Costumer story - Loyal to the lodge

The Brynarsky’s have been staying at Bryson Lake Lodge for 26 years. “It’s my second home,” said Jon, who’s been going there twice a year since he was six. Today, he’s keeping up the tradition with his wife Jen, his son Spencer and their two dogs. But for this outdoor enthusiast, it’s not just about hunting and fishing. It’s much more about forming friendships, sharing good times and creating memories with his loved ones.  

The 12-hour drive to the outfitter has always been part of the experience. “Even as kids, we were so excited about getting there that the time just flew by.” Jon Brynarsky’s memories of the Lodge go way back and they still bring a smile to his face. “I remember this photo in a brochure for Bryson Lake Lodge where my brother and I are holding a 40 lb trout that someone had just caught. We felt like celebrities,” Jon said, laughing.

Then there’s the time he went on a one-week fishing trip to the Lodge with his best friend Mike . . . and finally mustered up the courage to ask him if he could take Mike’s younger sister out on a date. Who could have known that, a year later, Jen would be the first person to see him take down his first black bear, and he’d then propose to her near the fishing cabin located next to the waterfall? But the story doesn’t end there.

Bryson Lodge tattoo

In 2019, Jon took his first hunting trip to Bryson during the fall foliage season with his friend Mike and his hunting dog Obi-Wan. “I especially wanted to show the owners my new tattoo—a maple leaf with the Bryson Lake Lodge logo in the middle.”

One of the most touching moments was when he brought his son to the outfitter for the first time. Spencer was two at the time. “Jen and Spencer bring me luck. I say this because it was during that first trip to Bryson Lake with Spencer that I took my second black bear.”

New friendships

For Jon and his family, a successful trip is much more than great catches and hunting trophies. “Even if we come back empty-handed, the thrill of staying in such a great place makes it an experience in itself. Not to mention all the wonderful people we’ve met along the way and who make it fun to keep coming back every year.”

Among them is the Lebrun family, who hold a special place in their hearts. “Denis and Laurel are wonderful. They are honest outfitters who never “guarantee” great catches. Everyone knows there’s always a risk of going home with nothing. The Lebruns are all about sharing and creating one-of-a-kind moments. I’ve watched their children grow up just like they watched my brother and me become adults. They even gave Spencer a Mickey Mouse fishing rod—the one he learned to fish with.”

The Lebruns frequently offer to babysit Spencer so the couple can go fishing by themselves. In return, the Brynarskys have them over to the cabin once a week to share Denis’s favourite meal: ham sandwiches. It goes to show that pleasure often comes from the simplest things.”