Our region is dotted with many small towns and cities. Here's a quick overview of some places you can visit:
Atikokan: Located just north of the famous Quetico Provincial Park, many of you may have visited this sleepy town if you love to paddle. Quetico is a world-class canoe destination and has been for over a century. The area is in Seine River Country, and there are many interconnected lakes. some of the best trout lakes in Sunset Country are near Atikokan. More info: Tourism Atikokan
Dryden: This mill town is a major service center for just about everyone in Sunset Country and a great place to stop and visit. Located in the region's center, you can get to just about anywhere from Dryden. Many lodges and resorts are in the area, and some excellent hotels are in Dryden. Aaron Provincial Park, just east of town, is a great place to stop. More information: Dryden Tourism
Ear Falls: Located on the western shore of the famous Lac Seul, Ear Falls proudly calls itself the Bald Eagle Capital, with countless sightings of this majestic bird around the community. Lac Seul is a walleye factory for those who love to fish, and there are many resorts around the community. In town, you can stock up on all the needed supplies for your vacation. More info: Town of Ear Falls
Emo: This small town between Fort Frances and Rainy River is an essential service centre for a vigorous agricultural community - one of the few in Sunset Country. Did you know one of the smallest churches in the world - The Norlund Chapel - is located here? The area is also close to some excellent fishing lakes, and there are many retailers and a hospital. More info: Emo Facebook page
Fort Frances: One of the largest and oldest communities in Sunset Country is Fort Frances, located on the US/Canada border and along the shores of beautiful Rainy Lake. Rainy Lake is known far and wide as one of the continent's premier fisheries for smallmouth bass, and there is also excellent pike, walleye and crappie fishing on the lake. There are lots of places to shop and some nice hotels in town. More Info: fishrainylake.ca
Ignace: Located on Highway 17 between Thunder Bay and Dryden, Ignace is still a drivable destination for Manitoba visitors. While it may take a little longer, the town's location on Agimak Lake makes the drive worthwhile. This lake is great to swim in, and the beach in town is excellent. There are many lodges and resorts located on lakes in the vicinity. More info: Visit Ignace
Kenora: Kenora is the largest community in Ontario's Sunset Country and a well-known tourism destination. It is also the first community someone from Manitoba has encountered after crossing the border into Ontario. Kenora is a popular vacation destination for the day, weekend or the week. There is certainly a lot to do as there are 5 beaches you can visit in town! More information: Tourism Kenora
Kakabeka Falls: Located about 20 kilometres east of Thunder Bay, Ontario, the highlight of this small community is what many call the "Niagara of the North." Kakabeka Falls are magnificent, especially in the spring and after heavy rainfall. The gorge and falls can be safely viewed from observation decks in the Provincial Park, the entrance to which is in town. Campsites are also available, and there are several lodges in the area. More Info: Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Minaki: Located just 45 minutes north of the City of Kenora, Minaki is situated on the mighty Winnipeg River and is home to several drive-in accessible fishing lodges. Minaki was once the location of the famous Minaki Lodge, but it burned down over a decade ago. The area is a great place to visit and spend some time outdoors!
Morson: Located on the southern shore of Lake of the Woods, Morson is a true tourism community with dozens of lodges and resorts calling the area home. This part of Lake of the Woods offers spectacular fishing with many islands and tranquil backbays. Muskie fishing is really good in this part of the lake! More info: Morson Tourism Association
Nestor Falls: Tourism is what the small community of Nestor Falls is all about. Now amalgamated with Sioux Narrows, Nestor Falls is the smaller of the two communities, but it is well worth a visit. See the water flow from Crooked Pine Lake into Lake of the Woods at the falls and giving the town its name. There are many resorts and lodges on this part of the lake. More information: snnf.ca
Perrault Falls: This sleepy place has potential. You might miss it if you blink, but Perrault Falls is a place you could fall in love with. Located just south of Ear Falls on Hwy 105, some great lodge destinations offer access to the Perrault Falls Adventure Area and Cedar River watershed. There is spectacular fishing in this part of Sunset Country! More info: Perrault Falls Adventure Area
Pickle Lake: Known as "Ontario's Last Frontier," Pickle Lake is literally at the end of the road. Located at the terminus of Highway 599, it is worth the long trip to Pickle, especially if you love fishing. Incredible Lake St. Joseph and other lakes in the area offer a world-class angling experience beyond most anything else. More Info: Township of Pickle Lake
Rainy River: This railroad town and service centre for the Lake of the Woods Township is an important border entry point for US visitors into Sunset Country but not this year. You can get to Rainy River from Manitoba by taking the bypass north of Kenora on 17 and then go south on Highway 71 just past Kenora then west on Highway 11. Bucket lister is a trip to the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre. For more info: Town of Rainy River or Township of Morley
Red Lake: Red Lake Municipality is known as one of the largest gold camps in the world but it is also a big tourism destination. The Municipality is adjacent to many lakes, rivers and streams offering spectacular fishing. There are many remote outpost operators based in the Red Lake area. The Red Lake Heritage Centre is a star attraction in town. More info: Highway 105 Tourism & Marketing Board
Sioux Lookout: Located up Highway 572 just past Dryden is the community of Sioux Lookout on beautiful Pelican Lake. The area is home to the Minnitaki Chain of Lakes and the fishing is off the charts goods. Many area lodges are waiting to serve a Manitoba clientele> Sioux Lookout is a major service centre in Sunset Country and has the largest hospital in the entire region and the busiest airport. More Info: Sioux Lookout Chamber of Commerce
Sioux Narrows: Located on the east side of Lake of the Woods, Sioux Narrows is a popular travel destination for tourists from just about anywhere. Very accessible to people from Manitoba, many resorts, lodges and camping choices are available in the area. Some of the best gift shops in Sunset Country are in Sioux Narrows. More info: Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls Tourism
Shebandowan/Armstrong: Technically speaking, both these destinations are in the Superior Country region of Ontario, but we have a few members in these towns. The fishing is excellent, and paddlers and anglers alike use Armstrong as a gateway into Wabakimi Provincial Park.
Thunder Bay: Thunder Bay is the largest city in Northwestern Ontario. The city is well within the "easy to get to" travel zone for you folks from Manitoba. There is much to see and do; you should check out the waterfront development. For more info, visit Tourism Thunder Bay.
Vermilion Bay: This quiet town on Highway 17 offers access to the waters of the famous Eagle Lake, the Indian Lake Chain and many others. You can find supplies in town at excellent retail stores, and for the kids, stop by Fort Vermilion. The Red Lake Road begins in Vermilion Bay, with access to more great outdoor vacations. Blue Lake Provincial Park is just north of Vermilion Bay, and a must-stop is Egli's Sheep Farm in Minnitaki, just east of town.
