2017 Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Guide 2017-SC-Guide-Digital | Page 59

KAY-NAH-CHI-WAH-NUNG BEAUTIFUL RAINY LAKE
Meaning “The Place of the Long Rap-
ids” in the native language Obijway,
Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung is situated
where people have gathered for
thousands of years. Located along
the beautiful Rainy River, this area
contains the largest group of burial
mounds in Canada. Also referred to
as Manitou Mounds, the Historical Centre contains exhibits from
the Anishnaabeg, one of Canada’s indigenous peoples. Fishing is one of the main reasons
people choose to visit Sunset Coun-
try. The sheer quantity of lakes, com-
bined with accessibility and quality
fishing makes this area the perfect
spot for tourists just south of the
border who are looking for a quick
getaway. Rainy Lake has some of the
best smallmouth and walleye fishing, and being directly across
the US/Canada border it’s easy to get to.
RAIL TIES RACE TO THE FINISH
Due to the remoteness and the dif-
ficult terrain of the land, one of the
main ways early Canadians travelled
between northern communities was
via rail. See a 4008 Steam Engine,
which was build to head a line of cars
that chauffeured both people and
goods in Rainy River. Peek inside the
restored, antique railway passenger car and explore the inside
of a caboose. There’s more to Sunset Country than
lakes and trees. Communities are full
of family friendly entertainment and
have a little something for everyone.
Race car enthusiasts can stop off to
see specially tuned motorcars battle
it out on the Speedway in Emo. While
in Emo, also check out the Emo Mu-
seum near the shores of the beautiful Rainy River.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF TRIP WOODED DOWRY
Canada is home to some of the
largest boreal forests in the world,
and Sunset Country is no exception.
Quetico Provincial Park shares it’s
borders with Minnesota’s Boundary
Waters and hosts some of the finest
canoeing and fishing in Northwestern
Ontario. Get lost in over 1,000,000
acres of forest and lakes and stay at one of 2,000 backcountry
campsites spread throughout the park. Accessible only by float plane, canoe
or snowmobile, the White Otter
Castle is located between Ignace and
Atikokan on White Otter Lake. Com-
pleted in 1915 by the famed hermit
James “Jimmy” McOuat, this 3 story
tall log cabin is constructed entirely
from enormous red pine which were
single-handedly felled and stacked by Jimmy himself in court-
ship of a lady, whom he met through correspondence.
COMMUNITIES
ATIKOKAN If you like to paddle, then Atikokan has what you’re
looking for. Quetico Provincial Park is a world-renowned paddling
destination and the bonus is that the lakes in the interior of the
park offer outstanding fishing! The mighty Seine River flows near-
by and the chain of lakes in the area offer the region’s premier
bass fishing experience. Get groceries and other supplies in town
and if you visit in August, take in the weigh-ins or other events at
the Atikokan Bass Classic.
visitatikokan.com
EMO Traveling west on Highway 11 takes you through Emo, a
farming centre and another place you can stock up on supplies.
Emo is well known for hosting the first fishing tournament of the
year the Emo Walleye Classic which takes place on the Rainy
River in early June. The Norlund Chapel is one of the smallest
churches anywhere at 8’x10’ it can hold just 8 people!
emo.ca
FORT FRANCES Fort Frances, Ontario is situated on the border
with its US sister town being International Falls, Minnesota. This
makes Fort Frances the literal Gateway to Ontario’s Sunset Coun-
try and the town’s slogan “boundless” reflects everything the
town offers and is about. Attending big events such as the Fort
Frances Canadian Bass Championship on Rainy Lake and the Har-
mony of Nations Music Festival are just two examples of interest-
ing things to do when visiting the town. Right across from where
you cross the border into Canada is the Fort Frances Information
Centre. Make sure you stop in for a visit and get a picture of you
and your family or friends with a life-sized Canadian moose. There
is also a wall display showing the beauty of the Fort Frances area
and Northwest Ontario through imagery! Downtown Fort Frances
has good shopping so pick up your license, get groceries and
supplies and enjoy your stay!
fort-frances.com
RAINY RIVER Another gateway to Sunset Country is the border
Town of Rainy River, just across the bridge from Baudette, MN.
Hannam Park and the splash pool located there is a great place to
visit and cool down on those hot summer days. This area is well-
known to avid birdwatchers as many species of songbirds nest
here in the summer. Take a hike on some great trails near the park.
rainyriver.ca
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