Want to Save 30% on Your Next Canadian Vacation?

With the Canadian dollar at an eleven year low, now is the time Americans can really save on trips to Canada.

As I am writing this (August 4, 2015), if you exchanged one American dollar you would almost get $1.32 back in Canadian currency. With the Canadian dollar so low, now is really the time to take a last minute summer vacation to Ontario's Sunset Country. 

Think about it, your hotel, gas, food, and anything you may do will seem like it's 30% off. You will be able to do much more with your money right now. So get packing and head north to Canada where your American dollar is king right now. 

If you've always wanted to go up north, but have never been to Northwest Ontario here's some info on what to see and where to stay: 

Fort Frances:

Fort Frances sits just across the river from International Falls, MN. It is your gateway to Canada and beautiful Rainy Lake. Take a walk along the LaVerendrye Parkway, explore the heritage sites at the Sorting Gap Marina, get your photo taken on the 'Big Chair', spend the day at beautiful Point Park. The Information Centre as soon as you cross into Fort Frances now sports a full size moose you can get your picture taken with.

Hotels in Fort Frances: Copper River Inn 800-991-9197, La Place Rendez-Vous Hotel 800-544-9435 or Super 8 800-800-8000.

Atikokan:

You'll find Atikokan on Highway 11 in between Fort Frances and Thunder Bay. Atikokan is the Gateway to Quetico and sees many canoeists each year who come to Quetico Park. If you're around in the middle of August, don't miss the Atikokan Bass Classic. There's also many things to do outside such as playing a round of golf at the most challenging golf course in Northwest Ontario, hike the trails, or visit the Charleson Recreation Area where you'll find horseback riding, mountain biking trails, moto cross and more. Little Falls is a scenic waterfalls that is a great place to stop and have a picnic.

Thunder Bay:

The City of Thunder Bay is by far the largest city ion Northwest Ontario. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, the city has the best of both worlds: city-life as well as endless outdoor activities. The city's mascot, the Sleeping Giant, is the panoramic Sibley Peninsula which when viewed from the city looks like a reclining giant. Spend the day at the Fort William Historical Park, one of the largest living history attractions in North America.

Head to Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park on the waterfront and enjoy a splash pad, skateboard park, arts centre, recreational trails, playground and more. This is also where the Summer in the Parks Concert Series is held most Wednesdays in the summer. Be sure to also head just outside of Thunder Bay to see Kakabeka Falls, Eagle Canyon or the Amethyst Mine Panorama. Read more about the city through these great articles on Thunder Bay.

Hotels in Thunder Bay: Tourism Thunder Bay lists several places to stay in Thunder Bay. 

Ignace:

Ignace is located right on the Trans-Canada Highway and is at the beginning of Highway 599 which leads north to Savant Lake and Pickle Lake. You can go swimming at West Beach on Agimak Lake just off the highway or stop at Raleigh Falls, a nice place to stop and have a picnic next to the waterfalls. From Ignace, you can go on a flight-seeing trip to the White Otter Castle with Ignace Outposts. Visit www.ignaceoutposts.com or call them at 807-934-2273 to set up a tour.

Sioux Lookout:

Sioux Lookout has a fantastic 10 day Blueberry Festival each summer in late July into August. There's over 100 events including the Legion Steak BBQ and Rib Gate, a Farmers Market, a Bannock-Bake-Off, sports tournaments and of course, many meals, desserts and treats made from the tasty wild blueberries in the area. There are many beaches in the area as well the the Ojibway Provincial Park on Little Vermilion Lake. 

Hotels in Sioux Lookout: Days Inn Sioux Lookout 807-737-9982, Forest Inn & Conference Centre 807-737-1330 or 800-649-9502 or Sunset Inn & Suites 807-737-1113 or 800-465-3844 

Dryden:

Dryden is conveniently located in the center of Sunset Country along the Trans-Canada Highway. There are many hiking and biking trails throughout the city including the Marsh Trail, a 2km hike in the Laura Howe Marsh a wetland within the city. There are many public beaches and parks in Dryden including the Sandy Beach Recreational Area which has restrooms, a playground, BBQ pits, and picnic tables under a covered pavilion. It's conveniently connected to the beach area, beautiful nature trails, close to Flatrock fishing area, 9 hole golf course, ball diamonds, and soccer pitches. The Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge which is accessed via Johnston's Park is crosses the Wabigoon River is also a must see. The Dryden Museum is located in the the historic Hambleton House with over 10,000 artifacts in its collection as well as the "Dryden Buck".

