Where the Road Ends and the Wilderness Begins

Pickle Lake's slogan is “Ontario's Last Frontier." Travelers arriving here will soon discover why!

Pickle Lake, Ontario is located near the terminus of Highway 599 – Ontario's "Wilderness Corridor." The town is literally at the end of the road, as it is located on the province's most northerly, all-season, all-weather road. You can go any further on a gravel road, but there are no services past Pickle Lake.

Population: Somewhat smaller than Toronto!

Despite its remote location, Pickle Lake is a great destination if you love the outdoors. The lakes around the community offer spectacular fishing and scenic vistas that will blow your mind. See the rugged outcrops of the Canadian Shield meet the pristine shorelines of wilderness lakes – what a sight to behold! You can fish for walleye, lake trout, and some of Ontario's biggest northern pike. Area lodges are available and offer housekeeping, American Plan, and outpost cabin packages.

A sample of the fishing at fly-in only Birch Bark Lodge.

Pickle Lake is also a great destination for the big game hunter. The black bear and moose hunting are second to none, and you'll find some of the largest bull moose in the province here. Try your luck at bagging one of these huge animals by booking a guided or unguided moose hunting package. Black bear outfitters can guarantee a successful hunt, as ratios exceed 85% in this region. Anyway, if you are looking for a wild place in which to hunt, Pickle Lake definitely fits the bill.

Lastly, wilderness canoeists know Pickle Lake as a super destination from which to embark on a canoe trip. From the town, canoe outfitters can get you on a trip into Wabakimi Provincial Park – a wilderness region larger than the state of Connecticut. Access routes that take three weeks to complete, or just go in with a professional guide for a few days. You can also access some of the large arctic watershed rivers from Pickle Lake. These include the Winisk and  Albany river systems. Whatever you decide to do, you're guaranteed to have a great experience!

Contact the Town of Pickle Lake for more information and to start planning your trip.

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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.

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