When will the ice go out in Northwest Ontario?

The sun is making a dent in the ice at Pakwash lake Camp.

This Spring has not been kind to many of us this year. April in Northwestern Ontario has been one of the coldest on record. After having a winter where many communities have had above average snowfall, it would have been nice to have a warm Spring to kind of 'make up for the winter'. The snowmobilers, skiers and snowboarders sure liked the all the snow this past winter. At Mount Evergreen in Kenora, skiers took to the hills for the first time ever in May.  However, winter is gone and now we want some warm weather.

A common question around these parts in April and May is "When will the ice go out?". Many friendly bets are placed as to when the ice will go out on their lakes. With open water walleye opener happening in two weeks and with a lot of ice still on the lakes, locals and visitors are all asking "Will the ice be out for walleye opening on May Long weekend?

Here's a few photos from the beginning of May on lakes in Northwest Ontario.

Mylies Place on Lake of the Woods in the southern area of Sunset Country:

It'll be a while yet before you can use the boat launch at Mylies Place in Morson.

Barker Bay Resort on Lower Manitou Lake on May 2, 2013:

Most of the snow on the ground is gone at Barker Bay Resort

Bonny Bay Camp the morning of May 4, 2013:

Lots of snow and ice left at Bonny Bay Camp on Wabigoon Lake in Dryden.

Nestor Falls is a bit farther north up on Lake of the Woods. You can see from the photos by Nestor Falls Fly-in Outposts and Northwest Flying Inc. that while the ice is starting to open up, there's a lot more to melt.

The eagles, loons, pelicans and other birds are back. Thanks to Nestor Falls Fly-in Outposts for the photo.

Looking out on Kakbikitchiwan Lake from Northwest Flying in Nestor Falls.

Temple Bay Lodge on Eagle Lake near Vermilion Bay is starting to break up around the shore.

Starting to look up on Eagle Lake.

 Gustafson's Resort on Longbow Lake near Kenora posted this photo:

Longbow Lake

Wenasaga Lodge near Ear Falls:

Looking south from Slate cabin. The snow is now all gone on the ice and most of the shoreline.

Even though Fireside Lodge got a bit of snow last night, the lakes around Sioux Lookout are melting and are starting to break up around the shore.

Little Vermilion Bay is slowly starting to melt.

Ghost River Lodges has packed up their yearly rail car and headed out to their boat in camp. They obviously haven't boated in to open up camp this year.

Ghost River Lodge near Sioux Lookout hoping that sunset means sunshine tomorrow.

I see some open water at Agimac River Outfitters near Ignace:

Open water! A week or two of nice temps should really speed things up.

Just how much ice is on Red Lake? Watch Hugh Carlson from Viking Island & Outposts checking the depth of the ice on May 1st. There's at least 16" of solid ice.



For those in Thunder Bay, the weather has been the hardest. They have had many huge snowfalls, with a couple of those being very late in the season. Freezing rain covered the city on May 4th. The following video by Giant FM shows just how much ice they got.



So when will the ice go out of the lakes in Northwest Ontario? It's anybody's guess. All I know if that's it's going to be at least a month later than last year. How's ice the where you're at?

Spring snow storm wallops the Thunder Bay area

Waist deep snow courtesy of AZ Bikes

The Spring of 2013 is sure to be remembered as 'the winter that never went away'. It is April 20th and usually at this time most of the snow has melted, the ice on the lake is rapidly disappearing and we are enjoying the warm sunshine beating down on us. Surprisingly the one thing that we have had this Spring is sunshine. Unfortunately the couple of cloudy days have brought heavy snowfalls.

That couldn't be more apparent today, as people are digging out from as much as 2 ft of heavy snow. While the storm has passed and the sun is out, there is a large swathe from the Atikokan area through Thunder Bay and along the north shore of Superior that is covered in many inches of heavy, wet snow.  The high winds that were strongly blowing during this latest snowstorm have made drifts so high, many had trouble even opening their house doors.

Take a look at some of the photos of the April 18/19, 2013 snowstorm.

Michelle Key writes on Magic 99.9 "Trying to get to the front door."

Sarah Luchies writes "Wow! Is it April or December??" on Magic 99.9

Kashabowie Outposts Office - Just a wee bit of snow

John Erickson measures the snow depth in Thunder Bay and shares on CKDR

Photo submitted by Madison Wallace to Magic 99.9

Nearly 2 ft of snow falls on Nolalu. Photo courtesy of Bow Narrows Camp

So as you can see, many will be digging out for a long time. Any other year, it wouldn't matter as much because most of our snow would have been gone and we would have enjoying Spring. Since we haven't had Spring yet, this snow storm seems like Old Man Winter is kicking us when we are down.

