Things to see and do in Ontario's Sunset Country

Whether you are staying at a resort for the week, at a campground or just passing through, there is lots do see and do in Sunset Country. The key to your enjoyment is to get outdoors and enjoy the area's natural beauty. Things you can do include hiking, boating, shopping, and of course, fishing. Visit local attractions such as museums, or just go downtown and take in the ambience of small towns and cities in Northwestern Ontario. Many unique stores and places to eat await you. Find that perfect souvenir of your trip to Ontario.

Many communities also have recreational facilities including golf courses. swimming pools, beaches, parks, as well as walking and biking trails. Several of the communities in Sunset Country have beautifully developed waterfront areas where you can sit and take in the view or have a picnic. Watch float planes land and takeoff on the water or cast a fishing line into the lake and try your luck. On a rainy day, you can go into town and go bowling, to a movie or to a nightclub and have a great time with your friends.

During the summer months, there is always some activity going on in town be it a major festival or a small street party, a charity or a sporting event like a fishing tournament. Go out and see the thrill of the weigh-in at a fishing tournament or see a band perform live at an outdoor venue. You can check out our Event's Calendar or our list of fishing tournaments and see what's happening during your stay.

Here are samples of the things to do while vacationing in Ontario's Sunset Country:

Get up close to Max the Moose in Dryden

Proudly standing at the tourist information centre, Max the Moose presides over the Trans-Canada Highway. In honour of his ancestors, cousins, and friends of the wilderness, this burly beast, with head raised, captures the spirit of Sunset Country and a city that offers a great jumping off point to the outdoors in Northwestern Ontario. Moosefest is the community festival that celebrates Max and is an event not to be missed.

More info: Moosefest Website

Get Bit at the Pickle Lake Black Fly Festival

The popular Pickle Lake Blackfly Festival attracts people from all over North America. Held every year on the Canada Day Weekend, you'll have a great time and you won't get bit by any black flies, well ok maybe a few. Events include horseshoe tournaments, minnow races, airplane rides, beach barbeque, snowcone & cotton candy, fireworks, canoe races & more. Come visit & experience "Ontario's Last Frontier" where the people are fun & friendly!

More info: Township of Pickle Lake

Go Fishing on a Canadian Wilderness Lake

Sunset Country is Canada's premier fishing destination. No where else in Canada can you access such a concentrated number of lakes in one region. There are over 70,000 lakes up here and they are loaded with walleye, trout, pike, bass and muskie and we offer some of North America's best jumbo black crappie fishing. Fly fishers can access trophy brook trout up to 8 pounds on Arctic watershed rivers. We have Canada's best wilderness fishing experience be it a trip with your buddies or your family.

More info: Visit our Canada Fishing Website

Music in the Woods at the Trout Forest Music Festival

Every August the Trout Forest Music Festival is staged at the Ear Falls Waterfront Park, just one hour north of Vermillion Bay on Highway 105. Camping on the shores of the English River, part of the Historic Red Lake Gold Rush Trail, and the late night jam sessions around the bonfires make for a memorable experience of Music in the Woods. The Trout features workshops, creative arts selection, great food and the best in Northern hospitality with the beautiful Trout Lake Forest as a pristine backdrop.

More info: Trout Forest Music Festival Site

Go back in time at the Founder's Museum - Pioneer Village

You can experience first hand the life of the Pioneers who settled this region at the Founder's Museum and Pioneer Village near Thunder Bay. This is a top notch, not to be missed attraction with authentic displays from a time long gone. From the General Store to the Blacksmith Shop there are many interesting things to see and do.

More info: Founder's Museum - Pioneer Village website