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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.

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. 

Winter Festivals in Sunset Country

Why hibernate in the winter? There are many winter festivals and carnivals in Northwest Ontario. It's much more fun to take part in an ice fishing derby, carving or viewing a snow sculpture, or watch canoe races than sitting on your couch! Here are a few of the Winter Carnivals in Sunset Country:

Many communities have snow sculpture competitions

Vermilion Bay Kin Karnival - February 16-19, 2012

The Vermilion Bay Kin Karnival is spread over 4 days in February. The Kin Karnival Events are suited to everyone - both young and old. Take part in the events such as the Fish Fry, Pancake Breakfast, Snow Derby, Kids Karnival and the Kin Karnival Dance for adults. See the crowning of the Carnival Queen and don't forget the main event, the Kin Family Fish Derby.

Thursday February 16 - There is the Kin Baby Contest and Cake Walk at the  Lions Hall from 6:30-9:30pm. Hot dogs and Canteen available. Pre-register at the toy library 807-227-KIDS.

Friday February 17 - Fill up at the yummy Fish Fry at Lions Hall from 5-7:00pm. Then at 7:00pm there is a Coffee House Fundraiser for Syd Wall.

Saturday February 18 - Start the day at Lions Hall where there is a Kin Pancake Breakfast from 8-11:00am. The Lion's Family Snow Derby takes place from 9:00am to 1:00pm. No trail permit required. The Eagle Lake SC Spaghetti Supper is at the Lions Hall from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. The Kin Karnival Queen will be crowned after the Spaghetti Supper. Mini Kids Karnival - 11:00am to 4:00pm at the School. In the evening, take part in the Kin Karnival Dance at the Bayview Motel starting at 9:00 pm. Age of Majority only.

Sunday February 19 - Have breakfast at the Kin Pancake Breakfast at the Lions Hall from 9:00am-11:30am. The Queen Contest Raffle Draw will be at 11:00am. The Kin Family Fish Derby takes place from the Eagle Lake Government Dock, 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Awards are at the Lions Hall from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. For more information on the Vermilion Bay Kin Karnival, visit www.experiencedryden.ca or contact Scott at 807-227-2904. For more information on Vermilion Bay visit www.visitmachin.com



Dryden Winter Festival - February 18-20, 2012

Take part in the Dryden Annual Winter Festival starting on Saturday February 18th. On Saturday, there will be a Grand Opening Ceremony at the Dryden Memorial Arena and then a fun hockey event for kids to watch, the Dryden Ice Dogs vs. Cops.

Sunday, February 19th is packed with activities. Start the day with breakfast at Moose Hall Breakfast from 9:00am-Noon. Take part in the 32nd Annual Snowarama for Easter Seals kids. Enjoy free activities such as the Family Fun Skate at the Dryden Memorial Arena, the Family Fun Swim at the Pool and Fitness Centre and the Skating Oval & Sliding Hill at Van Horne Landing. Warm up at the Bonfire & Warm Up Hut in the afternoon. There are also free Snowkiting Lessons & Demos.

Monday, Family Day, starts with a Pancake Breakfast at the Royal Canadian Legion. 3 on 3 Hockey Tourney at the Dryden Memorial Arena. There are many free activities again on Monday. Try Water Fit, Family Fun Swim, or Progressive Tennis at the Pool and Fitness Centre. Try your luck at the Family Fishing Derby on Wabigoon Lake. A fishing license is not needed as this is the Free Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. Holes are pre-drilled, just bring your rods & bait. We look forward to a fun family fishing day with you! Pimp Your Ice Shack - A panel of judges will make their rounds to ice shacks on Wabigoon Lake on February 20th. Pimp your shack along the ice road for easy judging OR provide transportation to your shack for the judge’s view. There will also be free Sleigh Rides & Dog Sled Rides, Snowkiting Lessons & Demos and skating and sliding at the Skating Oval & Sliding Hill at Van Horne Landing.

For more information on events and exact times, visit Experience Dryden. You may also call 807-223-1426 or email akidd@dryden.ca or winterfest@dryden.ca

Sioux Lookout Pond Hockey Tournament

Sioux Mountain Winter Festival - February 24-26

Sioux Lookout hosts an annual Sioux Mountain Winter Festival. The Legion Ladies Auxiliary host a beef on a bun event on Friday night. The Warrior boys hockey have their annual pancake breakfast on Sunday morning. The star of the show is the fifth annual Pelican Lake Pond Hockey Tournament taking place Saturday and Sunday at the Forest Inn Lakefront. For more information on the Pelican Lake Pond Hockey Tournament, contact Christine Hoey at 737-7955 or Email: christine@siouxtravel.ca The festival will run from February 24 until the 26 and takes place in various locations in Sioux Lookout as well as on Pelican Lake.

