to give our guests more options when it comes to booking their ultimate fishing trip. Guests are simply more comfortable in a spacious, luxury ice shack setting. All our shacks come equipped with all the gear you need to fish in comfort on the ice, and the larger, overnight shack gives groups another option, especially when it comes to hosting corporate fishing events.

We have a small, dedicated team of guides and staff, which has made it possible to expand at a steady rate. We’ve put a lot of thought into where we think we need to expand and are constantly making upgrades to continuously grow our business. We also keep an eye on industry trends, and ice fishing is at an all-time high. We’d like to expand into new territory and continue to provide the highest quality product. We truly have an amazing resource in Lake Winnipeg. Adding to the ice fishing product has increased visitors to Lake Winnipeg significantly during the winter months.

Q: How did you know when it is time to grow or evolve your tourism experience or product?

A: Our decision to expand seemed like the right thing to do based on where our business was in terms of growth. We have a strong team in place and were confident we could handle the increased workload. Things were running smoothly so we knew it was time to go to the next level.

Q: Were there any major challenges that you faced in the development process? If yes, what were they and how did you overcome the issues?

A: There are always challenges! But we work with multiple television shows and videographers every year to help promote Kannuk Outfitters and tourism on Lake Winnipeg as a whole. A major partner in the past has been Travel Manitoba who has worked with us with the goal of driving winter tourism in Manitoba. We also have strong ties with local businesses, specifically Matlock Village Junction, who supports us in the winter with supplies, bait and fishing gear.

Q: Did you consider economic impacts for your local community in the development process?

A: Most of the businesses surrounding Lake Winnipeg operate seasonally—only in the summer months. It’s my hope that these small businesses in small towns can eventually operate year-round as popularity for ice fishing on Lake Winnipeg grows. Both resident and non-resident anglers have a huge economic impact in the area when it comes to recreational fishing, and we see this trend continuing to grow.

Q: What did you do to prepare to launch the new or diversified offer?

A: We have worked with popular outdoors videographer Jay Siemens and Travel Manitoba in the past, so it seemed like a natural decision to reach out to them to help with the launch of our new Ice Castle fish shack.

Q: Did you measure the success of your new product or diversified product? If so, what did you measure and how did you define success?

A: First and foremost, we focus on the guest experience. That covers everything from accommodations, fishing gear, staffing professional fishing guides and using high quality equipment to produce the best product possible. We consider it a success when a guest leaves feeling more than satisfied with their trip. This is critical because we rely on repeat guests for a good portion of our guiding and rentals. Beyond that, we strive to provide a high-quality working experience for our staff and fishing guides. It’s a measure of success to have long-time staff and guides return year after year and create their own roster of clients.

Q: Does your business have accessibility, diversity/inclusion or sustainability practices or policies in place? If so, can you describe them?

A: Our experience is open for anybody to enjoy. We are always willing to make adjustments to accommodate anyone who wants to experience ice fishing on Lake Winnipeg.

Q: Are you Indigenous owned? If so, what recommendations do you have for other Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs who are looking to launch a new product or experience?

A. Kannuk Outfitters is proudly Métis owned. We suggest to any Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs to take advantage of the tools that are available to them. Whether that be through funding, seminars or business advisors. There are many programs in place that support Indigenous tourism operators that can really make a difference.