See wildlife, waterfalls and wonder!

One of the oft-overlooked aspects of Sunset Country is the true wilderness eco-tourism experience it offers. Your journey into the backcountry poses both risks and rewards...

Nature Up Close and Personal

With over 100,000 square kilometers of forested lands and at least 70,000 freshwater lakes, Sunset Country was made for the ecotourist. With the vast wilderness landscapes, this is definitely a place where nature thrives! There is an incredible amount of wildlife and bird species that live in our forests—great for the nature photographer, the artist/painter, or the avid birdwatcher. The Rainy River District in particular is a great place for bird watching.
 

DryberryLakeNorthwestOntario (640x458)

Dryberry Lake in Northwest Ontario

For the nature lover or photographer that wants to see and photograph large mammals well we have a lot of those too! In our forests, you will find black bear, timber wolves, whitetail deer, and of course, moose. In some very special areas such as Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, you can also see the elusive and threatened woodland caribou—a rare sight indeed.

Moose

Beautiful view of a moose in Sunset Country

Many people are much more environmentally conscious in this day and age and now seek to learn about the natural world around them. This includes learning about the flora within the Canadian Shield Boreal Forest and ecosystem. We have thousands of places you can go on a short hike and see the succession of plant life within the forest - from the forest floor all the way up to the tree canopy.

BeautifulSwamp

Swamps in Sunset Country have an abundance of wildlife

If you are an experienced mushroom picker then Sunset Country has some treasures that await you. Obviously, only do this activity if you are experienced at it and only if you know how to identify mushroom species. We say this because if you pick and eat the wrong kind of mushroom, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble really quickly. Berries also glitter the terrain and there is nothing sweeter than the taste of a fresh blueberry or raspberry picked in the wild.

Get up close and personal with Mother Nature in Northwestern Ontario. Here is a list of tourist outfitters that service the ecotourist. Contact them and get started planning your ecotourism vacation in Ontario's Sunset Country!

About Gerry Cariou

Gerry is the Executive Director of Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Association and is an avid fisherman and nature photographer. Gerry has been writing about Sunset Country's varied travel experiences for over 20 years and lives these experiences year-round in Kenora, Ontario.

Recommended Articles

Is the 1,400 Kilometre Drive to Northwest Ontario For a Fishing Trip Worth it?

It depends if you want to catch hundreds of fish a day or not!

6 Ways to Get Your 10,000 Steps This Fall

Strap on your fitness tracker and hike one of these beautiful trails in Northwest Ontario.

Top 5 Reasons You Should Be Fishing in Morson, Ontario

Looking for somewhere new to fish? Check out this hidden gem on Lake of the Woods.

Has not having a passport kept you from vacationing in Canada?

It's easier to get than you may think!

Discover The Winnipeg River

From fur traders to trophy anglers, the beauty hasn't changed.

Enjoy Sunset Country's Fall Colours on Your Next Road Trip

Goodbye summer, hello autumn!

Fishing in the Fall?

Here's some walleye fishing tips as the weather cools down.

6 Reasons to Book a Fall Vacation to Sunset Country

Sunny days + cool nights + zero bugs = heaven on Earth.

10 Reasons to Avoid Ontario

Haters of wilderness, wildlife, and quiet: best steer clear.

A Guide to Sunset Country Museums

15 places to discover history on your next visit to Ontario's Northwest.

5 Amazing Sights You Can Only See By Boat

From mermaids to boat-in museums, the Northwest corner of Ontario has some of the coolest sights to see on water!

Fall Fishing Tips

As the weather cools down, the fishing heats up in Sunset Country!

5 Essential Boreal Experiences in Ontario's Sunset Country

Freshwater fishing, forest hiking, and sunset views await in this pristine paradise

5 Obscure Facts About Northwestern Ontario: Were You Aware of These?

Here are 5 facts that most people don't know about Sunset Country.

Outdoor Medicine

Here's why experiencing the natural world is good for you—and your health.

A Guide to Bringing Your Pets on Vacation to Canada

Here's what you need to know to enjoy a relaxing getaway with your favourite furry friend.

Heading Across Canada?

Here's what you need to know about Sunset Country (from the giant moose statues to the even bigger waterfalls)

There's more than just fishing in the Red Lake Region

Although the fishing's pretty good too!

Going fishing in Ontario?

Your lodging has just the boat you need!

Outdoor Adventure in Ontario's Northern Paradise

On the links, on the trails, and on the water–discover why Kenora has it all this fall!

Planning A Family Fishing Trip to Canada

Fall is the time to look ahead to warmer times—and the best time to plan for your next summer trip!

Tips from a Fishing Legend

Big Bass, Walleye, Muskie and So Much More

Going Fishing in Canada?

Get the answers to your questions

What makes Wabigoon such a great lake to fish?

Well for one, it has potential for the next world record muskie!

Search Sunset Country