Planning Your First Trip to Sunset Country in Northwestern Ontario

Visiting Ontario's Sunset Country is Easy! Start Your Sunset Country Trip with Confidence

A little planning goes a long way in Ontario’s Sunset Country, especially for first-time visitors crossing the border or heading into remote outdoor areas. After 27 years as Executive Director at Ontario's Sunset Country, I've probably heard just about every question a traveller could ask, which is great—asking questions is the best way to ensure you are prepared for your first visit to a new destination, wherever it may be. 

Truthfully, it is pretty easy to visit Canada, so don't worry. Folks who report back to me after returning from their trip say that the time they spent preparing made the visit straightforward and enjoyable. 

Here are the key tricks of the trade to help you plan your Sunset Country adventure.

Count on Friendly Local Help in Sunset Country

During the summer, Northwestern Ontario is a popular tourist destination, with most visitors coming from the U.S. Midwestern states and the Province of Manitoba, Canada. People who live here often go out of their way to help visitors. The students who work at visitor centres, the lodge owners, the retailers, in fact, anyone involved in the hospitality business (and even the locals who aren't) are always ready to offer a helpful hand—all you have to do is ask. In fact, the number one comment I hear from travellers is how friendly and helpful the locals were. 

Some guidelines are helpful for anyone visiting, regardless of what you're doing upon arrival. Let's start with the general stuff first:

Know What Documents You Need for Canada

Documentation for U.S. Visitors

•  If you are visiting from the USA, ensure that anyone 16 years of age or older has a valid passport or passport card. 
• Children under 16 may enter with a birth certificate. 
• Passport cards are valid only for land crossings. 
• You may technically be able to enter Canada with proof of U.S. citizenship, but U.S. law requires a passport to re-enter the U.S. after visiting Canada. 
• If travelling by air, you must have a passport. Apply for a U.S. passport here. Here is a good resource page with information about visiting Canada.
• For minor children under 18 who are accompanied by only one of their parents, or, for example, come with their grandparents or a friend's parents, ensure you have a letter from the minor's parent(s) not travelling with them approving their travel to Canada. Include the contact info of the parent(s) not accompanying the minor if border officials wish to contact them to verify the letter. 

Documentation for Non-U.S. Visitors

Citizens of EU countries do not need a traditional travel visa for short-term visits, but they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air. For all other countries, you can check here to see whether you require an eTA or a visa to enter Canada.

Am I Admissible to Enter Canada?

If you have a criminal record (including a DUI), you may be inadmissible to Canada. Learn more here. 

If you have a DUI, don't attempt to cross hoping the border guards won't find it in the system—they will. 

Cross the Border into Northwestern Ontario Smoothly

Bringing Food into Canada

 Certain food products cannot be brought into Canada. The list of permitted foods changes, so learn more here about what food you can bring into Canada. To avoid inspection delays, buy your food in Canada. 

• Insider Tip: Don't bring farm meat that isn't USDA inspected/stamped.

Bringing Your Pet to Canada

U.S. visitors may bring their dog or cat to Canada as long as it has a valid rabies certificate issued within the previous 3 years and signed by a licensed veterinarian. The CDC has regulations you must follow to bring your dog back into the U.S., so be aware of these. 

• Insider tip: Due to the presence of wildlife such as grey wolves, do not let your pet get too far ahead of you or out of your sight. 

Firearms and Weapons

Canada has strict gun control laws, and handguns are restricted, so leave them at home. In Canada, you must have a purpose, for example, hunting, to import a gun. Only non-restricted firearms can be used for hunting purposes, but you must declare them when crossing the border. Here is the form you need to import your hunting firearm. 

• Insider Tip: Store your ammo and firearms separately and use a trigger lock device.

Driving in Sunset Country: What First-Time Visitors Should Know

Tips for Driving in Sunset Country

• For U.S. visitors, remember that posted speed limits in Canada are in kilometres per hour. A quick reference is: 90 km/h = 55 mph, 80 km/h = 50 mph, and 50 km/h = 32 mph. 
• Your driver's license is valid for driving in Canada. 
• For international visitors, if your license is not issued in English or French, or if you are staying more than 3 months, it is recommended that you obtain an International Driving Permit (a translation of your driver's license). 
• Radar detectors are illegal in Ontario, so leave them at home. 

Border Crossing Tip for Multi-Vehicle Groups

When crossing into Canada from the U.S. and your party is in two separate vehicles, make sure everything belonging to you is in the vehicle you're riding in. This is a common issue with alcohol, where you put "all the beer" in one vehicle, even if you are riding in another. The occupants in the beer vehicle will be over the allowed limit and will be charged duty. The same goes for fishing tackle, clothes, etc., pack yours in the vehicle you are riding in! If you don't follow this advice, expect delays at the border.

Plan a Better Fishing or Hunting Trip in Sunset Country

Fishing is the number one reason people visit Ontario's Sunset Country. There are over 70,000 lakes here and over 250 lodges, resorts, and other accommodations. If you've never visited us, here are some things to keep in mind.

