Lake Superior – A Majestic Coast
By John Cameron
Atikokan is Worth the Trip!
Atikokan is approximately a two hour drive west of Thunder Bay, or only about one and half hours east of Fort Frances and the Canada/United States Border and just a few minutes’ drive from the junction of Highway 11 and 11B.
Downtown Atikokan boasts unique shopping experiences offering a wide variety of gift items, many of which are crafted by local and area artisans. Local and regional art is displayed in the Pictograph Gallery located in the lower level of the Voyageur Mall. Check out the mining artifacts and murals displayed throughout the downtown business section. While meandering through town, walk over to the Centennial Museum to learn more about Atikokan and “The Little Town that Could”. Atikokan has a history rich in mining and forestry which is artfully displayed and explained at the Museum.
A must see while in Atikokan is Little Falls. This natural falls on the Atikokan River is located near Little Falls Golf Course and Community Centre. The Atikokan Sportsmen’s Conservation Club has enhanced the area around the falls with trails and shelters to enrich the viewing experience. While at the Falls, take in a tour of the Sportsmen’s Club Walleye Hatchery. Tours can be arranged by appointment.
If sporting activities are more your style, Atikokan is home to one of the most challenging golf courses in Northwestern Ontario. Club and cart rentals are available at Little Falls Golf Course. Atikokan Motocross, Atikokan Mudslingers Club Annual Mudfling, Atikokan Equine Horse Back Riding and Steep Rock Riders Mountain Bike events are hosted throughout Spring, Summer and Fall at Charleson Recreation Area. The Atikokan Bass Classic is weeklong event in August, featuring an artificial lure catch and release tournament, known as the “Funnest Bass Tourney in the Great Northwest”! 2012 marks the Bass Classic’s 25 Anniversary, many exciting events are being planned.
Atikokan is an all season community, the winter months offer excellent sledding, cross country skiing and downhill skiing opportunities. Winter events include Easter Seals Snow-A-Rama, Atikokan Sno-Ho Snowmobile Rally, Beaten Path Nordic Cross Country Ski Club Chocolate Cup Race, Sawmill Lake Classic or the Cross Quetico Lakes Ski Tour, Men’s & Ladies Curling Bonspiels, just to name a few!
If you’ve taken in just a few of these activities while here in Atikokan, you’re bound to be a little hungry! Choose to dine at one of the many local restaurants, offering a wide array of menus apt to please any palate. After a delicious meal, spend the night at one of our local Hotels. A selection of resorts, campgrounds and bed and breakfasts situated on some of the most pristine lakes are within a short drive of Atikokan east or west.
Heading east after your visit to Atikokan, stop in at the Quetico Information Pavilion at Dawson Trail. There are many interesting displays depicting Quetico Park, its history and the present day. Talk to the Park Staff about the canoeing and camping opportunities throughout Quetico Provincial Park. Take a walk down the Boardwalk and enjoy a picnic lunch and swim at the Day Use Beach.
The legendary White Otter Castle, built by Jimmy McQuat in the early 1900’s still stands on White Otter Lake, definitely worth the adventure. Contact local outfitters and resorts to arrange a tour.
Come visit soon! For details and more about Atikokan and the surrounding area.