Not An Angler? Not a Problem!

Not everyone wants to spend every waking hour on the water, and there's nothing wrong with that. But Ontario's Sunset Country has so much more than "just" fishing to keep everyone happy, excited, and entertained.

By Alyssa Lloyd Outdoors photojournalist based out of Ontario, Canada.

April 12, 2023

There’s no denying Sunset Country has some of the best fishing in the world; it certainly is arguably one of the best for a large number of freshwater species trophies and quantity in North America. This is a big statement to make, but the diversity of the fisheries and lodges speaks for itself.

So what happens when you visit Sunset Country with a non-angler, or you’re a non-angler yourself? The fishing may be incredible, but we have more lakes than people—guaranteeing that our lake life is the best life.

There are plenty of things to do in Sunset Country aside from fishing, and below you can read more about the places you can stay that offer such things!

SUNSET COUNTRY BY THE NUMBERS

*Find these results and more using our Accommodation Finder's filters: Accommodations Types and Amenities and Service*

There are over 200 lodges in Sunset Country that are family-friendly. If you have kids who are either too young to fish or uninterested in fishing, these lodges often have fun water toys, beaches, and more to keep kids occupied between your fishing outings.

Over 130 lodges are pet-friendly, so why not bring your pup to enjoy the scenery with? Watch as they discover the wilderness beaches and shore lunch spots you’ll find on the lakes, or take them for daily walks through the trails and backroads of Sunset Country.

Houseboat outfitters ensure your time on the water is maximized. Imagine waking up at a new fishing spot every day while your group can enjoy the splendours of the lake's beauty around them. Never leave the water unless you want to!

Forty lodges have saunas—need we say more? Sticking with our relaxation theme of saunas, 16 lodges also offer hot tubs.

Sunset Country has 15 canoe/kayak outfitters, so you can access wilderness parks such as Woodland Caribou, Wabakimi, or Quetico Provincial Park for a paddling trip of a lifetime. You’ll have the best of both worlds, as all of the canoe routes and adventures offer incredible fishing that’s accessed by very few people a year.

Over 60 lodges offer barrier-free, wheelchair accessibility because no one should miss out on lake time because of their mobility restrictions.

154 lodges also offer hunting trips as well as fishing, so if you’re more interested in hunting you can have a cast-and-blast trip for the best of both worlds!

Fifty-four lodges have TVs in their cabin if you’re into being indoors. If not, there are over 100 lodges that offer pontoon rental—and of those 100, 40 offer water toys for continued family fun!

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Amenities are one thing, but if you’re looking for more activities and experiences, Sunset Country has those to offer as well.

If you’re into camping, hiking, paddling, or biking, every community, big or small, in the region has the potential to show you an amazing time. Larger communities such as Dryden, Kenora, Fort Frances, and Sioux Lookout have some unique shopping opportunities, not to mention some great places to get a bite to eat. Some of these communities you can even reach by boat from the lodge you’re staying at.

Events are held year-round in Sunset Country but the busy events schedules for most communities go from May through September. You can attend outdoor music festivals, fireworks shows, family events, Pow Wows, and more throughout the region.

Some other experiences you can look forward to are wildlife viewing opportunities, northern lights (which are more common than you think), stargazing which can be done while you await nature’s light shows, and so much more in our great outdoors.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Trying to convince someone who doesn’t enjoy fishing as much as you to come to a place where fishing is so prominent can’t be easy. Our fishing certainly takes center stage, but it is good to know that we have so many other amazing experiences and things to offer in Sunset Country than just your next personal best.

Hopefully, the activities and experiences above are enough to convince your travel partner or kids that this place is worth the visit. But until they’ve experienced our waterways and wild beauty, they can’t fully appreciate how spectacular this area really is.

Do they need more convincing? Order our FREE Travel Guide with a pull-out map of the region to show them all of the experiences and fun that await them.

Have questions for us about particular lodges? We’re here to help. Give us a shout at 1-800-665-7567 or email us at info@visitsunsetcountry.com!

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About Alyssa Lloyd

Alyssa Lloyd is a photojournalist based out of Kenora working with Ontario's Sunset Country. The outdoors has been the center of her work and personal life for as long as she can remember. As an angler, Alyssa spends most of her time chasing multiple species on both conventional and fly gear.