Fort Frances

Fort Frances is the largest town in the Rainy River District with a population of 9000. The town is the gateway to Sunset Country and offers much to stop for. Fort Frances is located on the shores of Rainy River, and along the Canada-US border. The town is linked by a bridge to International Falls, Minnesota. Fort Frances has a fully-developed waterfront along Rainy Lake. Rainy Lake extends north and east from Fort Frances and is home to many hunting and fishing resorts. Rainy Lake is famous for its smallmouth bass fishing. The community is home to the Fort Frances International Bass Classic fishing tournament.

Fort Frances is the oldest community west of Lake Superior. A view of the early pioneer life,aboriginal life, and displays of local arts and crafts can be found at the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre located in the heart of the Voyageur Village shopping district. Get some exercise by walking along a the waterfront out to the rapids where Rainy Lake flows into Rainy River. The next half-mile takes you through Pither's Point Park and onto the shores of sparkling Rainy Lake. Stop and check out the logging boat Hallett. The 60-foot, 57-ton boat was built in 1941 and once was the largest and most powerful boat on Rainy Lake.

For a list of accommodations, gift shops, restaurants and more in Fort Frances, scroll down to the bottom of this page to link to the business' websites.

HISTORY OF FORT FRANCES:
Jacques de Noyan was the first European settler to reach the Rainy Lake area when he spent the winter here in 1688-89. LaVerendrye soon followed in 1731 when Fort St. Pierre was built. The Northwest Company establish a strong point in the area in the 1780's along their �Voyageur Highway� which was a crucial part to the Company�s trans-shipment of goods. In 1818 the Hudson Bay Company established a permanent post along Rainy River. On June 1, 1830 the Governor of the Hudson Bay Company, Sir George Simpson visited the �Lac la Pluie� with his wife Lady Frances Ramsay Simpson and in honor of her visit, he renamed �Fort Frances� on September 25 of that same year. The Town of Fort Frances was incorporated April 11, 1903.

MAIN INDUSTRIES:
Due the abundance of wooded areas, the main industry is the local Abitibi Consolidated Inc. Paper mill.

POPULATION: 8,000

DISTANCE TO NEAREST TOWNS:
Fort Frances to Emo � 30 km or 19 miles (23 minutes)
Fort Frances to Rainy River - 90 km or 56 miles (67 minutes)
Fort Frances to Nestor Falls - 95 km or 59 miles (70 minutes)
Fort Frances to Sioux Lookout - 135 km or 84 miles (100 minutes)
Fort Frances to Kenora � 210 km or 130 miles (157 minutes)
Fort Frances to Atikokan - 150 km or 93 miles - 112 minutes)
Fort Frances to Dryden - 180 km or 112 miles (175 minutes)
Fort Frances to Thunder Bay � 335 km or 208 miles (251 minutes)
Fort Frances to Winnipeg, MB � 392 km or 245 miles (299 minutes)
Fort Frances to Minneapolis, MN � 474 km or 284 miles (365 minutes)

MUSUEM:
Fort Frances offers a small quaint museum full of displays of our culture including Indian artifacts, relics of the fur trade, logging and farm implements. Built in 1898 the building has served as a public school, high school, police station and a Legion Hall before finally being modified into the Fort Frances Museum in 1978. Located at 259 Scott St. the town of Fort Frances encourages visitors to take a peek.

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE:
You�ll find travel information and maps at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce as well as at the Ontario Travel Centre. The Chamber is located at 474 Scott St. The Ontario Travel Centre is located near the Canada/US border. As soon as you cross the bridge from International Falls and enter into Canada, you�ll go through customs and as you are leaving customs, turn left and you�ll see the Information Centre.

Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday year-round
Ontario Travel Centre - Summer hours 7am - 7pm, Winter hours 8:30 - 5 pm, 7 days a week

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:

• Noden Causeway - A series of island-hopping bridges 7 km east of town. This bridge shows tourists way they visit areas and reminds locals why they stay.
• Mermaid Copenhagen Statue - An artist�s tribute to his wife who drowned at that site in the 1920's.
• Pither�s Point Park - A local campground, beach and a buzz for tourists due the many attractions and the holding ground for many Fort Frances events.
• La Verendrye Parkway - a winding path that takes tourists on a scenic walk viewing the wonderful waterfront setting of the Borderland area.
• The �Big Chair� - this monument had become grand attraction for tourists located at the center of Pither�s Point Park.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