Hotels in Dryden: Chalet Inn Motel & Restaurant 807-223-2335 or 800-563-1277 or Best Western Plus Dryden Hotel & Conference Centre 807-223-3201 or 888-394-2378

Vermilion Bay:

Vermilion Bay is situated on the Trans-Canada Highway at the beginning of Highway 105. Right at this intersection you'll find Moose Creek Trading Company which has every imaginable souvenir or gift you can imagine as well as yummy homemade fudge. Fort Vermilion is a restore old fort that now has a cafe, mini golf, playground, play structure and it's pet friendly and has free wifi! Blue Lake Provincial Park is just a few minutes away. Egli's Sheep Farm in Minnitaki is pretty cool to visit as well. It's an animal farm as well as a gift shop with amazing sheepskin products they manufacture right at the farm. The retail shop has expanded to become one of Canada's largest wool and sheepskin specialty shops.

Ear Falls:

Ear Falls is located between Perrault Falls and Red Lake on Highway 105. A challenging 9 hole golf course will keep you on your toes. Relax at the waterfront or at Pakwash Provincial Park which is located 19km north of Ear Falls on Pakwash Lake. Head just a little south to Perrault Falls and see the waterfalls. If you hike down alongside it you can see a lot more of the falls than you see at the top near the highway. It's really quite lush along the rushing water.

Hotel in Ear Falls: Hotel 105 Bar & Grill 807-222-3374

Red Lake:

Red Lake is at the end of Highway 105. As you enter Red Lake you'll see the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre. Be sure to stop here, they've done a phenomenal job with this museum and have many interactive displays. Stop by Norseman Park and watch the float planes take off.  You can even go for a float plane sightseeing tour with Chimo Air that includes dinner. Play a round of golf at the Red Lake Golf & Country Club, the most northerly golf course in Ontario. If you're a rock hound, visit the Municipal Office in Balmertown to see the Erle Crull Rock and Mineral Collection. This stunning display features 2,600 different types of rock and minerals from around the world.

Hotels in Red Lake: Nature's Inn 807-735-2626

Here's the intro to just one of the interactive displays at the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre.

Kenora:

Kenora is located on the north end of beautiful Lake of the Woods. There is a ton of stuff to do in this second biggest city in Northwest Ontario. Take a tour of Lake of the Woods aboard the MS Kenora, rent a SUP, canoe or kayak and spend the day on the lake or go parasailing for a bird's eye view of the lake! There are many public beaches in Kenora to take a dip as well as hiking trails throughout the city. If it's a rainy day, the Lake of the Woods Museum is fantastic as are all the quaint shops in Kenora. 

Hotels in Kenora: Kenora Travelodge 807-468-3155 or 800-465-1127, Lakeside Inn & Conference Centre 807-468-5521 or 800-465-1120 or Super 8 Motel 807-468-8016 or 800-800-8000

Sioux Narrows:

Sioux Narrows is a small community with a big heart. The town comes alive in the summer with tourists summer residents. Be sure to stop at the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre where you'll find a replica of the famous single span wooden bridge, a display of antique boats and motors as well as a huge collection of antique lures from Dan Luce of Lake of the Woods Houseboats. The town maintains the beautiful Sioux Narrows Provincial Park which is the only Provincial park on Lake of the Woods. 

Nestor Falls:

Nestor Falls in just south of Sioux Narrows right along Highway 71. Be sure to stop at the waterfalls inbetween Kakabikitchiwan Lake and Lake of the Woods. It is a short walk from the parking lot down to the water. While there are restrooms and a covered picnic shelter near the parking lot, it is nice to sit and have a picnic near the waterfalls and listen to the water roar. Nestor Falls Fly-in Outposts and Northwest Flying Inc both offer one-day fly in fishing trips as well as sight seeing tours from a float plane.

Emo:

Emo is situated between Fort Frances and Rainy River on Highway 11. The town's main drag is right along the picturesque Rainy River. The Emo Speedway is an 3/8 mile oval raceway that has spectators sitting on the edge of their seats. If you want something slower paced, visit the Emo Museum or the Norlund Chapple. 

Rainy River:

Rainy River is another entry point into Canada just across the river from Baudette, MN. This border town is known for it's birding. Thanks to mixed deciduous shoreline, wetlands, oak ridges and open agricultural fields, spring and fall migrations of almost 300 bird species can be seen. At the mouth of Rainy River, just 18km northwest of town, is the world-renowned Sable Island, home to a permanent breeding population of the endangered piping plover. The rare Connecticut Warbler also breeds in the region – truly a birders paradise. They have nice waterfront on Rainy River with a boat launch, picnic shelter, play ground and a splash park. The Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre is located just east of Rainy River. Experience the legacy of the Place of the Long Rapids. For thousands of years, aboriginal people have lived and gathered on the banks of the Rainy River at Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung. Here, traces of Ojibway villages are found among the burial mounds and village sites of more ancient aboriginal peoples. 

Of course, you can still plan a last minute fishing trip too. Here's a list of outfitters in Northwest Ontario.

So what are you waiting for? Order your free Sunset Country Travel Planner & Map or check it out online below.

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