Atikokan, Ontario is known as the "
Canoeing Capital of Canada". The town is located along scenic Highway 11/17 in the southeast region of Sunset Country. Atikokan is a starting point for those canoeing famous Quetico Provincial Wilderness Park, which is just south of the community. Quetico is one of North America's best places to enjoy wilderness canoeing; there are no motorboats allowed on the many lakes within the park. There are many canoe outfitters in the area that can help you plan your paddling trip in the wilderness park. If you're looking for a fully guided and outfitted trip or just a partially outfitted canoe trip, you'll be sure to find a quality outfitter in Atikokan. But there's much more to do in Atikokan than canoeing. You can stay at a drive in resort on one of the many area lakes, or perhaps fly in to a remote outpost lake and go fishing. Why not make your trip to Atikokan a learning experience! You can visit the walleye fish hatchery, see the Centennial Museum, the Native Friendship Center, Pioneer Center or mining attractions. View ancient native rock art at the Pictograph Gallery or better yet, set out on your own to view rock art along the many lakeshores near town. The remote, beautiful, White Otter/Turtle River Wilderness Area is just north of Atikokan.
To link to the canoe outfitters, resorts and lodges, hotels and other businesses in Atikokan, please scroll down to the bottom of this page to visit their websites.
HISTORY OF ATIKOKAN:
-Courtesy of the Atikokan Mining Attractions.
For over 30 years, Atikokan was home to 2 mining companies, Steep Rock Iron Mines and Caland Ore Company. In 1938 prospector, Julian Cross, discovered ore beneath Steep Rock Lake, north of Atikokan. One year later, SRIM (Steep Rock Iron Mines) was formed, but initial underground attempts flooded out. Because of the war, demand for ore was high. It was decided, under the engineering genius of "Pop" Fotheringham, to divert the Seine River system, approximately 10 miles so it wouldn't flow through Steep Rock Lake, then drain and dam the lake to reach the ore.
Over 110 million yards of silt, gravel and rock were removed by two electric dredges, "Steep Rock" and "Marmion". Caland Ore Co. leased Falls Bay from SRIM and their dredges brought the total area cleared for mining to 2.5 sq. mi. with a total of 270 million tons of lake bottom removed. The first phase was double the earth removed for the Panama Canal in 1/2 the time, with enough water pumped in 8 hours to supply all of Montreal for 24 hours. In one week, one dredge alone removed the same amount of earth as was taken from Toronto's Yonge Street subway excavation. The over 63 million tons of high grade ore hauled from the pits at the bottom of Steep Rock Lake was enough to produce every steel part in every automobile ever driven in Canada (ca 1970).
Both companies planned for long-term development of up to 100 years, but the growth of taconite, a new ore processing technology, made our ore less economical. By 1980, both mines closed. Despite these closures, Atikokan progresses into the future. This founded the town of Atikokan
POPULATION: 3,400
MAIN INDUSTRIES:
The economy of Atikokan is based on forestry, a thermal generating station, government services, retail services, tourism, and a mixture of light manufacturing businesses.
DISTANCES TO NEAREST TOWNS:
Atikokan to Fort Frances is 150 km
Atikokan to Thunder Bay is 209 km
MUSEUM:
Atikokan Centennial Museum
Atikokan Mining Attraction
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE:
The Visitor Information Centre is located at the junction of Highway 11 and Highway 11B. It is stocked full of travel information on Atikokan and many surrounding areas. They can be reached at 807-597-4492.
Summer hours: May, June, and the first half of September: 10:00am-6:00pm. July-Aug.: 8:00am-8:00pm
Winter hours: Closed for the winter.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS OR �MUST-SEES IN THE COMMUNITY:
Walleye Hatchery
The Atikokan Sportsmen�s Conservation Club is a local volunteer organization that operates a fish hatchery dedicated to improving stocks of the most popular sports fish in the area. The hatchery, located beside Little Falls, is capable of hatching up to three million walleye each spring. Local members will arrange a tour and explanation of the hatchery by appointment. Contact Bill Beyer at 807-597-6486, Gerry Jefferson at 807-597-4423, or John Charbonneau at 807-597-6592.