• Fun in the Sun, June 26th - July 1st - Includes: Mall Days, Canada Day Parade, Queen and Mini- Queen Pageant, kids games, food booths and fire works over Rainy Lake.
• Quest for the Best, July 23rd - A local competition, which showcases the best of the best in singing talent from all across the Northwestern Ontario region.
• Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, July 21 � 26 - Live release bass tournament on Rainy Lake, which has activities for the whole family, including live bands, hypnotists and games and attractions.
• Annual Home and Leisure Show, Spring - This event holds exhibits from Ontario, Manitoba and Minnesota. There are many things for a family to see and do, including activities, draws and prizes for the kids.
• Lion�s Club Presents the Polar Plunge, January 1 - Representatives of local committees and clubs test their endurance by plunging in the frozen Rainy Lake.
• Borderland Thunder Hockey, Winter - Watch our beloved SIJHL hockey team battle teams across the area as they try to capture victory after victory.
• Tour-de-Fort, Monthly Events - This is barrage of shows including plays, musical guests and entertainers from all around our great country.
• Business Awards Banquet, March - Presented by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce this banquet presents many local businesses with awards, which commemorates the hard work and success of their business.
• Ice Skating Show, March - A yearly event when our local Figure Skating Club showcases their talent of all ages as they present theatre on ice.
• Terry Fox Run, September - A local event where citizens of Fort Frances walk, run, roller-blade or bike down Scott Street to earn funds as they remember the Strength and devotion of our national hero, Terry Fox.

TOURS:
Abitibi Consolidated Paper Mill Tours - June-August, Monday to Friday, 10:30 - 1:30 pm

Self Guided Forest Tours - Try out those new hiking boots as you travel up Manion Lake Road 72 km east of Fort Frances. Pamphlets complete with map of trails available at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce. Call (807) 274- 5311 ext.1878

PUBLIC BEACHES:
Pither�s Point Park - Complete with beaches, picnic area and campground.

PICNIC AREAS OR PARKS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY:

• Lion�s Millennium Park - Located on Second Street East, the Lion�s Park offers something for everyone. Fenced in equipment for the kids, a miraculous fountain and roofed picnic area.
• Nelson/ Front Street Park - This park provides beautiful shade, equipment for the children and a great view of the waterfront. And with the many picnic areas along the waterfront you can make a day out of it.
• There can be a park full of activities and space enjoy a nice day of recreation at the many elementary schools of Fort Frances including Robert Moore, St Francis, Alexander Mackenzie and many more.

PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCHES:
Sorting Gap Marina located on the eastern end of the La Verendrye Parkway gives the public access to launch their boats. Along the waterfront on the western side of town there is one main launch site located beside our water tower on McIrvine Road.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES:

• Rendez-Vous Yacht Club - Whether you�re a beginner or pro you�ll enjoy the comfort of sailing on Rainy Lake. On Wednesday evenings meet for the Sand Bay Evenings.
• Kitchen Creek Golf Club - Rated one of the best 18 host golf courses in Northwestern Ontario. Located 11km west of Fort Frances on Highway 11/71.
• Heron Landing Golf Club - Located 2km east of Fort Frances on Couchiching First Nation, Heron Landing is comprised of over 250 acres of natural scenery overlooking both Frog Creek and Rainy Lake.
• 8th Street Walking and Ski Trail - Enjoy the natural beauty right on the northern out skirts of Fort Frances as you walk or ski through clearing and wooded areas.
• Little Beaver Snow Park - Enjoy a day in a winter wonderland as you slide down the many hills, dine at the eatery or just sit back with a mug of hot chocolate.

SHOPPING:

• Downtown Fort Frances - Our downtown area offers a variety of shops and stores that provides a wide array of unique gifts and souvenirs. There are also many restaurants and coffee shops that offer great dining no matter if it�s a meal or a small snack you are in need of.
• Clover Valley Farmer�s Market - Open every Saturday from May � October, 8am to 2pm. Located on McIrvine road, the market offers a variety of handmade local crafts, fresh produce and baking.
• Fort Duty Free - Offers quality, brand name products, designer jewellery and accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, and skin care, fine china, crystal and collectibles, local arts & crafts, souvenirs, sun glasses, t-shirts, magazines, liquor, liqueurs, Canadian beer, tobacco, and plenty of Canadian gifts. Also the GST Rebate Centre. Located at 401 Mowat Avenue. Call (807) 274-7151.

