The waterways surrounding Fort Frances offer some of the best scenery in the North. The Historic Boundary Waterway being one of the waterways surrounding Fort Frances, was first used as a transportation route more than 2,500 years ago.  This stretch of water from Atikokan to Minaki was of infinite importance during the fur trade, the settlement of the area, the mining boom, the logging industry, and during the construction of the railroad.

Sailors enjoy a variety of lake conditions to test their skills while families can picnic, sun, swim, and boat at one of the many secluded beaches. Fishing, often one of the biggest attractions of a vacation in the Fort Frances area is excellent. Our new waterfront development, including the Sorting Gap Marina, provides an excellent place to dock and then tour the many historical attractions and sites of the town.

Winter months in the Fort Frances area bring a different twist from Mother Nature. If you dress properly for it, the five feet of snow which falls in an average winter can be enjoyable in many activities. Snowmobiling through bush trails and over lakes, ice fishing, curling, cross-country skiing, broomball and hockey are just a few of the activities enjoyed by residents and visitors in the area.

Fort Frances, or the "Fort" as it is commonly known, is the largest town in the Rainy River District and one of Canada’s major tourist entry points. Situated on the shores of Rainy Lake and the Rainy River, the "Fort" is a prosperous, full-service community of approximately 8,000. Fort Frances is located across the international bridge from it’s sister city, International Falls, Minnesota making it the gateway to Northwestern Ontario. Fort Frances is only hours away from some of the largest markets in Canada and the United States.

Fort Frances bears the distinction of being the oldest settled community west of Lake Superior. It was first established in 1688 by Jacques de Noyen and has been settled continuously since 1731. Furs, logging, mining, and farming have been the major components of the economic base but today the pulp and paper industry is the chief employer.

Fort Frances has the advantages of a large city, with the convenience of a small town. A world traveler and worker has summed up the benefits of life in the community of Fort Frances - the town offers every amenity desired for comfortable living?

The Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre is located in one of the town's oldest buildings - a school house built in 1898. Exhibits feature area history from early native life to industrial development.

Travelling and art exhibits are featured on a regular basis. The museum provides programs for schools, youth groups and the public on a regular basis.

For more information, check out:  http://www.fort-frances.com/museum/

Located on beautiful Rainy Lake, Pither's Point Park is the perfect spot for a family picnic, a day at the beach, or just enjoying the outdoors. After a good lunch, the kids can have fun playing on the equipment, on the beach or even taking a swim off the dock. Baseball diamonds, large open fields, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits make the park fun for the whole family.

Located at the center of Pither's Point Park, the "Big Chair" has become a grand attraction for residents and tourists.

Stop by for a great photo op.  The kids will love you for it.

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Rated one of the best 18-hole golf courses in Northwestern Ontario, Kitchen Creek Golf Club is located 8km west of Fort Frances on Highway 11.

Kitchen Creek offers a complete, full service course with picturesque fairways and immaculate greens.  Shop in the Pro Shop, dine in the club house or enjoy a refreshing beverage on the course.

Call (807) 274-GOLF for more information.

Check out La Place Rendez-Vous'
Stay + Play Golf Packages

This beautifully groomed course and unbeatable scenery make a round of golf well worth the trip to the Heron Landing Golf Course, located just 2 km east of Fort Frances on Couchiching First Nation Reserve. This newly constructed course offers all the amenities you' ll need for a great day of golf.

Visit the Pro Shop for rentals of clubs and carts. The Pro Shop also features a variety of golf accessories and gifts for purchase.

Enjoy a delicious meal or snack at The Sand Wedge Restaurant after your game.

(807) 274-5678

www.heronlandinggc.com

tour de Fort is a non-profit, volunteer group dedicated to presenting the Rainy River District with top quality professional entertainment with a Canadian emphasis at an affordable cost.

Every dollar raised through the sale of passports and the generous support of sponsors, as well as advertisers, goes back into the concert series and to support the performing arts in the community.

For a schedule of up-coming concerts or to purchase a passport, check out www.tourdefort.com

The Hallet was the largest and most powerful logging boat on Rainy Lake.  The 60 foot, 57 ton boat was transported in pieces by railway flatcar and reassembled for the Pulp and Paper Mill here.

The Hallet was later modified to make it more suitable for pulling booms across the Lake.  A change from a single to a double rudder was necessary to make the boat stable, an early towing attempt laid the boat on its side.  Other renovations occurred, including one as a result of fire.  Despite the engines being changed and other minor alterations, the Hallett's essential function remained unchanged until its retirement.

The Hallet was used extensively in hauling logs until 1974.  During an average year, the Hallet made twenty round trips one hundred miles each, hauling 70,000 to 90,000 cords of wood a year in average tows of 4-5,000 cords of wood, a mile in size.  Modernization of woodland operations and environmental concerns led to use a pulp truck, carrying 40 cords per load to bring logs for paper production.

In 1983, the Hallet was placed in Pither's Point Park.  Restoration was completed by the Fort Frances Museum.  You can visit the Hallet on-site at Pither's Point Park.

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In 1932, Gordon A. Schlichting, a Minneapolis architect, carved the Mermaid while a student spending the summers on Rainy Lake. Located in Silver Island Narrows, near Copenhagen Island, the Mermaid watches over the comings and goings of the lake.

Statesque and secretive, the Mermaid sits upon a rock in the middle of beautiful Rainy Lake. Constructed out of steel rods, old boat propellers and cement, the Mermaid is truly a work of art.

In celeration of her 70th Birthday, the metal mermaid was made from the metal hull of a boat found sunken in the lake.

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Edward Wellington Backus Mural - the first heritage mural of Fort Frances, created by artist Brian Romangnoli, depicts industrialist E.W. Backus. The mural is located on the west wall of the CIBC building located at 203 Scott Street

Fort Frances at the Turn of the Century Mural - the "Fort Frances at the Turn of the Century" Mural was created by artist John Hood and is located on the west wall of the Masonic Building, located at the corner of Scott Street & Portage Avenue.

Located on Second Street East, the Lion's Park has something for everyone.  Fenced in equipment for the children to play on, a beautiful millennium fountain, and a water fountain shaped like a lion where you can quench your thirst.  Washroom facilities are available.  This park is located across from the Fort Frances Memorial Sports Centre. 

Royal Canadian Legion Park

Right in the west end of town, this park offers swings, slides and monkey bars.  The many trees offer not only shade but beautiful scenery.  After a day of playing on the equipment, take a break and relax or have a picnic under the pavilion.  Washroom facilities are available.

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