Attractions

What to see and do in Nipigon

Nipigon's Historical Walking Tour
Take a walk through time and savour the tales old buildings have to tell. 
Tour length is a relaxing 2.6 kilometres.  All Sites are accessible by road. 
You can pick up your map the the Museum or at the Town Office.
Visit this link for more information and downloadable map.
 
Nipigon River Recreational Trail
This 8.2 km hiking trail, which connects the Nipigon and Red Rock marinas,
takes between 2 ½ to 3 hours to complete.The  trail is open through all seasons.
Summer and fall enjoy the vibrant colours. During the winter months the scene is
transformed as the river freezes to a dazzling white. Click here for more information
and a downloadable map.
 
Paddle to the Sea Park
The Paddle-to-the-Sea Park in Nipigon brings the adventure story of a journey through
the Great Lakes to life for kids. Starting at the Lake Superior waterfall in the heart of downtown
Nipigon, twelve playground stations lead families on a journey of fun through town to the waterfront.  Please click here for more information about the Paddle to the Sea story.
 
 
Nipigon Marina
The port of Nipigon is the most Northerly freshwater port in North America. With a deep
water channel all the way to the fully serviced marina, boaters are invited to cross the 49th
parallel and receive their certificate commemorating the occasion. For more information contact
the Nipigon Marina at 807-887-3040 or the Township of Nipigon at 807-887-3135 or
our toll free number 1-877-596-1359 (monitored in the summer months only).  Click here for more information.

St. Sylvester Catholic Church
The oldest church in the Nipigon Area.  It was built in 1877 and mass is still celebrated
at this historic site.  The Church is owned by the people of Red Rock Indian Band and is located along Highway 11 travelling North to Greenstone. The first recorded burial was in 1880.  Click here for more photos of Nipigon.  For more information about the Church and its history please contact Red Rock Indian Band at 1-877-887-2510.
 
 
 
World Class Fishing
World class fishing can be found at the very top of the great lakes in every season. 
We have some of the best brrok trout around, with 5-10 lbs fish a common catch. 
There is a great variety of fishing; from Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake
in the world, to the fast moving Nipigon River, home of the world record brrok trout. 
For more information on fishing in Nipigon click here.
 
Northshore Golf Course
The North Shore Golf Club is located between Nipigon and the turn off to Red Rock.
Situated between beautiful mountains this nine hole golf course is the idea place to get
away and enjoy the spectacular view and a great game of golf. Incorporated in 1961,
The North Shore Golf Club has nine holes with multiple tees, measuring 6500 yards from
the black championship tees. Click here for more detailed information.
 
The Nipigon River
The World Famous Nipigon River is located at the crossroads of Highway 11 & 17.
The world's largest brook trout was caught in the Nipigon River just below Rabbit Rapids
 in July of 1915. Dr. Cook wheeled in the world record trout weighing in at 14 lbs. 8 oz.
(6.58 kg), 31 ½ inches long and 18 inches around the middle. Click here for more information.
Special regulations do apply to these waters, so check before you fish.
 
Hydro Electric Generating Stations
In 1917 the towns of Port Arthur and Fort William (now Thunder Bay), had
each unanimously passed a by-law enacting an agreement with the Hydro-Electric
Power Commission of Ontario to develop additional power sources on the
Nipigon River for the twin cities. Click here for more information on the various hydro
generating stations on the Nipigon River.
 
The Nipigon Murals
Come visit the famous Nipigon Murals "Racing the Train:", "Fifty Years of Service"
and "The Last River Drive" painted by Dan Sawatsky, a professional artist for over
20 years. Sawatsky's first mural was completed in 1983 in Chemainus, BC where
he now resides with his wife and two children. Since then Sawatsky has had over
40 major commissions for murals in Canada, the United States and Tokyo, Japan.
 
Orient Bay Rock/Ice Climbing
Just forty kilometers north of Nipigon on Highway 11 there are some majestic rock faces and
amazing opportunities for ice climbing in the winter time.  Ice climbing can be a very dangerous
sport and should only be done under the instruction of an experienced instructor.  Please click
here for more information and pictures of Orient Bay ice climbing.  The Nipigon Ice Fest is also
being held this March 2012. Dare to be there.
 
Ouimet Canyon
The weight, movement and melting of ice age glaciers has forever marked the landscape with a
succession of terraces, deep angular gorges and unique geological formations. This breathtaking
view should not be missed! Located in the Township of Dorion, on Canyon Road off Highway 11/17, the Canyon is approximately 150 metres (492 feet) wide, 100 metres (329 feet) deep , and 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) long.  Click here for Visitor Information.
 
 
 
Ontario's Gemstone

Amethyst is one of our oldest recorded gemstones. Amethyst jewellery was found in many ancient Egyptian tombs. Found in quantity in the Nipigon/Thunder Bay area. north of Lake Superior, it was chosen as Ontario's gemstone in 1975. Best known for it's deep rich tones of dark-bluish purple, amethyst ranges from reddish violet to pale lilac tints. Rings earrings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets containing this colourful gemstone have been fashioned by local artisans and are displayed at various amethyst and rock shops between Nipigon and Thunder Bay. Click here for more information.