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.

Festivals and Events - Party Time in Sunset Country

Festivals a Big Part of Summer

Summer is celebrated in a big way in Ontario's Sunset Country. It is the true "tourist season" - the time of year when visitor numbers are at their highest. Folks from the United States, Europe and as far away as Asia and the Pacific flock to this part of Canada. Why you ask, because they want to enjoy the incredible outdoor travel experiences we offer!. Set in the boreal forest and with 70,000 freshwater lakes Sunset Country attracts fisherman, hunters, campers, wilderness canoeists and families who can find unique and fun things to do.



In this post we want to focus on the festivals and events taking place in our towns and cities. It's summer and we're in a partying mood and you can always find something going on. In Red Lake, Ontario for example the Norseman Float Plane Festival is a great time and it takes place the last week of July. Vintage bush planes are the star attraction but stage entertainment, and many family activities also occur. Ear Falls offer one of Central Canada's best outdoor music experience at the Trout Forest Music Festival. Listen to major acts and enjoy a great camping trip at the same time.

Dryden's major summer festival is Moosefest with 9 days of exciting activities going on. A major windsurfing regatta one event you won't want to miss. Kenora has the big party along the shores of Lake of the Woods - Harbourfest - features major rock bands, and with the Agricultural Fair, going on at the same time, it is an event you don't want to miss.

Meet Blueberry Bert at the Sioux Lookout Blueberry Festival. This event begins at the end of July and celebrates the harvest of a wild blueberries in the area. Many family-oriented activities make this a great idea for your family vacation - stay at nearby Ojibway Provincial Park or right in town. Pickle Lake laughs at one of the region's pest at the Black Fly Festival. If you are "at the end of the road" when it's on you'll find a wide variety of things to do and see.

Atikokan celebrates it reputation as a canoeing destination each year at Canoefest. Quetico Park just turned 100 years old in 2009 so there is lot's to celebrate in this great town west of Thunder Bay.