Kenora Winter Carnival - March 2-4, 2012

The Kenora Winter Carnival opens on Friday with free hot chocolate at 6:30pm under the tent. At 6:45pm the winner of the 2012 Snow Sculpture will be announced and then fireworks start at 7:00pm. Also at 7:00pm is a Euchre Tournament at the Keewatin Seniors Centre. The Rockin' Roots & Blues begins at 8:00pm at Shooters featuring live music by The Crooked Brothers, Bourbon Creek, Romi Mayes, and Jr Boy Jones with Ms. Kerrie Lapai.

Saturday is jammed pack with events at the Harbourfront and around town. At the Kenora Harbourfront you can find vendors and food concessions from 10:00am-5:00pm. The Kids Carnival and Funtastic Castle will be there from 10:00am-4:00pm. Beaver Creek Ranch will be there from 11:00am-3:00pm offering wagon rides. Have a talented dog? Bring him or her to the Dog Agility Contest at noon. At 1:00pm Boardanyone is putting on a snowboard competition. At 2:00pm there will be a Servers Scuttle, where teams of 2 people race through an obstacle course, holding a tray of glasses filled with water. The Sunset Trail Riders are also holding a Poker Derby.

Mount Evergreen Ski Hill is hosting a Dummy Downhill Race at 2:30pm. There is a free Public Swim from 3:15-5:15 at the Kenora Recreation Centre. Saturday night is hopping with the 4th Annual Hosers and Mukluks Winter Ball at the Lakeshore Hotel in Keewatin and the Rockin' Roots & Blues continues at Shooters featuring: Hillbilly Burlesque, the F Holes, Shadow Junction, and Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials.

Sunday of the Kenora Winter Carnival begins with a pancake breakfast at the Harbourfront from 10:00am-12:00pm. Also at the Harbourfront with be the Kids Carnival and Funtastic Castle and Snowmobile Rides from 10:00am-2:00pm. The Log Sawing Competition begins at noon and the Great Canadian Canoe Race begins at 12:30pm. Mount Evergreen Ski Hill is also hosting Dawn of the Shred at 11:00am. Beaver Creek Ranch is hosting a Girls Night from 6:00pm-8:00pm. You must pre-register for some of the events, please visit the Kenora Winter Carnival website for more information and to download registration sheets. If you are coming into Kenora for the weekend, the Super 8 is offering a Roots and Blues Package.

Cribbage Tournament at the Nestor Falls Winter Carnival

 

Nestor Falls Winter Carnival - March 2-4, 2012

Friday, March 2nd, 2012:

The Nestor Falls Winter Carnival begins with the judging of the Ice & Snow sculptures at 4:00pm. At 7:00pm come to "Without a Trace's" live performance at the Nestor Falls Community Hall. They'll play Country and Rock hits from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s & Today! Only 100 seats available. Age of Majority strictly enforced. Free entry in the All Participants Draw with ticket purchase! Only $10.

Saturday, March 3rd, 2012:

Registration for all events is at the Nestor Falls Community Hall. Get your ice fishing rods ready, the Winter Carnival Fishing Derby takes place from 7:00am – 5:00pm. The Poker Derby runs from 9:00am – 4:00pm as does the Scavenger Hunt. The Cribbage Tournament as well as Kid's Games start at 11:30am. Winter Photos will be judged and the winner announced. Submit your best winter themed photo by e-mailing it to Kiley Hanson at kileyhanson@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Photos must be high resolution and in image file format. At 5:00pm Awards and attendance prizes will be awarded. Cash bar and canteen will be available starting at 11:00 am. Entry fee for all events automatically enters to win an All Participants’ Draw. Saturday night features a Live Band - "Highway 71" at the 30th Annual Winter Carnival Dance from 9:00pm – 1:00am. $5 cover. Age of Majority strictly enforced.

Sunday, March 4th, 2012:

Fill up at the Pancake Breakfast from 8:00am-11:00am. It's all you can eat pancakes & sausage! $4.00/adult, $2/children 12 & under and Seniors eat free!

For more information on any events or activities at the Nestor Falls Winter Carnival, contact Kiley Hanson – kileyhanson@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 276-4405 or visit the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls website – www.livethelakelife.ca


Please visit the Sunset Country Events page for more information on other winter carnivals or events. If you have a winter carnival you'd like added to this post please email me.