How is it where you live? Are you ready for Spring?

Only 75 days to Ontario walleye opener

Nice Lake of the Woods walleye

Each March many people are getting tired of winter and start the countdown to the walleye opening weekend. To many it marks the 'beginning of summer' to some it means having fresh walleye again and to some it means heading up north to their annual Canadian fishing trip.

After being closed for spawning, the walleye season opens up again in Northwest Ontario the 3rd Saturday in May each year. In 2013, that means May 18th is the day many have been dreaming about. While some anglers get fresh walleye by going ice fishing in the winter, those that are unable to make it to Sunset Country in the winter or just prefer to fish in the summer dream of opening day.

Fly-in fishing at McKusker-Keeper Lakes Camp

You can download the 2013 fishing regulations from the Ministry of Natural Resources website. To fish in Ontario, you'll need an outdoors card as well as a fishing license. The Ministry of Natural Resources is encouraging you to buy your Ontario fishing license online before you head out on your fishing trip. You can purchase either a Sport or Conservation license. The conservation license has lower limits. You can download the Ontario fishing regulations as a whole book or just the zone you will be fishing. Be sure to check the exceptions as certain lakes have special limits and slot sizes.

If you haven't booked your 2013 walleye fishing trip yet, you'd better pick a place quick before they fill up. Check out some of the lodges in Ontario with walleye fishing now.

Let the countdown begin!

Which sculpture rates best in 2013?

Once again one of the main attractions at the Kenora Winter Carnival is the snow sculpture competition. In a post last year, we asked which 2012 snow sculpture you liked best. It was hard to choose. The theme this year is 'Lake Life'. Here are the 8 sculptures from the 2013 Kenora Winter Carnival.

#1 - Q104 Boat

#2 - Frog

#3 - Ice Fishing

#4 - Chair

#5 Eagle

#6 - Snowmobile

#7 - Mermaid

#8 - Women of Courage 

#9 - Bear/Bird/Wolf

Check out what else is happening at the 2013 Kenora Winter Carnival. The carnival runs from March 1-3, with the judging for the sculptures taking place on Friday evening.

It's going to be another hard year of judging, which one do you think should go home with first place?

UPDATE: #7, the Mermaid won first prize. I thought they were all great. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Plenty to do this Ontario Family Weekend

You don't need a fishing license Family Day Weekend

There's a ton of stuff happening in Sunset Country this weekend including tons of free events.

Free Ontario Family Fishing Weekend
 
Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is a province-wide opportunity for Canadian residents to fish Ontario waters without the otherwise mandatory fishing version outdoors card. The Ontario Government designates two periods throughout the year as license-free, one of these being this Family Day weekend. You can fish license free from February 16-18, 2013 (12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Monday). In the summer you can also fish license free from July 6-14, 2013 (12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday). During all other time periods, Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 64 years must purchase a valid fishing license to legally fish in Ontario. If you've never been ice fishing, this weekend would be an opportune time to get out there and fish. You can also take a friend fishing.

Participants fishing without a license must fish under the Conservation fishing license limits which are set out in the current Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. With the exception of the licensing requirement, Ontario fishing regulations, fees and limits continue to apply during license-free days.

Snowmobile our winter wonderland

Permit Free Snowmobiling

The OFSC is also having a 'Try Our Trails Permit'. The Try Our Trails Permit is only valid for available OFSC trails on Ontario’s Family Day Long Weekend February 16-18, 2013.

• You will be required to enter your sled license plate number, VIN, make, model and year when applying for this permit.*
• Print the permit yourself from confirmation email you receive after registering online.
• Permit must be affixed to your sled.

The OFSC wants to invite new participants, former riders and out‐of province visitors to try OFSC trails at no cost. They encourage all regular permit buyers to invite their families and friends to obtain a 2013 Try Our Trails Permit, so they can Take a Friend Snowmobiling. What a great opportunity to try the OFSC snowmobile trails. Find out more at the Ontario Federation of Snowmobiling Club website. 

2012 'Pimp Your Ice Shack' Winners

Winter Festivals

Check out the Dryden Winter Festival February 15-18, 2013. Celebrate winter outdoors with family and friends. There's a pancake breakfast, horse drawn sleigh rides, skating, sliding, snow kiting lessons and demos, snow sculpting, family fishing derby and so much more... You can download a printable schedule of Dryden Winter Festival events.

