Best attractions and places to see around Red Lake, a community in Northwestern Ontario, offer a blend of rich history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. The region is characterized by its numerous freshwater lakes, vast wilderness areas, and significant aviation and gold mining heritage. Visitors can explore historical sites, engage in outdoor activities, and experience the unique environment of this Canadian Shield landscape.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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In Williams, Arizona, the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” the Welcome to Williams mural pays vibrant tribute to the town’s rich history and greets visitors with Route 66 pride. Painted on a white brick wall along historic Route 66, this colorful artwork captures the essence of Williams, combining its charming, small-town feel with the adventurous spirit of the Mother Road. The mural features iconic Route 66 imagery, a steam train and old buildings alongside the expansive text that reads: Welcome to Williams, Arizona.
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Known as "The Gateway to the Grand Canyon" 60 miles to the north, it is the southern terminus of the scenic railroad that takes tourists there and (in 1984) was also the last town on old Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40 across five southwest states.
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For the past few years, Navajo artist Shawn Nelson, “Turquoise Man,” has traveled between his hometown of White Ruins on the Navajo Reservation and Los Angeles. Nelson spent three days painting the mural of a fly fisherman catching a rainbow trout.
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Route 66 can be admired in all shops and on the street
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Cute little museum with free entry. If you are lucky you'll see a train of the Grand Canyon Railway arriving or leaving.
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Starting point of the Grand Canyon Railway.
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Williams went down in history as the last place whose section of Route 66 was replaced by an interstate. In 1984 the last section of I-40 was opened and a year later the entire US Route 66 was officially abolished nationwide. Williams has around 3,000 inhabitants and has many restaurants and motels as well as 2 train stations. It was the last route on Route 66 to be affected by the interstate bypass. The transcontinental long-distance train "Southwest Chief" runs daily from Amtrak station Williams Junction towards Los Angeles and Flagstaff-Albuquerque-Kansas City-Chicago. Williams train station in the town center is the starting point for the year-round Grand Canyon Railway, which is popular with tourists, to the southern edge of the Grand Canyon. Steam locomotive-covered additional trains are also used in summer.
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Red Lake boasts a rich history, particularly in gold mining and aviation. You can explore the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre, which covers Aboriginal history, the gold mining era, and local aviation. Don't miss the Norseman Heritage Park, dedicated to the region's aviation legacy, or the extensive Crull Rock & Mineral Collection in Balmertown.
The Red Lake region is a haven for nature lovers. You can access the pristine wilderness of Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, known for its extensive canoe routes and backcountry camping. The numerous freshwater lakes, including Red Lake itself, are perfect for fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. For a unique experience, observe the float planes taking off and landing on the waterways.
Yes, Red Lake offers various walking and nature trails. The Millennium Trail provides scenic routes for hiking and biking. McKenzie Island, accessible by ferry in summer or across the ice in winter, also features cross-country ski trails that can be used for hiking in other seasons. These trails offer a serene outdoor experience amidst the natural environment.
Red Lake's diverse natural environment is excellent for wildlife viewing. You might spot moose, black bears, beavers, grey wolves, red foxes, and deer. Birdwatching is also popular, with a variety of northern species to observe, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Absolutely! Families can enjoy the public beaches like Rahill Beach and Kinsmen Beach, which offer playgrounds, picnic areas, and opportunities for swimming. Exploring the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre provides an educational and engaging experience for all ages, while the Norseman Heritage Park offers a fascinating look at aviation history. Outdoor activities like easy nature walks and fishing are also great for families.
The summer months (June to August) are ideal for most outdoor activities in Red Lake, including fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, and enjoying the public beaches. The weather is generally warm and pleasant. For winter activities like cross-country skiing, visiting during the colder months when lakes are frozen and snow is abundant is best.
Yes, the Red Lake Area Golf & Country Club offers an 18-hole golf course. It's considered one of the best in Northwestern Ontario, providing a challenging game with a mix of long holes, open and wooded fairways, elevation changes, and water hazards, all set amidst beautiful scenery.
McKenzie Island is located across the water from Cochenour and is accessible by the Miss McKenzie Ferry during the summer months, or by driving/walking across the ice in winter. It features a close-knit community and wilderness areas with cross-country ski trails, which can also be enjoyed for walking and hiking.
During the summer, Red Lake hosts an outdoor art gallery experience. Local artists display their work on 50 banners hung in the downtown core and in Balmertown, creating a vibrant and accessible way to appreciate regional artistic talent.
Float planes are a unique and historic aspect of Red Lake, deeply tied to its aviation heritage and gold rush history. Howey Bay was once the busiest airport in the world in 1936 due to the gold rush, with Norseman planes being crucial for transportation. Today, you can still witness the continuous activity of float planes taking off and landing on the local waterways throughout the summer, a living tribute to this legacy.
Yes, the Crull Rock & Mineral Collection is located in the municipal office in Balmertown. This extensive collection features over 2,400 rock and mineral specimens, including spectacular gold samples from local mines, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's geological richness.
Red Lake is renowned for its exceptional fishing, particularly for trophy-sized walleye, northern pike, whitefish, and trout. The region's numerous clean, freshwater lakes offer abundant opportunities, with many fly-in and boat-in resorts providing access to remote fishing locations for an unparalleled angling experience.


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