25 Top Things To Do In Sunset Country

Sunset Country is made up of four different regions in northwest Ontario and extends from Lake of the Woods to Thunder Bay. Sunset Country is truly spectacular, and yes, it really does live up to its name. The sunsets in the region area unbelievable. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a vacation getaway, the area has everything you want. Sunset Country features over 70,000 lakes and rivers. The area is known as a premium fishing destination, but of course, there are plenty of other things to do! You can get plan a getaway that’s as remote as it gets, or you can visit one of the smaller cities and towns in the area and take culture and history. There are so many things to do, on the water and off, that you might just find yourself coming back year and after to experience it all.

1. Take a cruise on Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is a gorgeous lake, dotted with over 14,000 islands. The M.S. Kenora showcases the best of the lake. The cruises, which last for two hours or just over two hours, showcases the best of Lake of the Woods. Even if you have a lot of time to explore the area, it’s definitely worth booking a cruise. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Kenora, for good reason. The cruise ship even has dining options!
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2. Fish for monsters on Eagle Lake

Along with Lake of the Woods, Eagle Lake is perhaps one of northwest Ontario’s best known lakes for fishing for trophy sized muskie. Each year, fish in the fifty inch range are caught. Located west of Dryden and about an hour east of Kenora, Eagle never disappoints. Large walleye and trophy sized pike can also be caught in the lake. It’s not unheard of to catch large lake trout and football sized smallmouth bass either. The lake itself boasts incredible and diverse terrain, spectacular scenery, and is dotted with islands. Even if you get skunked, it’s still a truly beautiful place to explore.

3. Visit Egli’s Sheep Farm

Located approximately fifteen minutes west of Dryden, Egli’s Sheep Farm is a true gem. Not only does the farm feature self-guided tours to see many different types of animals on over eighty acres, the farm also has a very popular store which features many different sheep skin products made right on location.
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4. See the falls in Nestor Falls

Just off Highway 71, in Nestor Falls, is the Nestor Waterfall. There is a park built right beside the falls, so you can plan to take a break or enjoy lunch there. It’s probably not a drive to destination specifically to see, but if you’re staying in the Lake of the Woods area or Sioux Narrows area, it’s definitely worth checking it out.
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5. Check out the Sioux Narrows Bridge

Sioux Narrows is located along the east shore of Lake of the Woods. The Sioux Narrows Bridge, built in the 1930’s, is a historical landmark. It was actually the longest single span bridge in the entire world! When it was rebuilt in 2007, some of the timbers from the old bridge were salvaged and re-used. There’s a park on the one side of the bridge, so if you venture out to see it, you can stop and have lunch afterwards or enjoy a walk.
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6. Rent a houseboat and explore Lake of the Woods in style

Ontario Wilderness Houseboats, based out of Morson, is located on the shores of Lake of the Woods. Once you get on your houseboat though, you’re right in the heart of beautiful Lake of the Woods. You can explore, fish, swim, dine, and take in all the natural wonders on your own schedule. Oh, and there really isn’t anything like spending a night on the water and watching one of Sunset Country’s spectacular evening skies come alive right before dark.
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7. Camp Out at Aaron Provincial Park

The Park, located approximately twenty minutes east of Dryden, on the shores of Thunder Lake, is truly a gorgeous place. Just off Highway 17, it’s a great place to plan to stop for a night, and an even better area to plan a family getaway around. The area comes complete with a gorgeous lake perfect for watersports, swimming, or a day at the beach. There is also a small falls area and bridge for viewing located in the park.
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8. Walk the Roy Wilson suspension bridge in Dryden.

Located just off of downtown Dryden is the Roy Wilson suspension bridge. The thirty-four meter bridge spans the Wabigoon River just off the city’s walking paths. Below the bridge lies an impressive set of rapids.
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9. Take in the Trout Music Festival in Ear Falls

The Trout Music Festival is always a can’t miss. With over twenty-five performers every single year, over a three day stretch, (this year the Festival is on from Aug 7-9th) the Festival is a great outdoor experience for people of all ages. Come for a day, or camp out for the weekend. The day and weekend passes for the Festival are quite affordable. Details

10. Take in Raleigh Falls by Ignace

The beautiful Raleigh Falls are located just west of Ignace. The falls are breathtaking. Whether you’re staying in the area, or just passing through, you should definitely take the time to stop and see them.
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11. Spend a day on or by Sandbar Lake

Located by Ignace, Sandbar Lake Provincial Park is the perfect setting for outdoor adventure. The lake features an extensive sandy beach and crystal clear waters. Hike or bike through the forest, complete with towering 300 year old white and red pines. The lake is perfect for canoeing and kayaking and serves as a gateway for longer trips (some that take almost two weeks to complete!). The lake is also teeming with fish, perfect for anglers.
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12. Snap a photograph with some giant wildlife

Kenora features Husky the Muskie in McLeod Park and Dryden has Max the Moose, two huge statues just right for that perfect photograph. Kenora and Dryden are only about an hour and a half apart, so you can easily do them both in the same day. If you passing through along the Trans-Canada, they make for the perfect stopping points. Husky the Muskie is located along the water’s edge in Kenora (you do have to leave the highway to get to Kenora, but it’s only about a twenty minute detour) and Max the Moose is right along the highway when you’re passing through Dryden, located right by the Naked North Art Gallery & Gifts, which is also worth stopping in at!

