West Nipissing - A Sensational Place to Vacation

Fantastic scenery, rich culture and great fishing.

This is what the West Nipissing area is all about and it is a lovely place to visit. Steeped in rich tradition and culture, the communities of West Nipissing take pride in their heritage, which dates back to the early days of the fur traders. The area boasts a lifestyle most people only dream of and it is also a great place to enjoy a pleasurable vacation.

Only 33 km west of North Bay, on Hwy. 17, is the Town of Sturgeon Falls. This picturesque community is an officially bilingual town situated on the banks of the Sturgeon River. The town had its beginning when lumbermen came to the area to supply the demands for lumber in Southern Ontario. By 1850 logging trails existed in the area and by 1881 the arrival of the railway brought farmers, merchants, miners and builders. Early settlers to this area were predominantly English, however, with the railway, came a large influx of French-Canadian settlers.The little settlement incorporated as the Town of Sturgeon Falls in 1895.

Years ago a major industry in Sturgeon Falls was the harvesting of caviar or Sturgeon eggs, an international delicacy. Sturgeon Falls was once known as the caviar capital of Canada marketing this delicacy throughout the world.

The West Nipissing Information Centre is located at the west end of Sturgeon Falls, providing a one stop shop for tourists travelling through the area. It is a hub-style focal point highlighting all of the West Nipissing attractions and assets, both natural and man made. There is a lovely art gallery on the second floor of the centre for all to enjoy.

The Musée Sturgeon River House Museum , located 4 km off Hwy. 17 between Sturgeon Falls and Cache Bay, is an actual site of a Hudson's Bay post (1848-1879) located on the west bank of the river, 1 km from Lake Nipissing. The Museum features a reconstructed fur trading post and a pioneer village complete with a blacksmith's shop and a log pioneer home constructed in 1898.

In addition to the historical displays, the Museum offers self guided walking nature trails. The 1.6 km path highlights a beaver lodge, a bird watching platform, wildflowers and wetlands, as well as interpretation through educational programming and special exhibits.

The entire area of West Nipissing is home to more than 40 different species of fish--- from the tiny smelt which runs in the spring to the mighty muskellunge, the furious warrior of the waters. Myriad lakes and streams dot the area, creating an angler's delight. The lakes and rivers give up such beauties as the popular pickerel/walleye, speckled, brook and rainbow trout. The youngest of anglers can enjoy bringing in sweet tasting perch or the colorful sunfish. The local bass include rock, white, silver, small and largemouth.

Where to Stay

If you'd like to start planning your vacation to the West Nipissing region, please visit the Northeastern Ontario website.

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