The Town of Dryden was incorporated in 1910. It expanded its boundaries several times before amalgamating with the neighbouring Township of Barclay, to form the new "City of Dryden" on January 1, 1998. Dryden is centrally located in the southern half of the Patricia Region, serving as its hub. Being easily accessible on the Trans-Canada Highway and the CPR rail line, Dryden also has an excellent airport with a 6,000-foot runway. Located at the end of Highway 502 from Fort Frances, a direct link to the USA (Minnesota), the city serves as the dividing point between traffic heading up Highway 105 to Ear Falls and Red Lake, and traffic travelling up Highway 72 to Sioux Lookout and beyond. The steady increase in traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway, combined with Dryden's strategic location midway between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, has led to a substantial commercial sector serving both local citizens and visitors. Tourism is now a large and stable industry, adding dimension to Dryden's quality of life.

Contact Dryden Tourism for more information.

Facts about Dryden

Population: 7616 (approx.)

Distances to Nearest Towns: 
Dryden to Vermilion Bay - 45 km (28 miles) 
Dryden to Sioux Lookout - 95 km (60 miles) 
Dryden to Ignace - 105 km (65 miles) 
Dryden to Kenora - 140 km (85 miles) 
Dryden to Atikokan - 280 km (175 miles)

Visitor Information Centre: 
Pose with "Max the Moose", get maps and brochures, or browse the local art gallery open all year long. Our knowledgeable Travel Counsellors are here to assist you with your travel plans from the May long weekend to the September long weekend. For more information visit exploredryden.ca, call 1-800-667-0935, or email tourism@dryden.ca for year-round assistance