10 Reasons to Vacation in Ontario’s Sunset Country This Summer

Erin Rody
By Erin Rody

Staff Writer for Ontario's Sunset Country

Last Updated: April 10, 2025

Are you looking for somewhere new to travel to this summer within Canada?

If you’re looking for the perfect summer getaway in Canada, look no further than Ontario’s Sunset Country! Located in the heart of Northwestern Ontario, this region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Whether you love fishing, paddling, hiking, or simply relaxing at a lakeside lodge, Sunset Country offers an unforgettable vacation experience. Here are 10 reasons why you won't regret altering your summer vacation plans to include Sunset Country:

1. World-Class Fishing Sunset Country is home to over 70,000 lakes and rivers, making it one of the best fishing destinations in North America. Catch walleye, northern pike, bass, lake trout, crappie, muskie and perch while surrounded by stunning wilderness. Come fish where there are more lakes than people!Walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods

2. Breathtaking Scenery From towering pine forests to crystal-clear lakes, the landscapes in Sunset Country are nothing short of spectacular. Whether driving along scenic highways or paddling through remote waterways, the views are unforgettable.

Oliver Island on Lake of the Woods

3. Endless Canoeing and Kayaking Opportunities Sunset Country offers endless opportunities to explore pristine lakes and winding rivers if you love paddling. You can take a guided tour or go on a backcountry adventure in one of the many provincial parks. The three largest Ontario Wilderness Parks are Quetico, Woodland Caribou and Wabakimi.

Canoeing in Wabakimi Wilderness park

4. Remote Yet Accessible While Sunset Country feels like a remote wilderness escape, it’s surprisingly accessible. A short drive from Manitoba, an easy drive from the western provinces or a scenic road trip from Ontario’s major cities will get you here in no time. 

Map of Canada showing Ontario's Sunset Country

5. Top-Tier Hiking Trails Explore the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield on one of the many hiking trails in the region. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a challenging backcountry trek, there’s a trail for you.

6. Abundance of Wildlife Nature lovers will be in awe of the wildlife in Sunset Country. Spot moose, black bears, eagles, loons, and other iconic Canadian species while you explore the outdoors.

7. Incredible Lodging Options From rustic cabins to full-service resorts, Sunset Country offers a wide range of accommodations. Stay at a lakeside lodge where you can wake up to stunning sunrises and enjoy evenings by the fire.

Tall Pines Camp cabin interior in Perrault Falls

8. Family-Friendly Adventures Whether swimming in the clear waters, roasting marshmallows by the campfire, or taking a boat tour, Sunset Country is an ideal destination for families looking to create lasting memories. Here is a list of the Top 12 Things Kids Can Do in Sunset Country.

Spike ball at Blue lake Provincial park

9. Unplug and Reconnect with Nature Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace the peace and tranquility of Sunset Country. With limited cell service in some areas, it’s the perfect opportunity to unplug and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

10. More Lakes Than People With 70,000 lakes and rivers, you'll never run out of lakes to explore and beaches to stop at! There are large lakes like Lake of the Woods, which has 14,522 islands, Lac Seul spanning 241km (150mi), and beautiful Rainy Lake straddling the US/Canada border to boat, swim, fish, or cruise around. Sunset Country has many remote outpost lakes that you need to take a float plane to access! These lakes usually have only one cabin on them - yours! Or choose a small to medium-sized lake that you can drive to - the choice is yours. 

 Remote locations in Ontario, Canada

How to Get to Sunset Country

From Southern Ontario

Many anglers from Southern Ontario or other parts of Northern Ontario, such as Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie chose to bring their own boats. If this is your case, you'll be driving. If you are not bringing your own boat, you can choose to either drive to your lodge or fly into Thunder Bay or Winnipeg, MB. From there, your outfitter may have a shuttle service, or you can rent a car. All resorts in the area rent fishing boats, and some rent pontoon boats. Old Post Lodge on Lake St. Joseph connects anglers from southern Ontario with a personal flight service leaving from the Goderich Airport every 5 days. Depending on airport regulations, groups of 9 passengers can be flown from the airport of their choice. An additional charge for aircraft repositioning will apply.

You can take the "northern route" or Highway 17 if driving.