CHURCHES:
Anglican -St. John the Baptist Anglican Church - 360 Church St. � 807-274-7692
Baptist
Bethel Baptist Church - 720 Morrison Cres. � 807-274-5569
Victory Baptist Church, Hwy. 11/71 � 807-274-1472
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - 815 Keating Ave. � 807-274-7223
Evangelical Covenant - Evangelical Covenant Church, 1027 King�s Hwy � 807-274-1873
Greek Orthodox - St. George�s Ukrainian Orthodox Church - 704 McKenzie Ave. � 807-274-7307
Free Methodist - Church of the Holy Spirit - CN Station Hall - 807)-274-7046
Independent - Joy of Life Fellowship - 714 Armit Ave. � 807-274-0880
Lutheran
Church of the Lutheran Hour - 508 Victoria Ave. � 807-274-5935
Zion Lutheran Church - 1105 Scott St. � 807-274-5415
Mennonite - Evangelical Fellowship Church - 560 Webster Ave. � 807-274-2328
Pentecostal
United Pentecostal Church - 1345 Emo Rd. � 807-274-9170
Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada - Calvary Tabernacle Church - 808 Butler Ave. � 807-274-3638
Presbyterian - St. Andrews Presbyterian Church - 324 Victoria Ave. � 807-274-5891
Roman Catholic
St. Mary�s Roman Catholic Church - 206 Victoria Ave. - 807-274-5233
Our Lady of Lourdes - Couchiching First Nations �807-274-9831
United - Knox United Church - 340 Church St. � 807-274-4543
Salvation Army - 316 Victoria Ave. � 807-274-3871

HOSPITALS:
La Verendrye General Hospital - 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances - 807-274-3266
Emo Health Centre - 260 Front St., Emo - 807-482-2881
Rainy River Health Center - 113 Fourth St., Rainy River - 807-852-3232
Northwestern Health Unit - 396 Scott St., Fort Frances - 807-274-9827 or Toll Free: 800-461-3348
Fort Frances Clinic - 301 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances - 807-274-7741

For more information please call the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-820-FORT. Be sure to stop at the Ontario Travel Information Centre as soon as you cross into Fort Frances from International Falls. The building is on your left - it's loaded with maps, brochures and everything you may need to get you to where you are going.

