The Towns and Cities
of Northern Ontario
Marathon - North of Superior
Marathon, primarily a pulp/paper and
mining community is located along the Trans Canada Highway halfway
between Thunder Bay and Sault St. Marie on the north shore of the
world's largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior. Due to its relative
isolation, Marathon was formerly the site of a POW camp at Angler
Creek and Ney Provincial Park during the World Wars.
For more the 40 years, Marathon remained
a single industry town. The development of the nearby Hemlo Gold Mines
in the early 1980's, the largest producer of gold in Canada, nearly
doubled the population of Marathon.
Somewhat secluded on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Marathon boasts
huge tracts of pristine wilderness. Pukaskwa National Park is a fifteen
minute drive to the east of Marathon, and Neys Provincial Park is
situated slightly further to the west. Marathon rests on a large rocky
peninsula which juts out into Lake Superior. Small bays and coves afford
it some protection from the lake. The surrounding hinterland is
primarily crown land offering huge tracts of natural areas.
Marathon offers something for every
season with many exciting and adventurous opportunities including:
scenic white water kayaking and canoeing, first rate recreational
facilities including alpine and cross country skiing, snowmobiling,
golfing, and fishing, local boat access to Lake Superior, unique and
fascinating geological forms, including the famous Hemlo Gold Mines; and
many spectacular, secluded spots to hike. To top this off, Marathon is
the future site of an exciting new project, the Carden Cove Waterfront
Development and Recreation Area.
Winter is this town’s busiest and most
exciting season. From hundreds of kilometers of groomed snowmobile
trails as part of the TOPS trail system to national standard cross
country ski trails, to the finest alpine ski facility in Northwestern
Ontario, Marathon really lets you "Go for the snow!"
Thousands of visitors flock to the north
shore during the summer to experience the awesome power and beauty of
Lake Superior, vast areas of untouched wilderness, breathtaking scenes
of land and water, and some great northern culture and hospitality.
Marathon - one town, many experiences.
