The Towns and Cities of Northern Ontario
Atikokan, Ontario - Sunset Country
Atikokan is located halfway between Thunder Bay and Fort Frances on scenic Hwy 11, the TransCanada Highway.
In 1980, broadcaster Peter Mansbridge came to Atikokan to do a newscast on the town that died. The piece turned into a 20-minute feature called The Town that Wouldn�t Die. When Atikokan�s two major employers Steep Rock Iron Mines, and Caland Ore ceased operation in the late 1970's, many believed it would become a ghost town. But defying all odds, the people of Atikokan pulled together to rebuild their community The economy has diversified and recreation facilities have multiplied.
Atikokan, called the Canoeing Capital of Canada is a jumping off spot for Quetico Provincial Park Quetico Provincial Park is an internationally renowned canoe area of over 4655 square kilometers. Among its tangled network of jewelled lakes and rivers lies a land of dazzling cliffs, spectacular waterfalls in this great northern forest, you will find immense solitude, rare wildlife, few people and excellent fishing. Quetico is the perfect location for an overnight getaway or a month long sojourn. Canoes can be rented by day or by week from a variety of reputable outfitters.
Atikokan has lots of other things for the outdoor enthusiast to see and do. Play a round of golf at the Little Falls Golf Club, one of the prettiest around. Visit scenic Little Falls on the Atikokan River and see a working walleye hatchery. Take a hike on the adjacent Waterfront Walking Trail.
Explore the area for easy-to-see wildlife. Bunnell Park campground offers a viewing station. If you are a rockhound head to the old Steep Rock Mine north west of town and spend an afternoon looking for and banging on rocks. There are lots of neat specimens still found right off the roads. Late afternoon views of the open pit mine are exceptional in the spring and fall.
In town be sure to walk around and explore. You will see wall murals depicting the mining history of Atikokan. Check out the Pictograph Gallery for local arts and crafts. Atikokan's community heritage may be explored at the Atikokan Centennial Museum , the Atikokan Mining Attraction and the Atikokan Canoe Heritage Centre. On Highway 622 north of Atikokan you can find the old Caland Pit Mine and Ontario Hydro's coal powered thermal generating station.
The annual Sports Days festival draws people from across the region to participate in 10 days of energetic activities and tournaments, with events for all ages. In August, you can participate in the Atikokan Bass Classic. And of course, mid February comes alive with the town�s Winter Carnival.
Hunting and fishing can be enjoyed all year round. In the winter, the Atikokan Ski Hill is popular as well as the many well maintained cross-country trails. There is a very active snowmobiling club that maintains hundreds of trails and organizes rallies and special tours throughout the season.
Atikokan � the town that still lives.