Zup's Fishing Resort and Canoe Outfitters Welcome to Zup's Fishing Resort and Canoe Outfitters - a family tradition since 1936. Our location proves to be our gre ... 1918 Pine Tree Trail Ely, Minnesota 55731 218-365-4018 or 888-602-BASS	Slippery Winds Wilderness Resort Slippery Winds Wilderness Resort is a jewel hidden in northwestern Ontario, only 40 miles from the U.S. - Canada border. Slippe ... Suite 204, 1700 Corydon Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3N 0K1 204-982-9684 or 888-244-7453
Northern Wilderness Oufitters Ltd. For a person who does not mind doing his own cooking and would enjoy "roughing it" a little, our fly-in deluxe outpost ... Box 637 Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M9 807-274-3666	Manitou Weather Station Located on a heavily wooded, 40-acre site on the top of Lower Manitou Lake, the Manitou Weather Station offers guests exception ... PO Box 333 Fort Frances, P9A 3M7 807-938-6346
Lake Despair Lodge Welcome to Lake Despair Lodge. We are a houskeeping lodge on beautiful Lake Despair in Ontario's Sunset Country. Come ... RR#1 Site 1-4 Devlin, P0W 1C0 807-486-0532	Campfire Island Camp A lake that commands your attention,an island that will capture your heart! Together, they offer a unique combination of first- ... PO Box 476 Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada P9A 3M9 807-274-9500
Camp Narrows Lodge New one, two, and three bedroom cottages overlooking NW Bay, on the north arm of Rainy Lake. Located eight miles from t ... Box 807 Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3N1 807-274-2121 or 866-294-5067	Barker Bay Resort & Outposts Welcome to Barker Bay Resort and Outposts! Hundreds of islands and bays provide you with all the rocky shorelines, secluded wee ... Box 157 Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada P9A 3M6 807-938-6481
Witherspoon's One Stop 1108 Kings Highway Fort Frances, P9A 2X6 807-274-6922	Town of Fort Frances Box 38 Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M5 807-274-5323
The Great Bear (Shell) RR#2, RMB 2012, Highway 11 Fort Frances, P9A 3M3 807-274-2221	Super 8 Motel - Fort Frances 810 King's Highway Fort Frances, P9A 2X4 807-274-4945
Silver Muskie Lodge Box 216 Ashby, Minnesota 56309 218-747-2900 or 877-791-7189	Rusty Myers Flying Service Box 668 Fort Frances, P9A 3M9 807-274-5335
Richard's Rod and Reel Service P.O. Box 126, Hwy 613 North Devlin, P0W 1C0 807-486-0514 or 888-450-7772	Rainy River Future Development Corp. 608 Scott Street Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 1H6 807-274-3276 or 800-465-8502
Rainy Lake Sports & Tackle 715 Colinization Road East Fort Frances, P9A 2S2 807-274-6429	Rainbow Motel 1031 Kings Hwy. Fort Frances, P9A 2X7 807-274-3268 or 888-377-6466
Prestige Wilderness Shuttles 324 N. Cumberland St Thunder Bay, P7A 4P2 807-346-8989 or 866-616-1661	Pizza Hut - Fort Frances Box 122, 862 King's Highway Fort Frances, P9A 3M5 807-274-4848
Pinewood Sports and Marine Ltd. Hwy 11/71 W.,RR 1,B-1 Fort Frances, P9A 3M2 807-274-7737 or 800-361-2628	Pharmasave 140 Scott Street Fort Frances, P9A 1G6 807-274-5383
Northwoods Gallery and Gifts 273 Scott St. Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 1G8 807-274-9224 or 866-311-3811	Northwestern Ontario Tourism Association Box 458 Emo, P0W 1E0 807-488-5514
North Air Taxi/Limo Services 600 Scott St. Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 1H6 807-274-5301 or 800-465-7761	Moose Point Lodge 4333 Maple Road West Bend, WI 53095 262-677-8397 or Cell 414-659-2305
MOM's Way 608 Scott Street Fort Frances, P9A 1H6 807-274-3276 or 1-800-465-8502	Midtown Motel/Bayview Motel 417 Portage Avenue Fort Frances, P9A 3M7 807-274-9814 or 888-425-4441
McTaggarts 578 Scott Street Fort Frances, P9A 1H4 807-274-7706	LaBelle's Birch Point Camp RR#1 Devlin, P0W 1C0 807-486-3345
La Place Rendez-Vous Hotel 1201 Idylwild Dr. B2-RR2 Fort Frances, P9A 3M3 807-274-9811 or 800-544-9435	J.N. Webb & Sons - Dairy World 830 Portage Ave. N. Fort Frances, P9A 3W9 807-274-5613 or 800-465-5089
Green's Countrywide Furniture & Appliance 516 Mowat Avenue Fort Frances, P9A 1Y9 807-274-3251 or 800-293-2282	Green Island Lodge Box 668, Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada P9A 3M9 807-274-5335
Gillons' Insurance & Holmlund Financial # 324-326 Church Street, Box 128 Fort Frances, P9A 1E1 807- 274 -7716 or 800 -465 -7797	Fort Frances Times Limited Box 339, 116 First St Fort Frances, P9A 3M7 807-274-5373 or 800-465-8508
Fort Frances General Supply 617 Mowat Ave. Fort Frances, P9A 1Z2 807-274-2971	Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce 474 Scott St. Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 1H2 807-274-5773
Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship Box 531 Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8 807-274-0316	Fort Floral & Gifts 310 Scott Street Fort Frances, P9A 1G9 807-274-6782 or 800-599-7796
Fort Duty Free Shop 401 Mowat Ave Fort Frances, P9A 1Y8 807-274-7151	Coppen's Resort Box 478 Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada P9A 3M8 807-481-2564
Cascade Camps Ltd. 525 South 6th Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 651-439-5430	Campbell's Cabins (1987) Ltd. 7540 Gold Coast Road Crane Lake, Minnesota 55725 807-485-2441 or 800-238-4224
Busch's Auto Supplies Ltd. 800-6th St W Fort Frances, P9A 3E9 807-274-7701	Border Travel 334 Scott Street Fort Frances, P9A 1G9 807-274-5303 or 800-463-5303
Border Bob's 200 2nd Ave International Falls, MN 56649 218-283-4414	Bliss Cabins Box 105 Mine Centre, Ontario, Canada P0W 1H0 807-599-2846
Berger's Trading Post P.O. Box 203 Crane Lake, Minnesota 55725 218-993-2376	Bearskin Airlines Box 1447 Sioux Lookout, P8T 1C1 800-465-2327
BDO Dunwoody, LLP, C.A.s - Fort Frances 375 Scott Street Fort Frances, P9A 1H1 807-274-9848	Barny's Fishing and Guide Services 1112 Christie Avenue N Fort Frances, P9A 3W3 807-274-6798

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