Things to Do in Red Lake, Ontario

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Attractions & Activities in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada

Red Lake, Canada is full of things to do. Visit the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre. The Centre is a major regional tourist attraction and cultural facility that interprets all aspects of the culture and heritage of the area. Services of the new centre include a regional museum, regional historical archives, interpretive information about Woodland Caribou Park, tourist brochures, a multi-purpose room for temporary exhibitions/travelling exhibits and a gift shop.

Crull Rock & Mineral Collection 
Erle and Germain Crull arrived in the Red Lake District in 1945. Over the years, Erle, a geologist at Dickerson Mine, (now Goldcorp Inc. - Red Lake Mine) acquired more than 2,400 rock and mineral specimens from Canadian mines and rock shops. Erle's son, Roland, recalls that during the summer holidays the family would barter rocks, from the Red Lake mines for specimens from other locations. Coming home, the trunk, and often the back seat of the car would be filled to capacity with Erle's treasures. When Erle passed away in 1992, the municipality acquired the collection and displayed it in the lobby of the municipal office in Balmertown, for everyone to enjoy. There are close to 2,000 samples exhibited, including spectacular gold specimens from the local mines. Towering over the cabinets are twelve 8'x 4' photographs of headframes of the mines that operated in the area over the years. The lobby also features a quilt, crafted by local quilters, which illustrates the history of the area, and a scaled model of a Norseman plane, built by local aviation enthusiast Bob Green. The exhibit is part of the Red Lake District Museum and Archives collection. The display can be seen all year round, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Admission is free.

Red Lake Fall Classic: Yearly on Labour Day Weekend at the Government Dock in Red Lake. 135 boats participate in a 2-day tournament competing for a top prize of over $10,000. There is also a junior championship on Saturday for children up to 12 years old.

Float Plane Operations: All through the summer residents and visitors enjoy the sounds of the float planes taking off and landing on the local waterways.

Many Lakes: Throughout the region you will find the scenic beauty of uncountable lakes.

McKenzie Island: Located across the water from Cochenour, McKenzie Island boasts a close-knit unique community. The rest of the Island is mostly wilderness and boast some one of a kind cross-country ski trails.

Miss McKenzie Ferry: The Miss McKenzie Ferry transports people are goods across the lake from Cochenour to McKenzie Island in the summer months. Once the water freezes people drive or walk across.

Nature Trails: There are walking trails in the area for those who enjoy the calm serenity of a nature walk.

Outdoor Art Gallery: Come and check out the Outdoor Art Gallery on display during the summer months in the Red Lake District. Many local artists have created 50 banners, which are hung on the new lighting in the downtown core and in Balmertown.

Red Lake Area Golf & Country Club: The Red Lake Golf and Country Club offers some of the best golfing in Northwestern Ontario. 18 challenging holes offer an excellent mix of long holes, open and wooded fairways, elevation changes and water. All of this set in the beauty of Northwestern Ontario.

Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre: Want to learn the history of the area? The Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre is the place to go! Learn about the aboriginal people who live here and their ancestors, learn about how the Red Lake gold industry began as well as the aviation history of the area. 

The Gallery: See work by local artists at The Gallery. Located in Red Lake it is a gathering place for artists and art lovers alike. Come and check out what talent Red Lake has to offer!

Variety of Resorts: Red Lake is the home base or many fly-In and boat-in resorts and outposts. If your taste is to remain a little closer to civilization there are lodges located in the town of Red Lake as well.

Various Gift Shops and Boutiques: The area boasts a variety of gift shops for every occasion and souvenirs. In Red Lake, you're bound to find something unique.

Wildlife: Whether you're driving to Red Lake, fishing, having a game of golf, or just lounging outdoors keep your eyes open for the variety of wildlife in the area.

Woodland Caribou Park This northern wilderness "where nature still rules" is so remote that canoe trippers and sport fishing enthusiasts can penetrate its interior and reach the backcountry campsites and outpost lodges only by water or by air. Home to one of the largest herds if woodland caribou south of Hudson Bay, this weathered Arctic watershed, once travelled by fur traders, promises ancient pictographs, howling wolves under starry skies, soaring eagles, solitude and adventure.

Structured Public ATV Trails 
Some of the trails used for hiking are multipurpose trails and are used for ATVing.

Public Beaches 
Rahill Beach - located just off Highway 125 between Balmertown and Cochenour. It boasts a well-maintained beach, tennis court, beach volleyball area, playground, picnic area and washroom facilities. 
Kinsmen Beach - located just off Forestry Road in Red Lake. It is a long clean beach with playground and picnic area and washroom facilities.

Attractions in Red Lake