Connect with Ontario's Sunset Country online

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You can also view our main Sunset Country website which links to over 400 Ontario lodges, resorts, hotels, local travel centres, businesses and more. Looking for something specific? Try one of our many product specific websites. Ask questions about traveling to Ontario's Sunset Country via email.

10 Reasons to Shop at Your Local Farmers' Market

Yesterday I finally made it down to Kenora's Farmers' Market. I can't believe it was the third week of the market and I just got to it this week. Going down to the Harbourfront on Wednesdays is one of my favourite things to do in the summer. During the winter the fruit and veggies that are available in Northwestern Ontario have come from far away and are not very fresh by the time they get here. But come summer, the local farmer's bring their goods down to the tent so we can have fresh vegetables just as if we had grown them ourselves. For me, there's nothing as good as biting into a freshly picked carrot. Since my failed attempt at gardening a few years back, I really look forward to biting into the fresh locally grown veggies and fruit.

Jewelery is always a hit.

The Farmer's Market has grown over the last few years to include much more than the fruit and vegetables that I so desire. There are food vendors, Aboriginal Arts & Crafts, Meats, Preserves, Honey, Baked Goods, Arts & Crafts, Sewing, Spices. My dog Reuben loves me every Wednesday as I bring him home a beef bone from one of the vendors. Each and every Wednesday I say to my co-worker, I am not buying any baking this time. But, wouldn't you know it, I get down there and the smell of freshly baked goods gets to me every time. Yesterday a delicious pecan brownie from a new company called the Kenora Brownie Company kept calling my name. It definitely hit the spot.  The Kenora's Farmers' Market is on the Harbourfront every Wednesday from 9am-2pm. 

Many other communities in Sunset Country have Farmers Markets as well. There's the Northwest Farmer's Market in Sioux Lookout. The next one is on July 15th and then runs bi-weekly until the end of September. The market is from 10am-2pm at Centennial Park.

Cloverbelt Country Farmers' Market strives to have only local produce represented, giving you a taste and experience unique to Dryden and its surrounding area. There is also farm fresh produce and meats, home made preserves and baking, and handmade arts and crafts. The Oxdrift Market began June 18 and is located in the Oxdrift Hall. It is open Saturdays 9am-12pm. They also have a second location starting July 7th in Dryden. You can find the Dryden Market in the Dryden Arena parking lot every second Thursday from 3-6pm.

The Clover Valley Farmers’ Market (CVFM) has operated a successful Farmers’ Market for over 22 years. From May to October it's open from 9am-1pm. November and December the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market becomes a local foods and craft store running multiple days a week. The market is housed in a distinctive red building located at 411 McIrvine Road (right behind Canadian Tire) in Fort Frances.

Red Lake Farmers' Market is held once a month from 10am-2pm in the Legion parking lot. Look for products from local farms on July 23, August 20 and September 24. In Sioux Narrows there is a Fresh Vegetable Stand next to the Boutique Soleil on Highway 71 near the Travel Information Centre. It is set up every Wednesday from about 8am until 11am. Rainy River Farmer's Market is held Wednesdays from 4pm-6:30pm at the Heritage Square on Atwood Ave.

Pick up some plants for your garden or homemade preserves.

Why should you visit these Farmers Market? Here are the top 10 reasons.

1. Taste real flavours of fruits and vegetables. There is no doubt that locally-grown foods just simply taste better.
2. Meet the farmers who grow your food. You can ask for advice when it was picked, how it was grown or ways to prepare it.
3. Protect the environment. The closeness of the farms does not require us to waste energy and gas to ship the food half-way around the world.
4. Support local economy by supporting the farmers, artists, bakers and other vendors.
5. Eat seasonally. By shopping at local farmer's markets you are eating produce at it's peak. They are fresh and ripe and loaded with nutrients.
6. Home-made baking. Do I need to say more?
7. Connect with your Community.
8. Meet up with friends, old and new. Chat with seasonal visitors.
9. Pick up some perogies and you don't have to cook supper tonight.
10. It's just plain fun!

For more information on these towns and cities listed above, please visit our website focusing on the communities in Sunset Country. 

Summer Heats Up in Sunset Country

Summer is finally here! Happy Canada Day everyone. Throughout Sunset Country today there will be many celebrations to celebrate Canada. Each community holds unique festivities. Most will top of this day with fireworks that are not to be missed. There is something to be said about fireworks on Canada Day. It's a time I reflect and get somewhat emotional and am really happy to be a Canadian.  