The Vermilion Bay Kin Karnival will kick off on February 14 with the Kin Baby contest at 6:30 p.m. The event continues on Friday with the annual fish fry at the Lions hall. There will be events all day Saturday including a pancake breakfast and a mini kids carnival, and a new event - the trapline challenge dog sled race. It's a mass start at 10:30 at the government dock. After that there will be having a kids mutt run. Sunday events include the Kin Family Fish Derby, which is often called the main event. Those interested in signing up for the fishing derby will be able to at the carnival. For more information on event registration contact Scott McEwan at 227-2904.

Mount Evergreen Ski Hill is open Family Day

There are also many Family Day Activities throughout the cities and towns in Sunset Country.

In Kenora, visit the Kenora Recreation Centre for a free public skate from 12:30-2pm and a free public swim from 1-2:30pm. Mount Evergreen Ski Hill will be open from 10-4pm and they have special pricing for the day. Beaver Creek Ranch is also open from 2-4pm. They will have sleigh rides, petting zoo, crafts and a bonfire.

In Thunder Bay there are lots of great things happening this Family Day weekend! There's Fort William Historical Park's Voyageur Winter Carnival all weekend and Winterfest down at Prince Arthur's Landing on February 18th. 

An “Indoor Planetarium” is coming to the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre on Monday, Feb. 18 (Family Day). Pick up your tickets for one of the six shows, which cost $2/person.

That's just a taste of what's happening in Sunset Country this weekend. Now get off the computer and head outside!

One of the hottest new travel websites just launched!

northernontario.travel to showcase the incredible travel experiences in the north!

Ontario smallmouth bash fishing - Photo: Ginny Riege

Want to travel to Northern Ontario? Visit the new northernontario.travel website for beautiful photos and articles to help plan your vacation to Ontario. The website covers three sub regions; the Northwest, Algoma and Northeast regions. 

You can also search by experiences such as ATVing, Boating, Fishing, Hunting, Motorcycling, Outdoor Adventures and Snowmobiling. 

So, what are you waiting for? If you want to experience the ultimate Canadian fishing trip, plan a winter vacation, or soak in the wilderness by canoe, head on over to northernontario.travel.

Turn your Dreams to Reality!

Start Gearing Up for Fishing Season

Muskie are fun to catch!

Yes it's only January and the temperatures in most parts (and certainly in these parts) are still downright chilly! The overnight low with the windchill tomorrow is forecast at -32 Celsius and that is cold! With winter's bluster still squarely in our face, there's no harm in dreaming of the soon to come warm spring days, where the lake is calm and the bite is on.

Teach your kid to fish!

Now is time to remember the feeling of a 4 pound smallmouth or maybe a 15 pound northern. How about walleye, muskie or trout. Who cares really...it's just nice to dream of being out on the water and casting your bait into the sunken timber or jigging the bottom hoping for a bite. The savory taste of fresh walleye shore lunch cooked over an open fire beckons. Yummy!

Catch lake trout!

While you can only dream about it, now is the time of year where you can set things in motion to make those dreams come true and actually book your trip. By booking early you ensure you get the dates you want at the lodge you want on the lake you've heard so much about. Email us for your free travel guide and map and start planning your 2013 trip today!

Mud, Music, Dragon Boats, Blueberries and Bass!

The August 10-12th weekend was filled with events in Sunset Country. From the Atikokan 4X4 Mudfling to the Shaw KBI to the Blueberry Festival in Sioux Lookout to the Trout Forest Music Festival in Ear Falls, Sunset Country had it all. Here's a quick recap of the weekend with links to see some of the photos of these summertime events.

Blueberry Bert joining the entertainment

The Blueberry Festival

The Festival is a 10 day festival that ran August 3-12, 2012 in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. This year was special as it was the 30th anniversary of the Blueberry Festival and Sioux Lookout's Centennial. The theme for this year’s Blueberry Festival was 'Hometown Heroes.' This theme was chosen to honour and celebrate the people who have worked so hard to make our community what it is today. There were over 130 events each year at the Blueberry Festival. Visit the Blueberry Festival Facebook page for tons of great photos of all the events. CKDR also has some Blueberry Festival photos.

News Articles of the Blueberry Festival: 
- Blueberry Festival Begins today, Aug. 3

Full Trottle

The 2012 Atikokan Mudfling

The Atikokan Mudslingers 4x4 Club Mudfling was held August 11-12th and had a double feature presentation. Spectators got to see "Full Throttle" and "Paper Boy Express" in action at the Opening Ceremonies and at Intermission on Saturday, and again on Sunday morning. "Full Throttle" and "Paper Boy Express" was set up in an area for you to talk with the people that built and drive these awesome machines and see their cars up close. The 4x4 Mudfling was held at the Charleson Recreation Area in Atikokan. Bookmark the Mudslingers' website for next year's events and to see photos of the event.