Choose Your Trip Style First

Decide on two things first:

1. Do you want meals included, or will you cook? 
2. Do you want fly, drive or boat-in access?

Build a Realistic Trip Budget

Remember to set an inclusive trip budget. A good trip budget means no surprises:

• Include the per-person cost for lodging packages.
• The cost of fuel for your vehicle(s) to get to and from your destination.
• The cost of fuel for your boat if you're bringing it.
• The cost of groceries if you are doing the housekeeping plan.
• The cost for your fishing or hunting license.
• The cost of live bait, if you plan to use it. Some packages include bait in the package price, so ask your outfitter.
• The cost of snacks, food, souvenirs, etc.
• For Americans, the dollar exchange rate means that your expenditures in Canada, in Canadian dollars, are discounted by 30%. So $100 Canadian is roughly $70 American. The favourable exchange rate makes Canada an affordable destination for U.S. anglers and hunters.
• Strive for a minimum party size of four (4) people. Most lodges have a minimum party size rule during prime fishing months, and it's also cheaper on a per-person basis the more people you have. Some lodges are flexible in this regard, so call and ask.

• For U.S. & international visitors: Ensure that no one in your party has a felony conviction (including a DUI). This makes them inadmissible to Canada. Learn more here.
• If you are doing your own cooking, plan your meals in advance. 

Know the Rules for Bait and Boats

Do not try to bring bait (live or dead) into Canada. Here is a list of places to get bait in Sunset Country.

If you're bringing your own boat, ensure it's been thoroughly cleaned and dried before you reach the border. Drain and disinfect live wells and leave all the plugs open.

If you're going on a fly-in trip, packing is important as there is a maximum weight allowance per person. Ask your outfitter if in doubt.

Buy Your Fishing or Hunting Licences Before You Arrive

Get your outdoors card & fishing license online before you come up. More information can be found here.

For hunters coming from the U.S., ensure you know what is required to bring firearms and ammunition into the country. Here is a good article explaining the rules around importing firearms and ammo into Canada for a hunting trip.

Make sure you bring a copy of your home-state or province hunting license. This is required to get an Ontario hunting license.

Bring the Right Fishing Gear for Sunset Country Waters

There is no right answer here, but the gear and lures you bring should be chosen based on what species of fish you are targeting. Remember, space for gear and tackle is limited on a fly-in trip, so choose wisely. The time of year also makes a difference. Here are my personal recommendations based on fishing here for the past 30 years:

Walleye

Medium spinning rod and reel, with 8-12 pound test braided line. Jigs tipped with a minnow, leech, or nightcrawler work best, but you can also fish with plastics—use a white or green colour. For trolling, I recommend using medium to deep-diving lures, e.g., Rapala Shad Rap or Husky Jerk, which work well. Also, Strike King XD-3 or XD-5 work well for deeper fish. My favourite colour is black top and silver or white bottom. I like the deep-jointed Husky Jerk the best if I'm trolling for walleye. 

Northern Pike

Just about any crankbait will trigger a strike. Bigger fish bite bigger baits. Bring colours that imitate the baitfish in the lake you're fishing. Some people also like throwing spoons and spinner baits. Use a heavy-action rod and a baitcaster for trophy pike. 

Bass

Bring your favourite top water baits. I like poppers or frog imitators. Small crankbaits work great for casting. Buzz baits and spinnerbaits also work well under the right conditions. Many people jig for bass, primarily using plastics, with white and pumpkin green being the most popular colours. I really like casting paddletails. Go deeper for bass in the fall. I recommend medium-action rods and a baitcaster.

Lake Trout

Tackle choices depend on when you fish for them. Ice-out trout are super fun to catch, and you can use an array of crank baits. Black and white colours work the best, as does silver. Canadian Wiggler and Rapala Jointed Husky Jerks are my favs. Lakers will also hit spoons and plastics. When I jig for them, I rig a three-way swivel or use a heavier jig and drop-shot for them mid-summer. You can also use downriggers to troll for them when they are deep. Here's a video with James Lindner from Lindner's Angling Edge with some useful tips to help you catch lake trout.

Muskie

The best advice I could give you is to bring a variety of muskie baits, with must-haves being bucktails, swimbaits and an array of top water baits for earlier in the season. Trolling baits that often work well include Grandmas and Depth Raiders. Heavy action gear is required.

Panfish

You'll catch crappie and perch. Small crankbaits or spoons can trigger a strike, or a 1/8 oz jig tipped with a small minnow. Fun to catch using ultralight rod set-ups.

• Insider Tip:  Don't bring all your tackle, you don't need it. If you're renting a boat, bring only what you'll need for the fish you'll be targeting—a small tackle box/bag, a spinning rod/reel, and a bait casting rod/reel will do you fine. A rubber landing net sized to fit the species you'll be targeting is a must. For larger fish like muskie or trophy pike, bring an extra-large net, hook cutters and long pliers. 

Release large fish immediately after taking a picture, especially during mid-summer.

