Red Lake Travel Guide

Explore the hidden gems of Red Lake, Ontario with our comprehensive tour guide. Discover the best places to visit, hike, eat, stay, and more in this charming town surrounded by scenic views.


Introduction to Red Lake

Red Lake is a charming town situated in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and lush forests. The town is a popular destination for adventurers, history buffs, and nature lovers with its awe-inspiring natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture. The highlights of Red Lake include its numerous outdoor activities, beautiful hiking and biking trails, historical sites, and its rich cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Red Lake

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re a history buff, Red Lake has a lot to offer. Here are a few must-visit museums and historical places:

  • The Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre: This museum is the perfect place to start your Red Lake tour. It features a fascinating collection of exhibits that take you on an exciting journey through the town’s history, culture, and traditions.

  • The Norseman Heritage Park: The park is home to an iconic airplane, the Noorduyn Norseman, which played a vital role in the town’s history. Visitors can explore the airplane and learn about its historical significance.

  • Madsen Red Lake Gold Mines: These mines were operational from 1936 to 1976 and are now abandoned. Visitors can take a guided tour and explore the mines, witnessing the history and hard work that went into mining for gold.

Natural Attractions of Red Lake: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Red Lake is famous for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Here are a few natural attractions to check out in the area:

  • Gold Pines Provincial Park: The park is an excellent place for camping and hiking, with over 100 campsites and a network of trails leading to beautiful scenic views.

  • Chukuni River: The Chukuni River is the perfect place for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

  • Norseman Floatplane Base: Take a floatplane ride over Red Lake and get a unique aerial view of the region’s beautiful lakes and forests.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Red Lake

Red Lake offers many well-maintained hiking and biking trails for visitors.

  • The Trout Lake Trail: This trail is a 6.8 km loop that takes you through a forested area around Trout Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in the region.

  • Red Lake Recreation Trail: This trail stretches 61 km from Cochenour to Balmertown and is an excellent option for long-distance bikers.

Best Things to Do in Red Lake: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do when exploring Red Lake:

  • Fishing: Red Lake is famous for its fishing opportunities, with many large lakes filled with walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and whitefish.

  • ATV Tours: Take a guided ATV tour in the Red Lake area for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

  • Snowmobiling: Red Lake is known for its snowmobiling trails, which take you through the region’s stunning winter landscapes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Red Lake

Day 1: Visit the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre and learn about the town’s history. Day 2: Take a guided tour of the abandoned Madsen Red Lake Gold Mines. Day 3: Go hiking at Gold Pines Provincial Park. Day 4: Go fishing on one of the town’s beautiful lakes. Day 5: Take an ATV tour of the area’s forests. Day 6: Rent a snowmobile and go on a tour of the area’s winter landscapes. Day 7: Take a floatplane ride over Red Lake for stunning aerial views.

Food and Drink Scene of Red Lake

Must-Try Dishes

Red Lake has several fantastic restaurants where you can try some of the town’s unique dishes:

  • Pickerel: This freshwater fish is a local delicacy and can be found on menus throughout town.

  • Wild berries: Try blueberries or raspberries that are only found in particular areas of the town.

Local Beverages

  • The Red Lake brewery: This brewery produces unique craft beers made with locally sourced ingredients.

Where to Stay in Red Lake: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Red Lake offers various accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, hostels and guesthouses.

  • The Red Lake property: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and beautiful views of Red Lake.

  • The Norseman Inn: This cozy inn provides guests with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and is within walking distance of many attractions.

What to Buy in Red Lake: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Northwoods Trading Post: This store offers an excellent collection of souvenirs, including handmade gifts and jewellery made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Red Lake

The people of Red Lake have a strong connection to the land, with fishing and mining being vital components of their culture. Visitors should show respect for the town’s customs and traditions, including using traditional fishing methods and conserving the region’s natural environment.

Best Time to Visit Red Lake

The best time to visit Red Lake is in the summer months, from June through August, when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking are popular. Fall is also a beautiful time to visit to witness the changing colours of the trees and the area’s abundant wildlife.

Do’s and Don’ts of Red Lake

Do:

  • Respect the town’s cultural heritage and environment.
  • Take advantage of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
  • Try local dishes and brews.

Don’t:

  • Disturb wildlife or damage the environment.
  • Take or destroy artifacts or relics from historical sites.
  • Ignore safety precautions when engaging in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Red Lake

Red Lake is generally a safe destination for travellers. Visitors should follow basic safety precautions such as locking cars and keeping valuables out of sight. It’s also essential to heed any warnings about wildlife when hiking and camping in the area.

Health in Red Lake

There are health clinics and hospitals in Red Lake in case of any medical emergencies. Visitors are advised to have adequate health insurance coverage when travelling to the area.

Getting to Red Lake: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Red Lake

The Red Lake Airport is the closest airport to the town and serves many regional airlines.

Bus Stations Near Red Lake

Ontario Northland operates a bus service that connects with various northern Ontario towns and significant cities in the province.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Renting a car gives visitors the flexibility of traveling around the region at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Red Lake

Visitors can rent cars, bikes, ATV’s, and snowmobiles to get around town and the surrounding region. There is also a taxi service available.

Where to Go Next from Red Lake: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Wabakimi Provincial Park: This park is situated to the east of Red Lake and offers fantastic wilderness experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Woodland Caribou Provincial Park: This park provides visitors with a mix of water and land activities, including canoeing and hiking.

Conclusion

Red Lake is a hidden gem in Northwestern Ontario, offering diverse cultural and natural attractions for visitors. With its rich history, scenic beauty, and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or adventurer, Red Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Northern Ontario.