The rest of the summer in Sunset Country is filled with lot's of special events, festivals and things to do. Moosefest in Dryden started June 15th and runs until July 17th. There is a variety of events such as the Dryden Truck Show and Strongman Competition, the Children's Services Fair, National Aboriginal Day, Soap Box Show and Shine, NWO Canoe Races, Dragon Boat Races, fishing tournaments for both adults and kids and the list goes on and on.

The 4th Annual International Tug of War will take place on July 2 between Fort Frances, Ontario and International Falls, Minnesota. Come out and cheer on Fort Frances as they fight to regain the Tug of War Trophy. The friendly tug of war (Pulling for Peace) held between the two cities is in celebration of International Peaceful Borders Day. It's a very unique event that can't happen just anywhere, a 1,200 foot rope is strung across the river for the pull.

Pickle Lake's popular Black Fly Festival is held every year on the July 1st weekend. Enjoy the beauty of the vast wilderness in around Pickle Lake during a float plane ride, take in the children’s activities, take part in the horseshoe or Cribbage and Euchre tournament and enjoy the beach BBQ.

White Otter Days in Ignace is a month long celebration in July. Kick off your Canada Day celebrations in Ignace with the Canada Day Parade. The rest of the holiday is filled with various fun filled events at the Tourist Information Centre and Agimak Beach. Throughout the rest of the month take part in different events which include the Men’s Hockey Tournament, the Childrens' Festival, the Annual Mixed Slo-Pitch Tournament, Agimak Fish Derby and more.

Rainy River holds it's annual Rainy River Railroad Daze July 15-17th. Some of the events are Cardboard Boat and Duct Tape Races, a CCR Tribute Band at Hannam Park and Inflatable Bounce House “Wacky World” on 4th Street.

Harbourfest in Kenora July 29th to 31st are dates to mark on your calendars if you love to hear great bands and party the night away. Kenora's annual Harbourfest takes place over three fun-filled days and you do not want to miss it. This year's line-up of bands include Kenny Shields and Streetheart, Aldo Nova, Honeymoon Suite, Doc Walker, Sloan, The Watchmen, and more. There is something for the entire family including carnival games, face painting and bouncy rides, petting zoo, and pony rides. For more information contact Kenora Tourism or visit the Harbourfest website to purchase tickets.

Sioux Lookout hosts the annual Blueberry Festival July 29th to August 7th. Many of the restaurants in town have cooked up special blueberry themed items on their menus during the festival. There are actually over 100 events that take place including the Sioux Mountain Festival, an art show, tennis, volleyball, golf and bocce ball tournaments, and much more.

The 50th annual Sioux Narrows Arts Festival is scheduled for Saturday & Sunday, July 30th and 31st in Sioux Narrows. The art show has booths from local artists including sculptors, painters, and other mediums. Their talent is quite spectacular. July 31st you can attend the Nestorfest Pig Roast Picnic in Nestor Falls.

Atikokan hold many events during the year including the XY Company's 30k Pursuit-Pro Canoe Race on July 1st, Mudslingers 4x4 Races at the Charleson Recreation Area on August 6-7 and the Atikokan Bass Classic Boat Parade on August 11th.

The Trout Forest Music Festival is held August 12-14th in Ear Falls. It's music in the woods! There currently is 26 bands or solo artists signed up to play including Don Amero, Vince, Andrushko, and Little Miss Higgins. A full line-up can be found at the Trout Forest Music Festival website.

There are many fishing tournaments in Sunset Country. You may want to take part in a tourney, myself I love watching the weigh ins. The final top 10 weigh ins on the last day is so exciting. July and August are mostly Bass Fishing Tournaments and the Walleye Fishing Tournaments start again in September. The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is held July 17-23 and the KBI (Kenora Bass International) is held August 4-6th. September starts off with the Red Lake Fall Classic Catch and Release Walleye Tournament on the 2nd to 4th. Visit the Sunset Country website to see a list of all the fishing tournaments in the area.

There are a ton of events to watch, participate in or volunteer at this summer. There are really too many too list. Visit the Sunset Country Events page or visit www.ontariotowns.net to see events listed under each community.

Come to Canada and Catch the Big One

Canada is the promised land for muskie anglers and Sunset Country in Northwestern Ontario has some of the best known muskie waters in North America. At the top of this list is Lake of the Woods but it is not the only destination. Lac Seul, Eagle, and many others harbor large fish the biggest over 50 inches in length. The Canadian wilderness back country and incredible lakes provide a setting you can't get anywhere else. Stay at a lodge, rent a houseboat, or try a fly in outpost to catch that trophy fish. Visit our website focusing on Ontario Muskie Fishing Trips and plan your fishing adventure today.

