Enjoy the Spectacular Beauty of Sunset Country

Atikokan to Rainy River is Worth Exploring

The Rainy River Region is part of Sunset Country that is directly adjacent to the American border and is where we welcome our many visitors from the United States. Within the District are three communities where you can spend a few days doing a whole bunch of exciting things. Fort Frances, Ontario is the sister city to International Falls, Minnesota and is the main border entry point into Sunset Country. Emo, situated between the Fort and the Town of Rainy River is a service community that offers access to great fishing on the Rainy River. The Town of Rainy River is in the very southwest part of Ontario, across the border from Baudette, Minnesota and another significant entry point for American visitors travelling to the region. Here is a quick itinerary of things you could do over a three-day period in each of these communities.

Fort Frances Waterfront Park

Fort Frances is the oldest community in the region settled way back in the 19th century. It offers an eclectic mix of great shopping, dining and access to beautiful Rainy Lake. Take a walk along the beautiful LaVerendrye Parkway and enjoy views of Rainy Lake. Stop at the historic Sorting Gap Marina and see the many exhibits they offer. Fort Frances is a cultural hub of sorts with a lively music and theatre community - take in a show if you have time. Point Park on the shores of Rainy Lake has a beach, large grassy areas, a playground and camping. The Fort also has several nice hotels you can stay in.

Fort Frances Boat Launch onto Rainy River

Emo, Ontario is a service centre located about 35 kilometres west of the Fort and provides anglers who want to fish the Rainy River a great location to do so. One of the highlights in town is the park along the waterfront, great for a picnic with your family or just as a place to relax in the sun on a warm summer day. Fishing from shore is pretty good too so bring your fishing rod. A really neat attraction in town is the Norlund Chapel, one of the smallest churches in North America - you've just got to see it to believe it. Emo also offers good shopping, places to eat and accommodations.

Railway 4008 in Rainy River

Rainy River also on the shores of the waterway it is named after is a historic railway hub and like Emo, is a key service centre for the farmers who operate in the District. While agriculture does not come to mind when you think of Northwestern Ontario, this part has a thriving farm community. Go see the awesome railway exhibit where the town has a full-sized steam locomotive on display. Ontario's famous Yonge Street (Highway 11) has its terminus in Rainy River, just a couple thousand kilometres away from where it starts in the City of Toronto.

For more information contact the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation.

`
About Gerry Cariou

Gerry is 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

New Restrictions on What You Can Bring into Canada

Keep up to dates with the changes.

Renew Your Outdoors Card, Online!

It's never been easier to buy your Ontario fishing license and Outdoors Card

8 facts you didn't know about moose

Just how big is a moose anyway?

Landscape Photography at its Finest

Learn how to capture our sunsets and more!

The Incredible Snowflake

Is every snowflake unique?

4 of the Best Hunting Trips in Ontario

Bear, moose, deer, and duck—check out these incredible hunting opportunities.

Guided Ice Fishing

Ice fishing outfitters who can get you on a hard-water fish or two of a lifetime

Rent an Ice Hut in Sunset Country

Make the most of winter in Northwestern Ontario with a unique ice fishing experience

White Otter Castle: The Incredible Story of the Mansion in the Middle of Nowhere

Imagine single-handedly building this massive structure in the middle of the wilderness?

What makes Wabigoon such a great lake to fish?

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

Not a Fish Story

Real Photo Evidence of Big Catches

Looking for a getaway from Winnipeg?

Try out this Weekend Itinerary

Provincial Campgrounds Full?

Book a site at one of these amazing campgrounds!

3 of the best places to see the northern lights

Where will you be when you see the sky dance?

Fish Species in Ojibwe

Learn the Anishinaabemowin name of your favourite species

A Christmas Tradition in Kenora Since 1931

Kenora does it right...

Photograph Nature & Wildlife in Sunset Country

It's definitely not the zoo!

The Best Age to Take a Kid Fishing to Canada

It's sooner than you think.

Rats and Flour Just Don't Go Together!

How Kenora got its name.

Don't like to fly?

Try remote boat-in fishing instead.