Fort Frances is the largest town in the Rainy River Region with a population of just under 8000. This border town welcomes many Americans each year as they cross the International bridge into Canada. Fort Frances has a fully-developed waterfront and is located on the shores of Rainy River near where it connects with Rainy Lake. Rainy Lake extends north and east from Fort Frances and is home to many hunting and fishing resorts. Rainy Lake is famous for its smallmouth bass fishing but lately, anglers have also been raving about the huge walleyes and great northern pike fishing. The community is home to the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship fishing tournament. It is a full-service town, with plenty of shopping and services. Accommodation choices range from hotels and motels to lodges and resorts to campgrounds. You can also fly out of Fort Frances to remote outpost camps or fly-in lodges.
Fort Frances is the oldest community west of Lake Superior. A view of the early pioneer life, aboriginal life, and displays of local arts and crafts can be found at the Fort Frances attractions such as the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre, located in the heart of the downtown shopping district. The Fort Frances Museum includes information on attractions and history of all of Northwestern Ontario. Climb up the 115 step tower located near the Sorting Gap Marina to get a bird's eye view or check out the nearby logging boat, the Hallett. The 60-foot, 57-ton boat was built in 1941 and once was the largest and most powerful boat on Rainy Lake. Walk along the waterfront on La Verendrye Parkway out to the rapids where Rainy Lake flows into Rainy River. The next half-mile takes you through Point Park and onto the shores of sparkling Rainy Lake.
Winter Vacations in Fort Frances
The Winter months in the Fort Frances are not a time to hide inside. Dressed properly, winter can be enjoyable doing one of the many activities. Snowmobiling the groomed trails, ice fishing, curling, cross-country skiing, broomball, and hockey are just a few of the activities enjoyed by residents and visitors in the area.