Scenic Little Falls
Little Falls is a natural falls on the Atikokan River, located near the golf course. Many exceptional photographic opportunities are available in the area of the falls especially from a cable suspension bridge, located just downstream.
Atikokan Public Library
The library is located downtown in the Civic Centre overlooking the picturesque Atikokan River. You will find books and resource material for adults and children. They also provide special programs such as Children�s activities, computers, and access to the Internet for the public.
Pictograph Gallery
Local art is on display and for sale at the gallery. It is located on the lower level of the Voyageur Mall in downtown Atikokan. Art exhibits are rotated on a monthly basis and the gallery is staffed by a volume who is usually a local artisan.
Little Falls Golf Club
This golf course is frequently described as the most challenging course in Northwestern Ontario. It is a double teed nine-hole course carves out of the boreal forest. Water can come into play on six of the nine holes and one tee is elevated some twenty meters above the fairway, providing a spectacular view of the course and of the waterfalls. Clubs & power carts are available for rent. In addition there is a licensed dining lounge.
Quetico Centre
An ideal place for learning, planning and development. The thoughtfully designed residential complex includes meetings, accommodations, dining and leisure facilities. The beautiful nature setting soothes the senses and stimulates the mind. The purpose of Quetico Centre is to help individuals and organizations shape their future positively.
Fletcher Canoes
Canoeists and outdoor enthusiasts will not want to miss an opportunity to view the handmade cedar and canvas canoes manufactured in the traditional manner by the Cameron family in Atikokan. Located on Hwy. 11B, for more information call 807-597-6801
Atikokan Mining Attraction
A local volunteer committee dedicated to preserving the rich mining history of the Atikokan area has established a mining museum. This facility is located right next door to the Atikokan Centennial Museum and houses many artifacts and has a database of over five thousand miner�s histories. Throughout the community, visitor will enjoy displays of many large mining artifacts and mining murals.
Atikokan Native Friendship Centre
Any visitor to Atikokan should spend some time talking with local native peoples at this location. A limited supply of high quality original native crafts is available for sale. They are located at 307 Main St.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS:
Atikokan Bass Classic - A Small Mouth Bass fishing tournament, which takes place on Dashwa, Crowrock and Turtle Lakes annually in Aug.
Canoefest - A summer festival held annually during the 3rd week in July. The popular celebration is organized by the Atikokan Chamber of Commerce, with participation from many other local groups and businesses. Bring your entire family and take part in the wide variety of races, games and events involving canoeing, kayaking and all things outdoors.
TOURS OF THE COMMUNITY:
The Atikokan Mining Attraction offers self-guided tours of various mining murals and mining artifacts on display through out the town.
HIKING TRAILS IN AREA
Walking trails are located along the river throughout the community.
PUBLIC BEACHES IN SURROUNDING AREAS:
French Lake is located on the northern edge of Quetico Provincial Park. A public beach located on Crystal Lake located adjacent to Crystal Beach Resort.
CAMPGROUNDS:
Quetico Park and Pavilion
Less than 30 minutes east of Atikokan lays the magnificent wilderness park known as Quetico. The entry pavilion is an architectural gem and housing a reception centre and a library featuring a complete record of the region, from early aboriginal times to present. Quetico has 107 campsites for summer and winter camping, picnic area, playground, hiking trails, biking trails, and offers backcountry camping.
PICNIC AREA OR PARKS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY
Bunnel Park has a quaint picnic pavilion where people can have family gatherings.
