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About Greenstone

Greenstone is a single-tier municipality located in Northern Ontario. Formed in 2001 through the amalgamation of several smaller communities, Greenstone stretches along Highway 11 from Lake Nipigon to Longlac and covers an area of 2,767.19 square kilometers. Greenstone encompasses several distinct communities, including Beardmore, Caramat, Geraldton, Jellicoe, Longlac, Macdiarmid, Nakina, and Orient Bay. Each of these communities has its own unique history and charm, contributing to the diverse character of the municipality.

The history of Greenstone is deeply rooted in the mining and railway industries. Gold discoveries in the early 20th century led to the establishment of several mining towns, including Geraldton and Longlac. The construction of the Canadian National Railway further spurred development in the region, with Nakina becoming an important railway service stop.

Greenstone is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including dense forests, pristine lakes, and rugged terrain. The area offers a wealth of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, boating, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife observation. In winter, activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular among residents and visitors alike. Greenstone is known for its close-knit communities and welcoming atmosphere. Local events and festivals throughout the year celebrate the rich cultural heritage and natural surroundings of the area.

Beardmore Snowman

Beardmore

Beardmore is hailed as the “Gateway to Lake Nipigon”, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world! Lake Nipigon is renowned for its world-class fishing opportunities and spectacular scenery, including black-green sandy beaches and towering shoreline cliffs.

Beardmore is known to have the world’s largest snowman. Tourism also plays a valuable role in supporting the local economy offering visitors a choice of rustic resorts, charter cruises, a marina at High Hill Harbour and picturesque Poplar Lodge Park both situated off Highway 11 on Highway 580.

Signature event: Lake Nipigon Trout Hunt.

Geraldton-Walleye-Classic-1280×640-1

Geraldton

Geraldton is surrounded by natural beauty, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Geraldton’s history is deeply rooted in the mining industry. The town was established in the 1930s following the discovery of gold in the area. This led to a mining boom that shaped the community’s development. Today, remnants of this mining heritage can still be seen, and the town celebrates its history through various local events and attractions.

Geraldton is the gateway to numerous outdoor activities. The area is renowned for its excellent fishing, hunting, and camping opportunities. Nearby lakes and rivers provide ample chances for canoeing, kayaking, and boating. The town is also close to several beautiful hiking trails, offering stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

Signature event: Geraldton Walleye Classic

Riverview Campground

Longlac

Longlac is situated on the picturesque Longlac Bay at the northern end of Long Lake. The area around Longlac has been inhabited by the Anishinaabe peoples for centuries. French traders explored the region in the 17th century, establishing trading posts that were later taken over by the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company in the 18th and 19th centuries. The community’s name is derived from the French “Longuelac,” and reflects its historical roots and the long lake it borders.

Longlac offers numerous outdoor activities. The area is ideal for fishing, boating, and canoeing on Long Lake. In winter, snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular activities.

The town hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.

Nakina Bass Derby

Nakina

Nakina sits along the Canadian National Railway. It gained prominence in the 1920s when the CNR created a “shortcut” between Longlac and Nakina, making it an important railway service stop. Today, it continues to thrive as a hub for mineral exploration and a gateway to some of the best remote fishing in Canada. The community’s strategic location along major transportation routes supports its ongoing economic development.

Nakina is an outdoor paradise. The area offers excellent fishing opportunities for species such as walleye, northern pike, whitefish, brook trout, and lake trout. The surrounding wilderness is perfect for hunting and hiking. In winter, activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular among residents and visitors.

Signature event: Nakina Bass Tournament

Pasha Lake Cabins – Jellicoe – Greenstone

Jellicoe

Jellicoe’s history is closely tied to the development of the railway and the mining industry. The community was established as a flag stop on the Canadian National Railway, which played a crucial role in its early growth. The discovery of gold and other minerals in the region further contributed to Jellicoe’s development, attracting settlers and boosting the local economy.

Jellicoe’s nearby lakes and forests provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and canoeing. In the winter, activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular among residents and visitors.

Brian-big-fish-1-2015- Caramat

Caramat

Caramat began as a flag station on the railway, serving as a crucial communication point with the outside world through trains, the telegraph, and the Royal Mail. The community’s name is derived from the nearby Caramat Lake, reflecting its deep connection to the natural landscape.

Caramat is surrounded by the stunning wilderness of Northern Ontario, offering numerous outdoor activities. The nearby lakes and forests provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and canoeing. In winter, activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular among residents and visitors. The scenic trails and parks in and around Caramat are perfect for hiking, wildlife observation, and enjoying the tranquility of the Canadian Shield.

Signature event: Caramat Fish Derby

Rocky Bay

MacDiarmid/Rocky Bay

MacDiarmid and Rocky Bay, officially known as Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, are neighboring communities.

MacDiarmid

MacDiarmid is a small locality with a rich history tied to the railway. The community was named after William Clyde MacDiarmid, a railway engineer and supervisor of a tunnel built near the area by the Canadian Northern Railway in 1916. MacDiarmid’s proximity to Lake Nipigon and its natural beauty make it a serene and picturesque place to visit.

Rocky Bay (Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek)

Rocky Bay, or Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, is an Ojibway First Nation community located on the shores of Lake Nipigon. The Ojibway people of Rocky Bay have a rich history that dates back centuries.

The Ojibway culture is vibrant and thriving in Rocky Bay. The community continues to practice traditional activities such as harvesting wild rice, picking berries, hunting, and making maple sugar. Cultural events and pow-wows are important gatherings for the community to celebrate their heritage and traditions. The Spirit Bay School, named after the 1980s television series filmed in the area, serves as a modern educational institution that honors the community’s cultural legacy.

Both MacDiarmid and Rocky Bay offer a wealth of outdoor activities. The nearby lakes and forests provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, canoeing, and hiking. In winter, activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular.

Ice Climbing in Northern Ontario 1

Orient Bay

Orient Bay is approximately 40 km (25 mi) north of Nipigon. It is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including the towering cliffs and rugged terrain that make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is particularly famous for its ice climbing, with over 200 routes ranging from 20 to more than 100 meters tall. These climbs are easily accessible, often just a short hike from the road, making Orient Bay one of the top ice climbing destinations in North America.

In addition to ice climbing, Orient Bay offers a wealth of other outdoor activities. The nearby lakes and forests provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and canoeing. The scenic trails and parks in and around Orient Bay are perfect for hiking, wildlife observation, and enjoying the tranquility of Northern Ontario.

One of the highlights of Orient Bay is Cascade Falls, a beautiful waterfall that attracts visitors with its serene and picturesque setting. The Pijitawabik Palisades, a series of dramatic cliffs and rock formations, are another major attraction.

Signature event: Nipigon Ice Fest

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