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 is a sample of the many things you can do while vacationing in Ontario's Sunset Country:

Attend the Norseman Festival in Red Lake, Ontario

The Festival is held in downtown Red Lake on its main street, Howey Street, located along the west shore of Red Lake's Howey Bay. The Festival is a street festival. The street is closed from Saturday morning until Sunday evening and becomes a mix of activities ranging from stage entertainment, children games and rides, contests, cultural and historical displays, street vendors with-craft & specialty booths, great food and fireworks to the aviation activities and static displays on Howey Bay itself.

More info: Norseman Festival Website

Explore the Lighthouse in Barwick

While no longer used for navigation purposes, the Barwick lighthouse is a very interesting roadside attraction for tourists in Sunset Country. It's stone construction is in itself, beautiful to look at and you can peer inside and imagine exactly what purpose the structure performed in its hey day in the first half of the 20th century.

More info: Morson Tourism

Take a Stroll on the LaVerendrye Parkway in Fort Frances

The LaVerendrye Parkway is a beautiful brick walking path along the shores of incredible Rainy Lake in Northern Ontario. Take a stroll and see many of sights that Fort Frances has to offer. Enjoy the beauty of the lake, it wildlife and its scenery and watch the bustling activity on the water.

More info: Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce

Go for a Cruise on the MS Kenora

One of Northwestern Ontario's premier attractions is the MS Kenora cruise ship. The ship cruises on Lake of the Woods three times daily during the summer months. See the incredible natural surroundings of Lake of the Woods and enjoy the warm summer breeze on the top deck.

More info: MS Kenora Website

Learn about the Legend of Sioux Lookout

One of the most intriguing parts of local aboriginal history is the legend of Sioux Lookout. Folklore has it that a band of invading Sioux warriors, bent on slaughtering the Ojibway people, were tricked into thinking there would be little resistance, only to discover a trap had been carefully set for them by their would-be victims. The legend states these Ojibway warriors hid on Sioux Mountain (seen in the background of the photo above) and ambushed the invading Sioux.

More info: Sioux Lookout Chamber of Commerce