The year 2025 has the potential to be a record year for domestic travel in Canada, and in that context, Northwestern Ontario is a great destination to consider. But the question becomes, what is there to do here? No problem, this article gives an overview of 10 things you can do this summer in Ontario's Sunset Country. These activities are suitable if you're travelling through the region or if you are staying for a while.
Here are 10 fun things you can do this summer in Sunset Country:
Whether you are travelling through or visiting for a time, attending one of our summer farmer's markets is a must-do! You can find a local market in any one of these communities:
If you're visiting Kenora or just passing through, check to see if there is a scheduled cruise available on the MS Kenora. You can check the schedule here. See the magnificent beauty of Ontario's Lake of the Woods, a lake with 14,522 islands, beautiful rocky shores and sand beaches, and many beautiful cottages. You'll be awestruck by the beauty of the lake, and you have an excellent chance to see wildlife, including eagles, loons, white pelicans, and maybe even a bear on the shoreline!
There are over 300 lodges, resorts and outposts in Sunset Country. You have the choice of driving, boating in, or even flying into one of these jewels in the wilderness. You can experience excellent swimming, fishing, or just relax by the lake for a week. Go hiking, biking or explore the shorelines and make sure to bring your camera. You could capture the shot of a lifetime.
Summertime is when Indigenous communities across Northwestern Ontario hold pow wows. If you have never attended a pow wow, you are missing out! Deep cultural traditions, communicated through song, dance and drumming, are performed for the audience. If you want to learn more about the traditions of Canada's Indigenous Peoples, attending a pow wow is a great place to start. See the image below for a list of 2025 pow wows in the Treaty 3 Territory (Northwestern Ontario).
Lake of the Woods has 14,522 islands and thousands of miles of shoreline. Along the shores, you'll find wilderness sand beaches, and these are great places to moor your boat overnight. You can also sample the lake's incredible fishing and of course, go swimming. It's a floating lodge! Learn more about houseboat vacations in Sunset Country.
Northwestern Ontario has an interesting history. This history is on display at the local museums and theme parks. Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay and the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre in Stratton, near Rainy River, are definite "must-sees" if you are travelling in the area. However, each community has a museum highlighting that community's past. Some of the artifacts and exhibits are truly mind-blowing. Go here for a list of museums in Sunset Country.
Summertime is festival and event season in Northwestern Ontario. With the warm temperatures, almost every community has something going on. Some events are held over several days, so you can make a destination trip out of going to one. Whether you love music, history, culture or fishing (there are some major fishing tournaments), you'll be sure to have a great time! Visit this page for more information on festivals and events in Sunset Country this season.
There are so many places that you can go camping in Northwestern Ontario, it's hard to know where to start. Your options include private, full-service campgrounds, Provincial Parks, or, for the adventurous, take a canoe trip and camp along the route. Whatever you decide to do, we know that you will have fun. Sit beside a campfire, look up at the millions of stars that show themselves in our dark skies, or, if you're lucky, you might even see the northern lights.
If you love fishing and you want the chance to catch fish and win some money, then make sure you stop in Dryden, Ontario and venture out on Wabigoon Lake to try and catch one of their tagged fish. There are over $10,000.00 in tagged walleyes swimming in the lake, and if you're lucky enough to catch one, the payday is substantial! The tagged fishing contest goes on all summer season and is overseen by the Dryden Trailblazer Tourism Association.
Outside of a boat, the best way to see the beauty of Ontario's Sunset Country is from the seat inside a floatplane. As you fly over the landscape, you'll marvel at the endless lakes, the emerald green forest and the rugged and rocky outcrops. Many of the float plane bases in communities like Kenora or Red Lake offer these tours to visiting tourists and locals alike. It's well worth the money spent, and you'll be in awe of the raw beauty of the land below.
We could go on with more suggestions for things to do in Northwestern Ontario, but from the ten examples outlined above, we think that should have piqued your interest. If you want more suggestions, visit the local Tourism Information Centre in the community you are visiting or give the Sunset Country Office a call at 1-800-665-7567.