From Barrie, you can take Highway 11 north for the northern route. Head past Bracebridge, North Bay, and Cochrane. Highway 11 from Cochrane to Geraldton is an easy, flat drive, and then, as you head towards Nipigon, you'll see beautiful high bluffs on the left-hand side of the road. Highway 11 connects with Highway 17 (the Trans Canada Highway) at Nipigon. You will then head west on Highway 17 towards Thunder Bay and the Sunset Country region.

To take the "southern route" on the north shore of Lake Superior, from Barrie, Ontario, take the 400 north to Sudbury, where you will then go west on Highway 17 all the way to Thunder Bay. This route is busier than the north route, but the scenery along Lake Superior is beautiful. Both routes take about the same amount of time.

If you come from the Sudbury, North Bay, or Sault Ste. Marie areas, you could also take Bearskin Airlines to communities such as Pickle Lake, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, and Thunder Bay. This would shorten your travel time but increase the cost.

From Winnipeg Manitoba

Winnipeg is only 1.5 hours from the Ontario/Manitoba provincial border and the western boundary of the Sunset Country region. This proximity to the region is why so many Manitobans visit Northwest Ontario each year. Simply take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) east. Continue for 200km and you'll be in Kenora, Ontario on the north end of Lake of the Woods.

From the Western Provinces

The drive from Alberta and Saskatchewan is easy and mostly flat. Calgary is 1500 km via the Trans-Canada highway to the MB/ON border. Regina is less than 800 km of easy driving. Most travellers from Edmonton will drive to Saskatoon, then Regina, and then to Trans-Canada and Ontario.

Book Your Trip and See What All the Fuss is About!

You've probably had friends or relatives who have fished Sunset Country and raved about it. Or those who have driven across Canada and loved Northwest Ontario. Why not make it your year to go and experience it for yourself?

Visit the Sunset Country Website to find more accommodations for your vacation, order the Free Travel Guide & Map, or explore one of the following accommodations in Sunset Country below or by clicking on the quick links.

Accommodations in Sunset Country

Lodges & Resorts With Canadian Pricing

 

Kenora/Minaki

Dogtooth Lake Resort  
Gustafson’s Resort  
Minaki Marina  
Smith Camps  
Canada Outfitters 
Perch Bay Resort
 

Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

Clarke & Crombie   
Crawford’s Camp   
Crystal Harbour Resort Hotel   
Hanson’s King Island Lodge   
Helliar’s Resort   
Indianhead Lodge   
Tomahawk Resort   
Wilderness Fishing Oasis

Sioux Lookout

Anderson’s Lodge 
Moosehorn Lodge 
Red Pine Lodge 
Slate Falls Outposts

Dryden

Bonny Bay Camp 
Merkel’s Camp 
Pine Cliff Lodge 
Wabigoon Lake Outfitters

Ear Falls/Perrault Falls/Vermilion Bay

Kingfisher Lodge 
Pakwash Lake Camp 
Stanley’s Resort 
Vermilion Bay Lodge

Ignace and Highway 599

Ignace Outposts 
Old Post Lodge 
Rugby Lake Lodge 
West Point Cove Camp

Thunder Bay

Dog Lake Resort

Atikokan

Browns’ Clearwater West Lodge 
Perch Lake Lodge

Fort Frances/Emo

Campbell’s Cabins 
LaBelle’s Birch Point Camp 
Timber Wolf Lodge 
True North

Morson

Mylie’s Place Resort 
New Moon Lodge


Houseboat Rentals

Houseboat Adventures 
LOTW Floating Lodges 
Tomahawk Resort 
Ontario Wilderness Houseboat Rentals 
 

Hotels

Fort Frances

La Place Rendez-Vous 
Super 8 Fort Frances 
The Bayview Motel 
The Rainbow Motel 
The Sleepy Owl

Kenora

Super 8 Kenora

Red Lake

Balmer Hotel 
Nature’s Inn - Red Lake 
Super 8 Red Lake 
The Howey

Provincial Parks

Visit ontarioparks.com to book a campsite at a Provincial Park or these lodges with private campgrounds.

Whether this is your first trip to Ontario's Sunset Country or your 30th, we'd love to have you come to explore the Canadian Shield, Boreal Forest, and our 70,000 lakes and rivers!

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