Morsonontariotowns.net     
Located about 40 miles north of the Canada-US Border, Morson is literally "at the end of the road." But for those who enjoy outdoor recreation, it is the beginning of a unique and wonderful outdoor experience. Morson has immediate access to unspoiled tracts of wilderness in the heart of the Lake of the Woods. This is truly a first-class recreation area for anglers, boaters, and nature lovers. Those who venture here can stroll along a sandy beach on a warm summer day or challenge the rugged terrain of the islands in the brisk of autumn. The scenery is spectacular regardless of season. For both quality and quantity fishing it is hard to find a better spot. Lake of the Woods supports a wide variety of species you expect on any large body of water, yet here in the center of the lake, you'll find thousands of islands with their sheltered bays offering the quietness and safety usually associated with smaller bodies of water.
To find out more about accommodations, businesses and services in Morson, scroll down to the bottom of the page to link to their websites. HISTORY OF MORSON: At the turn of the century, the area now known as Morson was covered with forests. The earliest inhabitants were Ojibway Indians whose existence depended largely upon wild game, fish and furs. Blueberries and wild rice were among their staples. They used the bark of the birch trees and leather made from animal hides. Centuries old Indian rock paintings on Lake of the Woods stand as remnants of the area�s earliest inhabitants. Indian rock paintings on Lake of the Woods are believed to be almost 1,000 years old and still mystify historians and chemists. Even though the art is considered primitive, the materials used by the early artists to create it have not been equaled in modern times as evidenced by their durability through centuries of exposure to the climate. On an overhanging cliff on Painted Rock Island is one of many sites of the rock paintings that are known to exist on Lake of the Woods. They can be viewed from a boat in the channel between Painted Rock Island and Splitrock Island. French fur traders arrived in the late 1600�sand by the early 1700�s Lake of the Woods was part of a busy water route between Winnipeg and Lake Superior. As the 1800�s came to a close, land grants being offered by the government attracted many Scandinavian settlers to the area. The need to clear land in accordance with the guidelines of the grants was the start for the timber industry and the agricultural development in and around the communities of Morson and Bergland. A surveyor, in 1908, noted that �the overland route to Morson was, in some place, little more than a footpath through the swamps.� The busy water route carried passengers between Rainy River via Lake of the Woods to ports along shores to Kenora. Lumber companies used the route for towing logs. It was the lumber companies who complained that night travel on the lake was nearly impossible. In response, the Tomahawk Island Lighthouse was built in 1900. Lighthouse keepers operated the lighthouse until 1946, when it was converted to automatic equipment. In 1963, it was sold to the Pentney family and moved to its present location at the end of Lighthouse Road. The lighthouse has been restored and converted to a museum with artifacts pertaining to early lake travel. The era of the steamships moved to a close when the railroads came through. Ernie Calvert established the first tourist resort sometime between 1910 and 1920 on Cedar Island. His guests were transported to the island by boat from the town of Rainy River in the early years of operation. In 1928 the Township of Morson was incorporated and in 1929 a road was built to Taylor Bay. During the next decade, several resorts were established, and tourism gained a firm foothold in the Morson economy. In the early 1940�s the road that is now Highway 621, was extended to the present day location of the Government Dock at the end of Hanson�s Bay. Hydroelectricity was installed in 1952 and telephone service in 1964. Morson�s immediate access to vast wilderness areas and its outdoor recreational activities have made it an increasingly popular vacation spot. On January 1, 1998 the Townships of Morson and McCrosson-Tovell amalgamated to form our present municipal boundaries, Lake of the Woods Township. The annexation of a portion of the islands on Lake of the Woods was incorporated into those municipal boundaries in 1999. The new millennium brought the construction of two bridges on Highway 621, one to cross the Big Grassy River and the other to cross Eleanor Lake to bring you to the heart of Morson. Morson isn�t very big � there are only about 200 residents that live here year-round. Although there are no busy shopping malls, four-lane highways or tall skyscrapers, we offer a wonderful world away from the hustle and bustle of mainstream life. Our shorelines and islands are largely undeveloped. Travelers can marvel at much of the same scenery that the first explorers saw when they discovered this island-studded gem in the centre of the continent. With over 14,000 islands and more than 40,000 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Woods has evolved into a premier outdoor recreation area for anglers, hunters, boaters and nature lovers. Its rocky shores, marshy inlets and sandy bays are habitats suitable for many species of fish. The area of the lake near Morson