Paddle and Camp Safely in Northwestern Ontario

Sunset Country is a popular destination for those whose first love is being outdoors—especially the adventurous paddlers, campers, and hikers who flock to the Canadian Shield country each year. As you get more remote, there is definitely more to think about preparation-wise, not only so you get the best experience, but so that you do it safely. 

Plan Your Trip Carefully

When I was in my late teens and early twenties, I did a lot of wilderness canoeing. After experiencing the Boreal environment largely through trial and error, a lot was learned the hard way. Avoid my mistakes by taking this advice: 

• Paddlers should carefully plan their route each day and consider portages in the planning. Bring a hand saw to deal with any fallen trees.
• Pack lightly and efficiently; you'll enjoy your canoe trip a lot more if you're not weighed down. Avoid heavy beverage or food cans; eat a basic, healthy diet that includes bread, dried fruits, beef jerky, and trail mix. Bring powdered drinks and food in their original foil or plastic packaging. Kraft Dinner, dehydrated potatoes, and instant rice are good, nutritious choices that don't weigh much and pack easily. 
• Don't bring anything that requires refrigeration (like fresh meat). 
• Bag and tie your foodstuffs overnight above ground on a rope to avoid attracting bears.

• Have a map of where you'll be paddling and know how to use it. Don't rely on a cellular connection for navigation apps; satellite is all that works. Garmin InReach is a great investment for those going to remote areas. 
• If you're a novice, don't bite off more than you can chew. Paddle a more travelled route, with few portages, that is nearer to towns. Take baby steps, as this is raw wilderness up here. 
• Respect the environment. This means having a plan for garbage, as you have to take out what you bring in. Minimize your garbage and bring a zipper bag to store it in.  

Safety Essentials for Your Paddling or Camping Trip to Sunset Country

• Include a first-aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, and quality rain gear in your packing. 
• Wearing hiking boots, not Crocs or runners, is highly recommended. 
• Bring enough bug spray; you'll need it at dusk. 
• Bring bear spray. 
• Share your route or camping location. Tell someone who is not going with you where you're going and your expected return time, and have them call you at that time. Tell them to notify the authorities if they can't reach you within two hours of your designated return time. 

Choose Routes Appropriate for Your Experience

For paddlers, match the route to the least experienced person in the group, not the keenest. Make the first and last days of your trip short ones. You don't want an endurance test/marathon paddle on your first or last day. This is achieved by matching the route difficulty and distance (including portages) to the number of days of the trip. Build extra time into travel days; windbound days on big shield lakes and slow portages are normal, not an exception. Short first and last days make the trip feel like a vacation, not a death march! 

• Insider Tip: We strongly recommend you use a canoe outfitter if you are inexperienced or if it is your first canoe trip to Sunset Country. Some routes are only for experienced paddlers.

RV and Camp Smarter in Sunset Country

Since the COVID pandemic, RV vacations have become increasingly popular, and we are definitely seeing more RV campers visiting us each year. Most RV owners, at least the ones who have owned one for a while, have a system they follow, but newer owners and first-time RV visitors to Sunset Country may not know what to expect. Here are a few tips:

Reserve Provincial Parks Early

If you plan to stay at a Provincial Park, make your reservations well in advance. This is especially important for popular locations such as Rushing River and Blue Lake Provincial Parks. You can reserve a spot up to 5 months in advance. If you prefer to call, the toll-free number is 1-888-668-7275.

Check for Full-Service RV Sites

Don't assume all parks have full-service sites. While many RV parks do, especially private campgrounds, most sites within the Provincial park system are not full-service. This means RV campers looking for sewer, water and 30-amp service may be disappointed. Call ahead if in doubt, and again, make your reservation early. If you need a full-service site, then private campgrounds are your best bet.

Fuel Up Before Remote Stretches

Fill your gas tank when you have the opportunity! Many communities in Sunset Country are separated by 100 kilometres or more, and in between are often wilderness corridors with limited services. If you're starting to run low on fuel on your way to your destination and you pass a gas station, don't assume there will be another just around the corner; there may not be. 

Carry Extra Water

Don’t assume every campground has potable hookups or easy fill stations—carry extra fresh water. A couple of spare jugs can save a lot of grief on remote stretches. 

Prepare for Bugs and Weather

• Check local access and road conditions: some lakeside campgrounds and resorts are down narrow, twisty gravel roads, not ideal for very large rigs or low-clearance vehicles.
• Bring levellers and site-fixing tools: older or rocky lakeside campgrounds often have uneven pads; levelling blocks and wheel chocks are essential.
• Pack a serious bug defence kit: blackflies, mosquitoes, and no-see-ums can be intense; while you may not need them, bug spray, screens, coils/thermacells, and headnets make evenings sitting by the campfire far more pleasant.

Get Local Help Planning Your Sunset Country Trip

Ontario's Sunset Country is a member-based regional Travel Association representing over 200 businesses and organizations located in Northwestern Ontario. We have been helping people plan their trip here since 1974! We are here to help you, so please contact us at anytime with your questions.

Toll-free: 1-800-665-7567

Email: info@visitsunsetcountry.com

Website: visitsunsetcountry.com

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Showing 'Edited Body' is no longer supported.