The Trout Forest Music Festival

The Ear Falls Waterfront Park came alive for the 17th Annual Trout Forest Music Festival August 10-12, 2012. The weather held out and concert goers were treated to over 25 musical acts including Jon Brooks, Alex Cuba and April Verch. Check out some photos of the Trout Forest Music Festival at Tourism Red Lake's Facebook page or on both Q104s or CKDR's Facebook page.

News articles about the Trout Forest Music Festival:

- Trout Forest Music Festival 2012 Gallery, Aug. 12
- Final Day for Trout Forest Music Festival, Aug. 12
- Trout Forest Music Festival has some of Manitoba's best playing waterside, Aug. 9

Rob Horley holds a 5.58lb largemouth bass caught at the 2012 SKBI - Photo courtesy of the Kenora Daily Miner and News

The Shaw Kenora Bass International

The SKBI was held August 9-11th, 2012 on Lake of the Woods in Kenora. Aaron Wiebe and Peter Tully were the 2012 tournament winners, taking home a $22,375 first prize. 2012 was the 25th year for the SKBI, which for years was named KBI until Shaw became a major sponsor. Past tournaments are showcased on the newly designed SKBI website. The bass tournament on Lake of the Woods is now known as Shaw KBI or SKBI. The biggest bag of fish came on day two with Jim Gustafson and Ben Gustafson reeling in 20.40 lbs. Jon Olson and Clay Lajeunesse got the biggest fish on both Day 1 and Day 2 with a 6.09 and a 5.99 lb bass. Day Three's biggest was caught by Michael Dufresne and Louis Syemour with a 5.38 pounder. All results of the 2012 Shaw KBI can be found online here. View some more photos of the SKBI at the 89.5 The Lake Facebook page.

News articles about the SKBI:

- Wiebe/Tully take 25th Shaw KBI with 18.85-pound final day, Aug 11
- Wiebe and Tully Win SKBI, Aug. 11
- Jim and Ben Gustafson shoot to top of the SKBI leaderboard with 20-plus-pound day two haul, Aug 10 
- McNanney, Rydberg lead SKBI, Aug.9

Dragon Boat racers on Rabbit Lake

The Kenora Dragon Boat Festival

Over 340 paddlers took part in the 10th Annual KLWRCF Dragon Boat Festival held August 12th on Rabbit Lake in Kenora. The one day festival went off without a hitch, finishes a couple of hours before the rain began. 17 boats raced this year's 500-metre water course. The races were held in heats of 2 or three boats starting off on the east end of the lake and ending just in front of the cheering crowd at the Kenora Rowing Club. After a few races, they broke for the flower ceremony where the Dragon Tamers, Chemo Savvy and other female paddlers took to the water. The Dragon Tamers were selling carnations to be thrown in the water after a touching song and the single beat of a drum. The foundation raised $22,000 from this past weekend's dragon boat races. Super Troopers won the A-side title, and Carpe Diem, members of Kenora's legal community placed first in the b-side event. Check out some of the photos on the Sunset Country Facebook page or the 89.5 The Lake Facebook page.

News articles about the Dragon Boat Festival:
- Dragon Boats Profitable for Community Foundation, Aug. 13
- Super Troopers repeat as champs, Aug. 13
- Tenth annual Dragon Boat Festival, Aug. 12

All in all, in was a very busy weekend in Sunset Country. For a list of events in Northwest Ontario, visit the new Ontario's Sunset Country Events Calendar.

Ultimate Northern Ontario Road Trip

The Ultimate Northern Ontario Road Trip is a 60 day voyage through the pristine and sometimes remote wilderness of Northern Ontario. The rag-tag band of correspondents have set out to explore every last corner of the province, using the internet to report back on our quest for the best time ever. Over the course of this epic road trip they’ll be bringing you the incredible tales of the the things they do and the people they meet with the power of photo, video and social media. Check back often for their progress, and don’t forget to add them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

The journey started June 1st and they will venture into Sunset Country starting July 7, 2012. Here's an itinerary of where they will be headed and what they will be doing:

July 7, 2012, Thunder Bay to Devlin – They will leave the Thunder Bay to begin their adventures into the depths of Sunset Country, an area they've never explored before. They’ll be taking Highway 11 into Fort Frances and staying the night at Lake Despair Lodge. They have never been this excited about Despair!

