2015 Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Guide 2015 | Page 52

Rainy River The border town of Rainy River is a gateway to Canada via Baudette, MN. This rural community is located within a 3 hour drive southeast of Winnipeg and just 14 miles south of Lake of the Woods. The Rainy River valley is an area of magnificent lakes and rivers, mixed woodlands and wildlife habitat, gently rolling hills and pastures. Bird enthusiasts will be happy to discover that the Rainy River area is home to over 240 species of birds. Originally a fur trading and lumber settlement, the town is a vital transportation centre for Canadian National Railways. Grain, fuel and lumber from Canada's west are shipped through Rainy River to eastern markets and ports or across the international railway bridge to the USA for overseas markets. Go back to the time of the steam engine when you visit the fully restored steam locomotive next to the Travel Information Centre. beach, volleyball court, playground and wading pool. A must see is the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre in nearby Stratton. The impressive Interpretive Centre and tour of the burial grounds will give you an appreciation of an ancient civilization. Access the resources listed below for more info on Rainy River: • www.ontariotowns.net/RainyRiver • Town of Rainy River: 807-852-3244 or www.rainyriver.ca RAINY RIVER HIGHLIGHTS • Railroad 4008 Heritage Museum • Birdwatcher's Paradise • Rainy River Walleye Tournament Rainy River boasts the terminus for the world's longest street Yonge Street (Hwy 11) which originates in Toronto. The Yonge Street sign is one of the stops on the self-guided tour of Rainy River. Other stops include elk & buffalo ranches, Pines and Hannam Park and the “Hudson's Bay Hungry Hall”. Hannam Park, located on the shores of Rainy River, is a perfect family vacation spot with its sandy • Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre • Hannam Park River Ave 52 Tower Rd Gov't Rd First St Broadway Ave Second St Third St St Fifth St Sixth St Seventh St Eigth St Fourth The River Trails wind through town and along the Rainy River. Mill Ave Cool off at the Splash Park in Hannam Park on a hot summer's day.