13. Take in the Norseman Festival in Red Lake

Every year, the history of the Noorduyn Norseman bushplane is celebrated in the town of Red Lake. The festival runs from July 17-19 this year and includes live music, and a ton of other fun events for everyone!
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14. Check out the Sioux Lookout Blueberry Festival

If you’re happen to be from northwest Ontario or have visited in the summer, you know that blueberries grow wild and plentiful in much of the region. The Blueberry Festival, in Sioux Lookout, is so much more than just berries. The Festival is generally held in the beginning of Aug and runs for nine days. It features all sorts of fun activities for the whole family.
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15. Go out to rock out

The Kenora Harbourfest, running from July 31- Aug 2nd this year (2020), is packed full of great Canadian artists and performers. Located along the Lake of the Woods harbour front in Kenora, it’s truly an experience.
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16. Go for a picnic at Little Falls, Atikokan

The beautiful and scenic Little Falls are located right in Atikokan. The area features a sheltered picnic area and picnic tables, perfect for that afternoon or evening escape. It doesn’t get better than eating lunch or dinner right by such spectacular scenery.
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17. Plan a paddling trip at Quetico Provincial Park

If you’re a kayaking or canoeing enthusiast, Quetico Provincial Park has to be on your bucket list. This beautiful wilderness park features all the best of the unspoiled north including rocky outcrops, waterfalls, towering pines, dense forests, and pristine waters. You can plan a trip that lasts for a few days or one that lasts for weeks. With over two thousand lakes, there is literally no end to the exploring you can do in the incredible backcountry wilderness.
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18. Take a drive to see a tiny church

The Norlund Chapel is located in Emo, about thirty minutes from Fort Frances. This little gem is considered to be one of the smallest churches in the world. The original church actually burnt to the ground in the 1970’s, but the steeple was saved and a new, tiny chapel was constructed.
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19. Boat out to see the Rainy Lake Mermaid

The statuesque sculpture known as the Rainy Lake Mermaid is one of those little hidden gems that you just have to see. Rainy Lake is located near Fort Francis. You can plan an entire adventure just to take in this nearly one hundred year old landmark. The mermaid was constructed in the 1930’s by an architect from Minneapolis who used to come and visit family who had a cabin on Rainy Lake. If you’re in the area and happen to venture into Red Lake, stop in and see the Logging Tug Hallet as well!
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20. Take in the Kakabeka Falls

Located thirty minutes west of Thunder Bay, is the incredible Kakabeka Falls. At forty meters high, the falls are actually the second highest in the whole province. There is a viewing area that offers spectacular views of the falls. The whole area is historic and beautiful. It’s worth planning a day trip to see the falls, but you might want to also consider camping out for the week and making a true adventure of it!
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21. Spend a day at Fort William Historical Park

Located in Thunder Bay, Fort William Historical Park features two hundred and fifty acres of historical and modern buildings dedicated to bringing history to life. Learn all about the North West Company and the fur trade. The park isn’t just a pretty cool way to spend the day, it also offers many different types of programs including workshops and overnight adventures!
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22. Plan a fishing adventure

Northwest Ontario is known to be one of the best fishing destinations in the entire country. From Lac Seul to Lake of the Woods, Eagle Lake to Atikokan, Wabigoon to Rainy Lake, Pickle Lake to Thunder Bay, and all the Provincial Parks in between, the angling is unbeatable. Whether you’re looking for a lake or river, a week long getaway, or a day trip, something casual or something competitive like a bass or walleye tournament, and whatever species you’re targeting, Sunset Country has you covered. There are so many different spots, it’s impossible to pick just one. The sites below will help get you started in your planning.
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23. Learn all about the Experimental Lakes Area

Located west of Vermilion Bay, the Experimental Lakes Area is truly unique. The incredible freshwater research facility has been in the area for fifty years now. You can learn all about their mission, their research, and how to plan a visit, on their website.
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24. Spend a day at Blue Lake Provincial Park

Located only a short drive from Vermilion Bay is the gorgeous Blue Lake Provincial Park. If you’re looking to hit the beach for a day or searching for that perfect family getaway, look no further! Blue Lake is renowned for its clear waters and incredible beach. The lake bottom is weedless for the most part, which makes swimming much more enjoyable! It’s also the perfect lake for watersports, canoeing, and kayaking.
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25. Take a day trip to Pigeon River Provincial Park

Located only a short distance from Thunder Bay, Pigeon River boasts some truly scenic countryside and breathtaking falls. The area is rich in history, and the day use park is perfect for hiking, picnics, and exploring. The High Falls stand at twenty-eight meters, while Middle Falls is six meters high. They’re spectacular, so be sure to bring your camera!
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