Things To Do
Downtown Fort Frances is full of special places to visit and shop. Walk to clothing stores, pharmacies, gift shops, beauty shops, and unique restaurants. Watch for artisan wares featured in front of the Museum during Market Thursdays all summer.
Get Active – Fort Frances Sports
Town of Fort Frances Memorial Sports Centre
The Memorial Sports Centre offers two ice surfaces, a 25-metre pool, two squash courts, weight and fitness rooms, and a variety of fitness and safety classes.
Fort Frances Hockey
Between Fort Frances Minor Hockey, Fort High Muskies, the Fort Frances Lakers, and a number of recreational leagues, we are never short on hockey in Fort Frances!
Fort Frances Golf Courses
Heron Landing Golf Course was nominated by Golf Digest in 2005 “Best New Course in Canada.” The 18-hole course is located just East of Fort Frances on Couchiching First Nation Reserve, nestled in a panoramic woodland setting. Check out our Stay N’ Play Golf Packages!
Fort Frances Recreational Sports Leagues
Whether you are into indoor or outdoor soccer, volleyball, slow pitch or fast pitch baseball, curling, or just about any other recreational sport, chances are there’s a community league for you to join!
Emo Speedway Stock Car Racing
Staying the weekend: it’s a half hour drive to the Emo Speedway, where you can check out the exciting stock car races. Many different classes to watch.
The Great Outdoors – Outdoor Adventures in Fort Frances
Rainy Lake
Fort Frances’ pristine lakes and rivers, specifically Rainy Lake, make you feel that you have stepped ashore as a first explorer. Rainy Lake’s waters provide a safe and fun place to swim, fish, boat, engage in water sports, and enjoy a little slice of Northwestern Ontario Heaven.
Fishing on Rainy Lake
Rainy Lake is a premier fishing destination for residents and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking to land bass, walleye, or a monster muskie, you’ve come to the right place.
The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship
Each year, during the third week/weekend in July, Fort Frances holds the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship. Fishermen and women from all over Canada and the United States flock to the Sorting Gap to enjoy the festivities underneath the big tent! A plethora of entertainment is lined up each year and it’s an event that is a huge hit among locals and visitors. More information is available on their website: http://canadianbass.com/
Town of Fort Frances Point Park
Swimming anyone? Visit the park and enjoy a stroll under the oak trees or take a dip in the clean, clear waters of Rainy Lake. Camping and picnicking are welcome.
Sorting Gap Marina
The marina is located on the Rainy River waterfront (LaVerendrye Parkway and Minne Avenue) and features a boat launch and fuel station. Stop here for an ice cream cone after a lovely walk on the waterfront.
Walking & Hiking Trails
Eighth street trail system is located in the North end of Fort Frances; these trails are found along cleared and wooded areas. Enjoy cross-country skiing trails and walking routes as well as wildlife observation.
Rendez-Vous Yacht Club
Come and watch or participate in the local yacht club race every Wednesday evening during the summer months. Dock space is available for hotel guests
Winter Ski, Snowshoe, and Snowmobile Trails
Experience a true North winter in Northwestern Ontario with a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis on the area trails. Try ice fishing on Rainy Lake or go snowmobiling on the abundant snowmobile trails across the district.
Fort Frances Historical Sites & Activities
Fort Frances Museum
The Fort Frances Museum collects, preserves, researches, exhibits and interprets the artefacts that depict the story of man and nature as it relates to the history of Fort Frances and the surrounding Rainy River District.
The Hallet
The Hallet was the largest and most powerful boat on Rainy Lake. In 1983, the Hallet was placed at Point Park and in 2009 it was moved to its current location at the Sorting Gap Marina.
The Lookout Tower
The 33 meter (100 foot) tower was originally a radar and lookout tower located near Atkikokan and was moved to Point Park in 1972 as a tourist attraction. In 2009 the tower was moved from Point Park to the Sorting Gap Marina.
The Rainy Lake Mermaid
The Rainy Lake Mermaid constructed in the 1930s out of steel rods, old boat propellers, and cement sits upon a rock in the middle of beautiful Rainy Lake.
LaVerendrye Parkway
The upper Rainy River has always provided a means for travel. Orginally used as a transportation system for saw logs to the mill, the walkway along the river is now an integral part of Fort Frances’ waterfront, utilized by residents and tourists alike.
The Noden Causeway
The Causeway was officially opened in 1965 providing a vital link to the east. The finished bridge is 3.5 miles long and 36 feet tall at it’s highest point.