July 8, 2012, Devlin to Caliper Lake – Travelling to Sioux Narrows and what purports to be an excellent motorcycling road via the town of Stratton, they’ll be taking in a tour of the unique Manitoba Mounds. They’ll also explore one of the few agricultural areas in the North, head into the Lake of the Woods area and bed down at Caliper Lake Provincial Park.

Kay-Nay-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre (Manitou Mounds)

July 9, 2012, Caliper Lake to Kenora – Arriving in Kenora mid-morning, they will be heading up into the sky for a float plane trip (they’ll strap a camera to the bottom of the plane so they can share the whole experience), a kayak trip with Green Adventures and a cruise on the MS Kenora before hitting the hay at the Anicinabe RV Park.

July 10, 2012, Kenora – What voyage into Northern Ontario would be complete without a fishing trip to capture the elusive mystical Muskie! This should be good for a few laughs as the city slickers try their hand at angling.

July 11, 2012, Kenora to Wabigoon – After exploring the city and catching up on their posts, they’ll leave Kenora mid-afternoon. Mike and Bogdan will check out Highway 502 while Jessie and Alexe check out Minnitaki and Elgi before regrouping at night at the Polar Star Lodge, home of the world’s largest covered dock!

Oz Lake Lodge

July 12, 2012, Wabigoon to Pickle Lake – Fortified by wild blueberry pancakes in Ignace, they start a big driving day where we tackle the trip to the top of Ontario’s most northerly paved road. At night they’ll sleep at the Oz Lake Motel.

July 13, 2012, Pickle Lake to Sandbar Lake Provincial Park – After their adventure in the the deep north, they’ll take a leisurely stroll drive down the side roads to return to Sandbar Lake Provincial Park where they’ll take a nap on the beach, and keep lookout for Sandpipers and Lynx!

July 14, 2012, Sandbar Lake to Thunder Bay – Heading back to Thunder Bay via Highway 622, they’ll take in a longer sail with Capt. Greg and get some more history of Lake Superior. We’ll be staying at the KOA RV Park just outside of town.

To follow their adventure for the rest of the road trip read their itinerary  on their website. You can also see tons of photos of Northern Ontario on their website, almost as if you've done the trip as well. 

Kenora has Stanley Cup Fever

Let's make it 4 and 0 boys. 

If the LA Kings win tonight they will be the 2012 Stanley Cup Champions. Why would we, in Sunset Country, care if LA wins? Well, Mike Richards, #10 on the LA Kings is from Kenora are we are proud of our home town boy. Richards brought home the Olympic Gold Medal in 2010 and played in the Stanley Cup playoff finals that same year for the Philadelphia Flyers. Unfortunately the Flyers lost in 2010.

LA is leading the series 3-0 and if they win tonight, they will bring home the cup. The residents of Kenora are cheering him on in hopes that he will bring home the cup when he spends his time off at his cottage on Lake of the Woods. 

In the spirit of the Stanley Cup, Kenora businesses have been decorating their storefronts to cheer on the LA Kings and our hometown hero, Mike Richards. Here are some of the storefronts and signs in Kenora:

GO KINGS GO!

Verti-Shade on Main Street

Rednex Rebellion on Second Street

"Bring Home the Cup" - Wilson's Stationary

Chip & Pepper are getting in the mood!

Let's fill the cup with Ouzo at the Plaza

Mike makes Kenora proud 

Kantola Motors is getting in the action even if they are in construction mode.

Lake of the Woods Insurance "Kings"

Go LA Go!

Copperfin Credit Union is rooting for Mike too.

Citi Financial getting into the action.

Lot's of reflection in the window, but Weekend Adventure window is rockin'.

Jerseys of all sizes.

King Richard at the Standard! 

Another shot from the Lake of the Woods Insurance windows.

Johnson's Pharmacy has the fever!

Go Go Go!

All hail King Richards, our K-town king.

Will the Kings take it in 4 tonight? Kenora hopes so. The hockey game will be broadcast live in the Kenora Recreation Centre. View their Facebook page for more info on the live game tonight. 89.5 the Lake has more photos on their Facebook page. 

Go Mike Go, you'll make us proud either way.

Update: I guess we'll have to win in New Jersey :) The Kings lost tonight 3-1. As I was driving home tonight I noticed even more storefronts had decorated. The businesses that didn't get involved must be Devils fans. lol.  It's so nice to see everyone get pumped up. The Kenora Recreation Centre was packed tonight and will be again on Saturday night when the city gathers around again to cheer Mike and the Kings on.