Events Highlight a Summer of Fun!

Let's Party

Summer is party time in Ontario's Sunset Country and there are a boat load of events in the towns and cities across the region. In Red Lake you can take in the Norseman Festival and experience the lore of the Canadian bush plane. Dryden, Ontario is hosting the 2010 CMWA Canadian Championships in windsurfing and it promises to be an exciting event. Kenora's annual Harbourfest is a rock and roll party you don't want to miss. Dance the night away on the shores of Lake of the Woods under the big tent. Fort Frances, Ontario has its 2nd annual Folk Festival this summer and you can also listen to music at the Trout Forest Music Festival in Ear Falls - on beautiful Lac Seul!

Wherever you are this summer you can find a community event going on. There is always something to do! Here is a list of 2010 festivals and events in Sunset Country, Ontario

Spring Ice Fishing Trip

Ice Fishing in Sunset Country, Ontario

One of the perks of being Executive Director of the Travel Association, are the invites I get to experience what we have to offer here in Northwestern Ontario. A great winter experience is ice fishing. I was lucky enough to have Kenora area guide Jeff Gustafson ask me to go try an evening out on the ice.

Getting out there around 5:00 PM the fishing was good right from the start. There were 6 of us fishing - Jeff and I, Jeff's dad, two friends from Minnesota and another local like me. Just about as soon as I arrived one of three "pop-ups" set with a cisco and targeted

at big pike sprung up. I had the honour of pulling in the fish - a small northern this time - unlike the 15+ pound fish they had caught the day before. While this was going on, one of the Minnesota anglers pulled in about a 10 pound lake trout - in the same area. This was followed by some large walleye, one over 28 inches. This all paled in comparison to the 40 inch lake trout pulled in by the lone lady angler on the ice - what a fish!

Here I am with the 27 inch walleye I had the opportunity to pull out of the ice. I really thought the fish would have fought harder given its size. She was beautiful and after this picture, I returned her back down the hole and into the lake. Needless to say the pace of the action was crazy from the get go - and a tremendous amount of fun! Thanks to Jeff Gustafson for the great day on the ice.

Ice Fishing was a great way to end this year's winter. Now it time to start planning your 2010 summer vacation.

Time to Start Planning Your Fishing Trip

Where are You Going Fishing this Summer?

Well it's January and the days are short, the temperature outside is chilly and there isn't much on TV. This makes it a perfect time to plan your Canadian Fishing Trip. While we admit to bias, we think you should be looking to Ontario's Sunset Country as your destination. We have 70,000 lakes for you to choose from and a list of over 260 lodges, resorts, campgrounds and other places you can stay. We have information on the towns and cities in Northwestern Ontario and we're here to help you plan your trip. The fishing of course is great and so are the people. Enjoy a Canadian fishing trip that you'll remember for years to come.

The best place to start is to order your free travel guide and fishing map which is loaded with helpful trip planning information including a directory of resorts and lodges in Ontario.

Time to Plan Your Summer Vacation

Vacations in Ontario's Sunset Country

Hey we know the economy's a real drag these days but perhaps a vacation would make you feel better? Sure it costs money to go on a trip but the great thing is there are loads of great resort and lodge packages, campgrounds and hotels up here in Ontario's Sunset Country. Your visit can be for a week renting a cabin along the lake, fishing and exloring the surroundings. Bring your trailer or RV and explore the many campgrounds and parks we have. Go hiking, swimming or canoeing. The great outdoors offers a wide choice of activities for the entire family.

To get you started you can use the links to the right to find the website with specific information on the vacation you are planning. All of the Travel Association's member business are listed on these websites so you have instant access to the people with the packages and services you're looking for.

Here's a list of some of the things you can do:

Rent a Cabin, Boat and Motor and Go Fishing

Rent a Houseboat

Go Camping

Take a Fly-in Fishing Trip

Go Canoeing in a Provincial Park

Try Scuba Diving in a Freshwater Lake

Sailing

Rock Climbing

Mountain Biking

Nature Photography and Wildlife Viewing

Experience Festivals and Go Shopping in Town

Enter a Bass Fishing Tournament

Wayfinding With a GPS

and lots,lots more...the key thing to remember is that a grand vacation is not far away from home - especially if you live in the Midwest States, the Prairie Provinces in Canada or right here in Ontario. We offer great value, great fun and great memories in Ontario's Sunset Country.