In Kenora District, mining history, waterside landscapes, hiking and events come together in specific places. Red Lake offers a glimpse into the past and activities on the water; Sioux Lookout adds a hiking trail and several events. Nearby, you’ll also find the Rushing River Trails and Rushing River Provincial Park. When planning your trip, choose your focus based on whether you’re most interested in local history, trails or a particular event date.
Red Lake: History and Waterside Landscapes
The Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre features collections and interactive exhibits about Red Lake’s history; the West Red Lake Mining Museum in the Municipality of Red Lake tells the story of the region’s mining history. It is run by volunteers and is accessible only by water. The two historical attractions therefore differ both in focus and in access: the Centre highlights history, collections and exhibits, while the museum focuses on mining.
Red Lake itself has more than 500 miles of rugged shoreline to explore. Around Red Lake, there are opportunities for hiking, swimming, sightseeing, birdwatching, kayaking and canoeing. Numerous boat launches and docks are spread throughout the Municipality of Red Lake. If a particular launch or dock is important to your plans, check the latest information for that specific location in advance.
Hiking and Events
The Umfreville Trail in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout is a hiking trail and a specific option for anyone looking to explore the area on foot. Events are another reason to visit Sioux Lookout: the annual Walleye Weekend is a catch-and-keep fishing tournament. It takes place on the second weekend in June on Minnitaki, Abram, Pelican and Botsford lakes. Check the latest tournament dates and arrangements before your trip.
The annual three-day Norseman Festival takes place at Phillip Thomas Vinet Centennial Park. The program includes live entertainment and music, children’s games, movies, rides, a softball tournament, food vendors, fireworks and a barbecue. Scenic flights and bush plane demonstrations are also part of the program. As individual events may vary from year to year, check the latest dates and program details for the year you plan to visit.
The two-day Red Lake Community Pow Wow is a family event hosted by the Red Lake Anishinaape Pow Wow Circle. It features dancing and drumming at Keesic Beach, a traditional gathering place for the Anishinaape on the shores of Red Lake. The location and program give this event a different cultural focus from Red Lake’s mining attractions; it is particularly interesting for travelers who want to learn about the cultural significance of the gathering place.
Nearby Trails and Activities
The nearby Rushing River Trails comprise four distinct hiking trails with a total length of six kilometres and difficulty levels ranging from moderate to challenging. They run along the shores of Dogtooth Lake, pass beaver ponds where great blue herons, beavers and fragrant water lilies can be found, and cross the waterfall that gives the trails their name. The total distance and difficulty ratings help you assess the trails, while the shoreline, ponds and waterfall offer varied landscapes.
Nearby Rushing River Provincial Park also offers opportunities for walking, cross-country skiing, swimming, boating and fishing. If you’re looking for a specified distance and difficulty rating for a hike, the Rushing River Trails provide clear guidance. The park adds other activities to the mix, including swimming, boating and fishing.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Taber, Kenora, Dryden, Pawitik, Minaki, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Nestor Falls, Machin, Kenora, Unorganized.
For the main travel overview: Ontario.
