Stratton, Ontario on the banks of the Rainy River

Until 1901, the main settlements within the Township of Morley were Boucherville and the original town of Rainy River a few miles west, both situated along the Rainy River itself. The town of Beaver Mills later took the name Rainy River. In 1901 the Canadian Northern Railway came to the area roughly two miles north of the settlement of Boucherville. An immediate move was made to establish a town-site close to the railway station. Railroad officials named the new town Stratton after J. R. Stratton, a provincial secretary. Stratton quickly became the business centre of both the Morley and Pattullo townships. In 1903, Morley Municipality, an amalgamation of these two townships, was formed, and Stratton became the seat of administration.

The Long Sault Indian Reserve was on the east side. It was once the site of an Ojibway Village, a favourite meeting place for the tribe, coming from each direction. Only the burial mounds remain to tell of their former importance. Many of the Indians sickened and died, and the survivors were moved to the Manitou Reserve. Most of the new settlers travelled by train to Rat Portage (Kenora) and then on wood burning steamers through Lake of the Woods to the Rainy River. The Edna Bridges, the Agwinda and the Kenora were a few of these boats. The settlers brought their furniture and their livestock with them. These boats also brought supplies of food and mail. When they came to the rapids at Long Sault and Manitou, the Indians hauled them over with ropes. They were paid with bags of flour. The settlers sold wood to the boats to fire the boilers. The first homesteads were laid out in lots along the river front.

Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre

Stratton is near the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre - a National Historic Site in Canada. The site has ancient Burial Mounds that are of great spiritual significance to the local First Nations people. The site is also called the "Manitou Mounds". On site is an Interpertive Centre, Fish Hatchery and extensive land along the banks of the Rainy River. Guided Tours of the Interpetive Centre, the grounds and the Round House are available. Purchase local Aboriginal arts and crafts in the Gift shop or eat traditional food in the restaurant located in the Interpretive Centre. Each May, the Rainy River First nation puts on a delicious fish fry where one can see the site and enjoy terrific tasting food.

Use the links showing here to locate all members of our association with operations in or around Stratton. Go ahead and start clicking your way to a wilderness adventures, vacations, and outdoor experiences that have few rivals in North America!

If you want additional information on Northwestern Ontario, the Sunset Country Travel Association produces a Free Travel Guide that includes a poster-sized map of the area showing the locations of Ontario accommodations. You can order your free copy here or call us toll free at 1-800-665-7567. Enjoy!

Township of Morley [Website]
Box 40 Stratton, Ontario, Canada P0W 1N0
807-483-5455

Northwestern Ontario Tourism Association [Website]
Box 59 Morson, Ontario, Canada P0W 1J0
807-488-5514