Ontario's Sunset Country has 70,000 lakes, rivers and streams in the heart of the Canadian wilderness. There are more lakes here than people, and you can access them by road, boat or floatplane and find the perfect place to stay. Staying at a remote outpost cabin means you "own" the lake for the time you are there! Fish until your arms are sore and explore true wilderness locations and an authentic backcountry experience while staying in the comfort of your cabin.
The flatwater canoeing is better here than anywhere else; you will never run out of places to paddle and go wilderness camping. Go fishing, hunting or get out for a cruise in Sunset Country. We've got large lakes, small remote lakes, fast-moving rivers, crystal clear lakes, tea-stained lakes and everything in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many lakes are there in Ontario and in Sunset Country?
A: Ontario has about 20% of the planet's freshwater that is not permanently locked in ice. That means there are around 250,000 lakes in Ontario, and about 70,000 of those are located in Sunset Country in Northwestern Ontario.
Q: Is it true that there are more lakes than people in Ontario's Sunset Country?
A: We are not kidding you when we say that. Sunset Country's border on the east ends just before the City of Thunder Bay, and goes west all the way to the Manitoba border. If you count the population of all the towns and cities in that area, as well as First Nations communities, the total comes out to around 65,000 people.
Q: How many species of fish can I catch in the lakes, rivers and streams in Ontario's Sunset Country?
A: While it depends on how many lakes you fish and which ones, you can catch at least eight species and possibly more if you work at it. That list includes walleye, small and largemouth bass, black crappie, northern pike, muskie, lake trout, brook trout, whitefish, burbot and perch. Add in fish like suckers, and stocked fish like rainbow trout, then more than ten, but who's counting?
Q: Can I really "own" a lake in Sunset Country?
A: Yes and no, while you can't technically buy a lake, you can go to an outpost cabin, usually a fly-in, where you and your fishing party are the only people on the lake while you are there. That's kind of like "owning" it, even if only for seven days.
Q: Can I bring my own boat to Canada? What are the regulations?
A: Yes, you are allowed to bring your boat to Canada. Key steps include thoroughly draining, cleaning and drying the inside and outside of your boat, including livewells, to prevent invasive species from entering our lakes. Leave your plugs open. It is recommended that you bring a receipt if you brought your boat to a cleaning station. You are not allowed to import bait into Canada from the USA, live or dead, no exceptions. Make sure your boat is registered in your state, and you have an approved PFD for each person. Have a flashlight, rope, a sound device, and other safety equipment. Trailers must be registered.
Use our list of lakes below to find a place to stay on the lake you want to visit.