Discover Fort Frances, Ontario: Gateway to Adventure on Rainy Lake
Fort Frances, Ontario, is more than just a border town. Nestled on the shores of Rainy Lake and the Rainy River, directly across from International Falls, Minnesota. This town of 8,000 is the entry point for the majority of travellers to Sunset Country from the USA. It’s a place where history, culture, and outdoor adventures come together. Rainy Lake is massive and offers true world-class fishing.
Explore Indigenous heritage at nearby Stratton and the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre, or at one of the Pow Wows held during the spring and summer. Enjoy year-round recreation on area hiking trails and ski trails. Fort Frances makes the perfect starting point for your Northwestern Ontario adventure and is a great place to stop for supplies or to stay overnight before heading out to your final destination at one of the area's lodges.
A History That Runs Deep
The story of Fort Frances begins thousands of years before European settlement. The Anishinaabe people, whose traditions and connection to the land remain strong today, made this region their home. Just east of town lies Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung (the Manitou Mounds), a designated National Historic Site in Canada. With burial mounds and village remains dating back nearly 5,000 years, it serves as a powerful reminder of the area’s enduring Indigenous heritage.
In the 18th century, French explorer Pierre de La Vérendrye established a fur trading post on Rainy Lake, marking the beginning of centuries of commerce and settlement. By the late 1800s, logging and industry had cemented Fort Frances as a thriving community. Today, you can dive into these stories at the Fort Frances Museum & Cultural Centre, which brings both Indigenous and settler history to life through engaging exhibits. If visiting, make sure you take the Heritage Tour.
A True Border Gateway
Fort Frances is one of the busiest crossings between Canada and the U.S., linked to International Falls by the International Bridge. For American travellers, it’s often the first step into Ontario’s famed Sunset Country—a region of pristine lakes, endless forest, and the best place to go fishing and hunting in Canada.
That borderland identity gives Fort Frances a unique character: part small-town Ontario, part international crossroads. Many visitors arrive planning just to pass through, but end up staying to explore—and returning year after year.
Rainy Lake: Paradise for Anglers and Explorers
Stretching over 930 square kilometres and dotted with more than 2,000 islands, Rainy Lake is the heart of Fort Frances. The lake offers spectacular fishing for many species of fish. In summer, the lake invites canoeists to paddle along its rocky shores, boaters to take a perfect cruise at sunset, or the opportunity to spend the day hopping between islands. Its rocky shoreline and clear waters make it a destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. There are many Rainy Lake fishing lodges you can choose from. You can get a great view of the lake from the Tower or at Sorting Gap Marina.
Here are 10 Facts About Rainy Lake.
For anglers, Rainy Lake is legendary. Home to walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, black crappie and muskie, it’s one of the best freshwater fisheries in North America. The town proudly hosts the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, a catch-and-release tournament that draws top anglers every July. Whether you’re fishing with a guide or casting a line from shore, Rainy Lake promises an experience you won’t forget.
Culture and Creativity
Fort Frances isn’t just about the outdoors—it has a vibrant cultural side, too. The Fort Frances Museum & Cultural Centre doubles as an art hub, showcasing local creators through rotating exhibits and community events.
Downtown along Scott Street, you’ll find cozy cafés, boutiques, and galleries where artisans sell handcrafted goods and artwork. Festivals, farmers’ markets, and live performances add to the town’s energy, giving visitors plenty of ways to connect with the community beyond the water’s edge. Don't miss spending some time in Rainy Lake Square.
Outdoor Fun in Every Season
Fort Frances is a true four-season playground.
Summer brings picnics at Point Park, cycling along scenic routes, and hiking the 8-kilometre-long Lookout Trail for sweeping lake views. The La Vérendrye Parkway is perfect for a lakeside stroll, while nearby parks and beaches offer family-friendly fun. Check out the image below by Janice Neurinski of a sunrise while walking the parkway. Here is another interesting page with information about Fort Frances.
Winter transforms the region into a snowy wonderland. Snowmobilers can ride for miles on well-groomed trails, while cross-country skiers glide through peaceful forests. Ice fishing huts dot the frozen lake, and snowshoeing, curling, and hockey keep the community buzzing even on the coldest days.
No matter when you visit, you’ll find Fort Frances ready to welcome you outdoors.
Plan Your Trip to Fort Frances
Fort Frances is the perfect mix of heritage, culture, and outdoor adventure. From catching trophy fish on Rainy Lake to shopping downtown, you'll enjoy your visit to this border community. When winter arrives, bundle up and try ice fishing, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing.
So if you’re planning a trip to Ontario’s Sunset Country, make Fort Frances more than just a stop along the way. It’s a destination all its own, and the ideal place to begin your next great Canadian adventure.
- Find out more about the Fort by visiting Destination Fort Frances
- Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce
- Rainy River Future Development Corporation
- The official Town of Fort Frances website
Give us a call at Ontario's Sunset Country at 1-800-665-7567.
Get a Free Sunset Country Guide & Map
Note: This AI-generated article was reviewed, edited and modified by Gerry Cariou, Executive Director at Ontario's Sunset Country.