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Fort Frances

The Town of Fort Frances

Photo By Brian Kahler

Fort Frances is the largest town in the Rainy River District and one of the major entry points into Canada for visitors from the USA. Each year close to one million tourists are drawn to the attractions of the Rainy River District, with the majority of them entering the district through Fort Frances. 

The town is ideally situated at the point where the Rainy River flows from sprawling Rainy Lake, one of North America's cleanest bodies of water.  It is immediately across the river from its sister city, International Falls, MN. Fort Frances is only hours away from some of the largest markets in Canada and the United States.

Fort Frances bears the distinction of being the oldest settled community west of Lake Superior. It was first established in 1688 by Jacques de Noyen as Fort St. Pierre and later renamed in honour of Lady Frances Simpson, wife of Sir George Simpson. The Fort was used as a major stepping stone for explorers such as La Verendrye and fur traders who traveled deep into western North America. The area has been settled continuously since 1731.  

Photo By Brian Kahler

Fort Frances has the advantages of a large city, with the convenience of a small town. One world traveler and worker has summed up the benefits of life in the community of Fort Frances - “the town offers every amenity desired for comfortable living.”

The waterways surrounding Fort Frances offer some of the best scenery in northern Ontario. The Historic Boundary Waterway was first used as a transportation route more than 2,500 years ago. Today sailors enjoy a variety of lake conditions to test their skills while families can picnic, sun, swim, and boat at one of the many secluded beaches in the area. Fishing, often one of the biggest attractions of a vacation in the Fort Frances area, is excellent.

Winter months in the Fort Frances area bring a different twist from Mother Nature. If you dress properly for it, the five feet of snow which falls in an average winter can be enjoyable in many activities. Snowmobiling through bush trails and over lakes, ice fishing, curling, cross-country skiing, broomball and hockey are just a few of the activities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Photo By Brian Kahler

Fort Frances is full of attractions and fun-filled things to do. A visit to the museum, a tour of the paper mill, or a tour of the nearby forests are popular activities. There are many recreational activities such as sailing on Rainy Lake, golfing on one of two golf courses or spending a sun-filled day at Pither's Point Park.  

Web sites of interest in and around Fort Frances:
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