5 Essential Boreal Experiences in Ontario's Sunset Country

Have you always wanted to visit Sunset Country but haven't been able to? There's a saying that goes, "Good things come to those who wait," so now that the wait is over, here are five boreal forest experiences you can have right now in Ontario's Sunset Country.

Located just about two hours drive east of Winnipeg, and six hours west of Thunder Bay, our region is the perfect destination for your summer adventures. We are also close to folks who live in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. It's packed with gorgeous freshwater lakes, hundreds of thousands of miles of shoreline to explore, and plenty of fresh air and space for social distancing. Make this the summer you experience all that Northern Ontario has to offer! 

1) Freshwater Fishing

It's what almost everyone who visits here comes to do: fish.  We have a few competitors in North America regarding the variety and the size of the freshwater fish species you can catch here. We even have remote wilderness lakes you can "own" for the week. It's true: your own private lake awaits you in Sunset Country. Visitors are dropped off and picked up in a floatplane for a private fishing adventure like no other. Get ready to catch fish until your arms are sore.

2) Boreal Shorelines

Anyone who's paddled the lakes in Sunset Country understands why this tops the list. Regarding shorelines, the rugged Canadian Shield is a master artisan. Its granite structures, carved by waves, ice, winds, and gravity impacts, are billions of years old! You'll be gazing at some of the oldest rocks found on the planet, so it's a pretty cool experience. No two shorelines are the same, either. If you're looking for solitude and a place to relax, gently drifting along a boreal shoreline in Northwestern Ontario is that place. It's something worth waiting for.

3) Boreal Wildlife

Covering an area of 100,000 square kilometres, the Boreal forest in Sunset Country is home to a wide variety of bird and animal species who make it their home. There are animals of all sizes; some are elusive, while others are not. Your chances of seeing wildlife are high as you travel along a highway, walk on a trail, or paddle in a canoe. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as seeing a bull moose off the side of the highway or a mother deer encouraging her newborn fawn to take its first steps. These scenes are a common sight in Sunset Country, so always have your camera ready for the capture of a lifetime.

4) Boreal Sunsets

As the westernmost region in Ontario and the last place in the province where the sun sets each day, we've rightfully earned our reputation for spectacular sunsets. The combination of our scenic vistas, rocky shores, emerald green pines, and big skies might make them so good - we're not sure where the magic comes from. We are confident about the wonder you'll experience when gazing at one of our sunsets for the first time. It's an experience that alters you. A Sunset Country sunset may be the most memorable part of your trip here.

If anything we offer is worth the wait, gazing at the sun as it sinks below the horizon is one of them. 

5) Boreal Forest Hiking

With all that forest cover, you know we will have many great hiking trails. You may have hiked some of them if you've been here before. These gems in the Boreal have much to offer those who love the outdoors, and in many cases, there is a beautiful reward along the way or at the end of the trail. The promise of a waterfall or a freshwater lake for swimming is always just around the corner. Trails also provide excellent birding opportunities or, if you're lucky, the chance to photograph wildlife. These authentic hiking experiences are a part of what makes Sunset Country so unique. 

The bottom line is that you should take any chance to experience the wonders of the boreal forest. It's a life-changing experience that will leave you in awe of nature.

Order your free Sunset Country Travel Guide & Map for more vacation ideas.

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