CHURCHES:
Anglican - Church of the Good Shephard - 227 Marks, 807-597-2338
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - 108 Cedar Cr., 807-597-6500
Faith Lutheran Church - 418 O�Brien, 807-597-4225
First Fellowship Baptist - 88 Maple Cr., 807-597-2088
Full Gospel Assembly - 135 Maple Cr., 807-597-6421
St. Patrick�s Rectory - 119 Hawthorne Rd., 807-597-2197
United Church- Riverview - 169 Pine, 807-597-6004
HOSPITAL:
Atikokan General Hospital :807-597-4215
WINTER ACTIVITIES:
There are many winter activities to enjoy in Atikokan - cross country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, tobogganing, and snow shoeing.
CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS:
Atikokan's Cross country Ski Club has an open invitation to all nordic skiers or want to be skiers living or traveling in North Western Ontario. The Beaten Path is a volunteer club that has created a system of trails that will appeal to Skiers of all levels and abilities. Come out and enjoy North Western Ontario's majestic winter scenery on a true wilderness trail system.
For more information on Atikokan, call the Chamber of Commerce at 1-888-334-2332 or the Township Office at 1-807-597-2738.
-
Niobe Lake Lodge
Niobe Lake Lodge is the newest housekeeping lodge in Ontario's Sunset Country! New cabins built in 2000. We are the perfect des ...
Highway 11, Box 1856 Atikokan Ontario P0T 1C0
(807) 929-2145
| -
Camp Quetico
Throughout the years, Camp Quetico has taken pride in pleasing guests with first-class dining and accommodation packages: Mo ...
Box 1087 Atikokan ON P0T 1C0
807-929-2266
|
-
Finlayson Resort
Finlayson Resort is a drive in resort on Finlayson Lake off Highway 622, north of Atikokan,Ontario. Our houskeeping cabins are ...
101 Main Street Broken Bow OK 74728
580-584-2263
| -
Kashabowie Outposts
Kashabowie Outposts is a primary Northwestern Ontario destination for fly-in fishing. Choose from one of our twelve Remote Outp ...
Box 2310 Atikokan ON P0T 1C0
807-929-2140
|
-
Branch's Seine River Lodge Outfitters
Since 1932, our camp has been welcoming guests from around the world to enjoy what our amazing Canadian Shield Wilderness has t ...
16 Glen Watford Rd. Cobourg ON K9A 4S5
905-377-9736 or 866-443-4414
| -
Absolutely Eva Lake Resort and Wilderness Outposts
Serious Fun, Excellent
Fishing & Relaxing In N.W.
Ontario!You will discover
that great spirit of the
explorer within ...
Box 10 Atikokan ON P0T 1C0
807-929-2451 or 800-382-4386
|
-
Canoe Canada Outfitters
Canoe Canada has a wide
variety of different
experiences for you to
explore. Paddle to Quetico
Provincial Park or the T ...
Box 1810, 300 O'Brien Atikokan Ontario, Canada P0T 1C0
807-597-6418
| -
Marr's Perch Lake Lodge
Fish the scenic Seine Chain
of Lakes and experience the
adventure in catching
walleye (pickerel), northern
pike (jack f ...
Box 1593 Atikokan ON P0T 1C0
807-597-1233 or 1-888-perchlk (888-737-2455)
|
-
Browns' Clearwater West Lodge
Browns' Clearwater West Lodge
offers a Four Season Drive-In
Wilderness Retreat adjacent to the
Turtle River White Otter W ...
PO Box 1766 Atikokan, Ontario P0T 1C0
807-597-2884 or Reservation Desk: 1-800-900-4240
| |
| -
Atikokan Foodland
110 O'Brien Street Atikokan ON P0T 1C0
807-597-2595
|
-
Voyageur Bait & Tackle
Box 1552, Highway 11B Atikokan Ontario P0T 1C0
807-597-1575
| |
| |
| -
White Otter Inn
Box 27, 710 MacKenzie Ave. Atikokan ON P0T 1C0
807-597-2747
|
| |
| -
MOM's Way
608 Scott Street Fort Frances ON P9A 1H6
807-274-3276 or 1-800-465-8502
|
| |
There are 24 members showing in this page.