offers some of the best angling to be found anywhere. Muskie, walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, crappie and perch are only minutes away in Miles Bay, Obabikon Lake and Sabaskong Bay. You�re close to the clear deep water for trout in Whitefish Bay. Best of all, when you fish Lake of the Woods from Morson, you are in the island belt of the lake where sheltered bays offer protection from the wind. Fishing Lake of the Woods from Morson is truly fishing at the finest. To ensure that the Ontario fisheries remain healthy and can maintain a sustainable harvest, a team made up of tourism, Ontario residents and the Ministry of Natural Resources set limits to the catch and possession limits of the various species of fish. They establish closed seasons and provide sanctuaries for spawning. They often change from year to year to ensure the fishery. Regulation booklets are available at license issuers. Be sure you know the current regulations and size restrictions. Anglers are encouraged to practice catch-and-release. A non-resident conservation license may be purchased at a reduced price. The limits are lower than that of a regular license, but still permit you to enjoy our famous shorelunches. Just as the earliest inhabitants depended upon the bounty of the land and the water, today�s sportsmen will find the area teeming with fish and wildlife. Lake of the Woods is truly a sportsman�s paradise. Wild rice bays are feeding grounds for migrating birds and the duck hunt here is among the finest in the world. Flocks of mallards and teal, wood ducks and rafts of bluebills are available to the sure-eyed hunters. There are geese, too. Relatively rare to the area just a decade ago, they continue to increase in number. Grouse are plentiful and are sport for the small game hunters who seek them out. Moose, deer and bear roam the forests of the islands and mainland. Deer, attracted by the farmers� fields, are especially populous on the mainland. Deer and bear are hunted on both the mainland and islands. If you are planning a hunting trip, make reservations early, as the hunt is limited. Moose hunters are also advised to make their reservations well in advance. The only moose hunting available to non-residents is on the Aulneau Peninsula where primitive weapons must be used. The number of hunters that are allowed each season is limited. The Aulneau Peninsula is a vast area of undeveloped wilderness in the approximate centre of Lake of the Woods. It has been designated as a Wildlife Management Unit where hunting big game is restricted. Only bows and arrows and black powder rifles may be used. The Peninsula is a challenge, not only because of the requirements for primitive weapons but because of its size and rough terrain. While remnants of logging, farming, commercial fishing and trapping remain; Morson�s future depends upon its well-established tourism industry. Our resorts are still camps and their cooks, camp cooks, a throwback from earlier years when the first tourist resorts were opened. Guests stayed in log cabins that were heated by wood and didn�t have the benefits of running water and indoor bathroom facilities. The kitchen facilities were primitive by today�s standards. Early camp cooks used wood to fuel their stoves and ovens. Ice, harvested during the winter and stored in layers of sawdust, was used in old-fashioned iceboxes for refrigeration. In today�s resort kitchens, you can find walk-in coolers and freezers, microwave ovens, large bread mixers and food processors. There is one thing that hasn�t changed over the years. The smell of fresh baked breads and rolls, hearty servings of carefully prepared food and tastes that will make your tongue tap-dance are still trademarks of the camp cooks. Dining rooms and restaurants frequently feature samples of local fare: desserts made with blueberries in season and wild rice soups and casseroles. An unforgettable Lake of the Woods tradition you won�t want to miss is a famous shorelunch. Nothing can compare to the taste of freshly caught fish cooked over an open fire and served with all the trimmings. Today, the community attracts thousands of visitors each year. We welcome you to come and experience Morson, located on the very edge of untamed wilderness. We have the facilities and services of over thirty businesses, which operate within the Lake of the Woods Township. Whether you are in our community for business or pleasure, our aim is to make your stay a pleasant one. Morson�s immediate access to vast wilderness areas and its outdoor recreational activities have made it an increasingly popular vacation spot. You will find a visit to Morson, �good for the spirit and good for the soul.� �Island Splendor . . .Feel It!�
MAIN INDUSTRIES:
POPULATION: Approximately 200, year-round residents
DISTANCE TO NEAREST TOWN:
MUSEUM:
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS OR �MUST-SEES� IN THE COMMUNITY:
SPECIAL EVENTS: 2003
For a complete list of events being held by the Lake of the Woods Recreation Committee please contact Sheila at 807 488-5733.
PUBLIC BEACHES:
CHURCHES IN AREA: IN BERGLAND
BOAT LAUNCHES:
HOSPITAL:
WINTER ACTIVITIES: Morson has that special combination of fine recreation, interesting sites, beautiful scenery, a fascinating natural environment and warm hospitality. For more information, call the Morson Tourism Association at (807) 488-5943.
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