Get Distant in Sunset Country

Are you seeking a remote vacation? Sunset Country is the epitome of the word remote. Read this article and find out why!

The past few years have been less than optimal travel-wise. With all the concerns over the coronavirus, taking a remote vacation in Ontario's Sunset Country seems like a great strategy for those who want to travel safely again. In the far northwest region of this immense province near the Manitoba border, we take "social distancing" to a whole new level and our vacations here have always been naturally remote. In fact, we've been doing socially distanced vacays for over 80 years!

Our Top 5 Remote Vacations

With remote the new buzzword for vacation planning, we came up with a list of the options to consider. So here are the top five remote vacation ideas that you can experience in Ontario's Sunset Country!

You can't get much more remote than at an outpost cabin in Sunset Country

1. Take a Wilderness Fishing Trip

Sunset Country is already the number one destination in Canada for freshwater fishing and our remote wilderness trips are the reason people return here year after year. The most remote experience available is a trip to a fly or boat-in outpost cabin, a place far away from any roads and often, the only cabin on the lake! But you don't necessarily have to go to an outpost cabin to get remote as even our drive-in lodges are off the beaten path and once you're out fishing on the lake, it is rare that you'll see more than a few passing boats during the day. 

2. Rent a Houseboat

Renting a houseboat is an exciting "bucket list" vacation everyone should try at least once. A houseboat is essentially a cabin that floats and that you can drive around on Lake of the Woods or Lac Seul. Behind in tow is a fishing boat (or boats) allowing you to step off the mother ship and try your luck angling. Many people rent houseboats just to "chill out" for a week away from others as you chart a path across the lake meandering through islands and discovering new wilderness beaches to moor overnight each day. It is the ultimate "dreamy" trip and ideal for the family or for a fishing group!

Explore our massive lakes on a houseboat!

3. Go Camping

When you have 100,000 square kilometers of real estate to choose from, there are a lot of spots to go camping! You'll find an array of privately-run Provincial Parks where you can camp. Many of the campgrounds have large, spacious spots with lots of green space between you and your neighbour. For the hardier souls, a wilderness camping trip is something to consider but just make sure you plan carefully and come prepared.

Camping in Sunset Country is a great way to get away from it all!

4. embark on a Wilderness Canoe Trip 

Sunset Country is one of North America's top flatwater paddling destinations! With over 70,000 freshwater lakes—all inter-connected—you could paddle here for the rest of your life and not see everything. A wilderness canoe trip is the ultimate when it comes to being socially distant as you are far away from virtually everything. In Sunset Country, we have wilderness parks such as Wabakimi, Woodland Caribou, and Quetico that await your presence. Our experienced canoe outfitters have everything you need for a successful and safe paddling experience so we highly recommend you utilize them for your trip here. Talk about getting away from it all!

Sunset Country is North America's premier paddling destination

5. Stay at an All-Inclusive Fly-in Lodge

While equally remote as staying at a drive-in or boat-in outpost, there are significant differences when you stay at an all-inclusive fly-in lodge. Comfort and luxury are standard at these facilities and basically, all you need to bring with you are your personal items—almost everything else is provided in the package. Enjoy chef-made, full-course meals, guided fishing during the day, and camaraderie with friends and family in the evenings. This is experiencing the wilderness in comfort and while you pay a little more, the rewards are well worth the additional expense.

All-inclusive fly-in lodges offer comfort and luxury in the middle of nowhere

So there you have folks, five remote and socially-distant options for a fantastic summer vacation in Ontario's Sunset Country. What you choose to do is up to you but with "remoteness" being a desirable goal for vacations now more than ever, we've got all the bases covered! 

Your only question now is which one will you pick? Visit Sunset Country online to learn more and plan your socially distanced vacation. 

About Gerry Cariou

Gerry is Executive Director of Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Association and is an avid fisherman and nature photographer. Gerry has been writing about Sunset Country's varied travel experiences for over 20 years and lives these experiences year-round in Kenora, Ontario.

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