Opportunity...it's our Nature About Ear Falls
Red Lake is a vibrant municipality in Northwestern Ontario, known for its rugged wilderness, legendary gold mining history, and world‑class fishing. Located at the northern end of Highway 105 in Kenora District, Red Lake serves as a gateway to iconic natural destinations like Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and the broader UNESCO‑recognized Pimachiowin Aki (The Land that Gives Life) World Heritage Site.
Long before European settlement, Indigenous peoples including the Ojibway and Cree lived off the land and waterways, leaving behind stories of heritage and connection to place. The name Red Lake comes from an Ojibway legend in which wounded moose blood turned the lake’s waters red, inspiring the lake’s name that appears on maps as early as 1875.
The discovery of gold in 1925 at Howey Bay sparked one of North America’s last great gold rushes, drawing thousands of prospectors into the region and shaping Red Lake’s economic and community identity. The area later became a hub for aviation during the mining boom, with bush planes on floats and skis ferrying goods and people in and out, at one point making Howey Bay one of the busiest airports in the world. Red Lake is celebrated as the Norseman Capital of the World in recognition of the historic role of the Canadian‑made Norseman aircraft in its development.
Getting Here
Red Lake lies approximately 535 km northwest of Thunder Bay and less than 100 km from the Manitoba border, accessible via Highway 105. The community’s airport also provides scheduled and charter flights, making Red Lake a central hub for travel into Northwestern Ontario’s backcountry.
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The Municipality Of Red Lake -
2 5th St, Balmertown, ON P0V 1C0 -
(807) 735-2096 -
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Outdoor Adventure
Red Lake and the countless lakes surrounding it are famous for trophy fishing. Walleye, northern pike, whitefish, and trout draw anglers from around the world, with public boat launches, lodges, and fly‑in camps offering access to remote waters.
Red Lake is the entry point to Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, a remote wilderness paradise with nearly 2,000 km of canoe routes and thousands of backcountry campsites. The park lies within the Pimachiowin Aki UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its outstanding natural and cultural values.
In summer, hiking, kayaking, golf at the local 18‑hole course, beaches and scenic picnics are local highlights. Winter brings snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross‑country skiing and community festivals that celebrate northern life, including the Norseman Festival each July with bushplane displays, music, vendors and family activities.
Culture, Community and Local Life
Red Lake offers visitors a rich blend of history, culture, and local experiences. The Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre highlights the town’s gold mining legacy, Indigenous heritage, and aviation milestones, giving travelers a window into the region’s unique story. Explore charming townsites like Balmertown, Cochenour, and Madsen, each offering local shops, cafés, and artisan goods. Seasonal events, including the Norseman Festival, showcase music, bushplane displays, and family-friendly activities that invite visitors to immerse themselves in northern life. With accessible services, guided tours, and hospitality options ranging from lodges to boutique accommodations, Red Lake makes it easy for travelers to experience the adventure, history, and spirit of Northwestern Ontario.
Recommended Businesses
Red Lake Gallery
