The Towns and Cities
of Northern Ontario
Red Lake in Sunset Country
Located about 170 km north of the
Trans- Canada Highway on Hwy 105 Red Lake boasts a thriving tourism
industry as well as two gold mines. Tourists are attracted to the
area due to the great hunting and fishing experiences. Bordering the
Woodlands Caribou Wilderness Park, local outfitters and operators
offer first-class wilderness experiences.
Red Lake was the source of inspiration
and the launching pad for one of Canada ’s if not the world’s most
important Aboriginal artists: Norval Morrisseau. Using the area’s scenic
views and native rock paintings, Morrisseau reassembles the pieces of a
once proud culture, not only as a recorded history of his people but
also as a way that the rest of the world can understand and respect the
Aboriginal culture.
According to Ojibwa legend, thousands of
years ago two hunters came upon a very large moose beside a lake. They
believed the beast was Matchee Manitou (an evil spirit) and tried to
kill it. Wounded, the animal escaped by diving deep into the lake. A
large pool of blood coloured the water red, and the hunters named the
body of water Misque Sakigon, or Colour of Blood Lake. Over the years it
became known as Red Lake.
Woodland Caribou Park, is home to the
Bloodvein River, recently designated as part of the Canadian Heritage
Rivers System for its outstanding natural and cultural heritage values
and recreational opportunities. The ancient, weathered landscape
supports the largest woodland caribou herds south of the Hudson Bay
Lowlands. Other wild animals and birds, such as moose, bears, beavers,
bald eagles and owls, live in abundance in the park as well.
The Norseman Festival is a celebration of
Red Lake ’s Aviation Heritage. Come and join in the celebrations with a
variety of events marking the area’s heritage and history.
