Explore nearby this summer!

Whether you're coming from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Northern Ontario, think Sunset Country!

If you live in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northern Ontario, Or Minnesota and you're looking for a place that's close by to go on vacation why not  visit Ontario's Sunset Country in Northwest Ontario? We start at just half an hour from the Manitoba/Ontario border.

Enjoy the sunset each night

amazing staycation opportunities

Whether you're based in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Northern Ontario, now is the time to take advantage of all the amazing resorts and experiences. Many popular lodges and resorts have last minute openings and are the perfect place to experience the remote wilderness in Ontario’s Sunset Country. 

Young and old will enjoy the thrill of getting that big one!

Why here? There are plenty of reasons to choose a vacation in Sunset Country. If you're from Manitoba or Saskatchewan (whether you're in an RV or travelling by car) we've got tons of remote spots to go camping, and we have more lakes than people so no matter where you stop it'll be a beautiful location, likely next to one of our freshwater lakes! We’re naturally remote!

Sunset meditation. Photo: Steve Hallas

If you come from Northern Ontario, take advantage of your own backyard this summer! Explore one of our thousands of lakes (or a waterfall--if you haven't been to our own Niagara of the North, Kakebeka Falls, now is definitely the time!), explore a new town, or try a different campground! Take that canoe trip to Woodland Caribou, Wabakimi or Quetico Parks that's been on your bucket list for a while. Think of the isolation you'll experience in the the deep wilderness of Ontario's parks. You may not see another canoeist for the majority of your trip! There's never been a better time to explore your own backyard.

Wherever you're coming from, you'll need a place to stay. Most of our lodges and campgrounds in the area are family-run, small businesses. They’d love to share their little slice of heaven with you. 

It's easy to keep your distance at a resort in Sunset Country!

REMOTE ACCOMMODATIONS

There are quite a few options when choosing a resort. Many resorts, whether you are choosing the American Plan or Housekeeping Plan, offer cabin rentals so you stay in your own cozy cabin. Use the Sunset Country Accommodation Finder to find exactly what you are looking for. 

American Plan resorts generally include meals and are more all-inclusive. You can eat a meal on the deck or inside and enjoy the view.

Patios are open in Sunset Country to enjoy a socially distanced meal.

Housekeeping Plans generally don’t include the meals. The cabin rentals have full kitchens so you can prepare your own favorites. Grill that morning's catch with a glass of Ontario wine or craft beer in your hand while surrounded by our amazing boreal forests. 

It’s hard not to feel safe, content and relaxed when you’re in this environment. Spend the day on the lake, at the beach or go for a hike on a trail in the wilderness. Whatever you choose, you can’t really go wrong. 

Enjoying family time on a houseboat trip.

Houseboat rentals are also a great way to vacay! Take the time to book your family vacation aboard a houseboat for a trip none will ever forget! Get away from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy your vacation. (I’ve been on a few houseboat trips with family, and honestly, it’s such a great time). A houseboat is an opportunity for great company, great views of the lake, and just an all around awesome vacation. 

Canoeing in Woodland Caribou Park with Goldseekers Canoe Outfitting.

So whether you stay at a lodge, on a houseboat or at a campground, rest assured you'll be surrounded by the best of what Sunset Country has to offer. Go fishing, take a pontoon boat ride at sunset, canoe trip in a wilderness park, hike the wilderness or just simply relax with a book on a beach. The choices are endless and are virtually all stress free! 

A Great Blue Heron coming in for landing.

Activities in sunset country 

There are so many activities to do in Sunset Country. Just like our beautifully isolated accommodations, the things to do in Northwest Ontario are practically designed for social distancing. 

  • Explore a nature trail right outside your lodge or visit one of the many community hiking trails.
  • Explore an easily accessible waterfall or venture out on the lake to find a more remote waterfall. 
  • Canoe one of the wilderness parks or lakes in Sunset Country.
  • Watch out for one of the many wildlife species that are plentiful here. Moose, deer, bear, or maybe even a Woodland Caribou are some of the larger animals you may spot. Birds such as eagles, pelicans, loons, Canada Geese, and the Great Blue Heron are abundant. Fox, beavers, lynx, and rabbit sightings are also possible. 
  • Go fishing and enjoy a traditional shore lunch.
  • Watch the dark skies for northern lights.
  • Go blueberries picking for wild blueberries. They taste amazing!
  • Enjoy watersports such as tubing, kayaking, canoeing, paddling on a SUP or just enjoy spending the day at the beach. 

No matter what your original plans were for this summer, we know a vacation spent in Sunset Country will be an amazing one you'll never forget. You'll feel relaxed, safe, and amazing in our naturally remote region!

Morning fog over the lake.

Please email Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Association with any questions you may have about vacationing in Northwest Ontario or visit visitsunsetcountry.com for more vacation ideas. 

Read More: A Manitoban's Guide to Sunset Country.

About Erin Rody

I grew up on Black Sturgeon Lake in Northwestern Ontario. I am a staff writer for the Sunset Country Travel Association. Through my articles I hope to entice you to visit the wonderful region I call home. We are all about outdoor adventure; with 70,000 lakes and rivers and a whole lot of forests how can we not be? Whether you like to fish, hunt, canoe, kayak, boat or go camping, Sunset Country has something for you. Enjoy!

Recommended Articles

Cougar Controversy?

More Evidence They Live in Ontario

Curious as to which fish species are in your favourite lake?

Use this interactive map to find out.

New Restrictions on What You Can Bring into Canada

Keep up to dates with the changes.

8 facts you didn't know about moose

Just how big is a moose anyway?

Renew Your Outdoors Card, Online!

It's never been easier to buy your Ontario fishing license and Outdoors Card

White Otter Castle: The Incredible Story of the Mansion in the Middle of Nowhere

Imagine single-handedly building this massive structure in the middle of the wilderness?

Everything You Need to Know About Ice Fishing on Lake of the Woods

Hard Water Action!

10 Facts About Lac Seul

How many of these did you know?

Bottom Bouncing for walleye

Tips and tricks for using Bottom Bouncers

Late Season Ice Fishing

One of the best times to ice fish in Ontario!

Catch, Photo and Release

The best way to maintain a healthy fishery

A Symphony

Ice fishing tips for crappie

A taste sensation caught through the ice.

Fish Species in Ojibwe

Learn the Anishinaabemowin name of your favourite species

Where's the greatest smallmouth bass fishery?

Al Lindner loves this smallmouth paradise!

Discover The Winnipeg River

From fur traders to trophy anglers, the beauty hasn't changed.

Fabulous ice-out fishing for lake trout!

Here's what the pros use for tackle.

Catch More Walleye!

The bait you use can make all the difference

Specks on the Nipigon River

World Record Brook Trout Caught Here in 1915

Finally A Place to Ice Fish on Eagle Lake!

Visit Temple Bay Lodge and stay in style!