arrow-blue-right Eagle Lake adventures and Northern Ontario charm

About Vermillion Bay

Welcome to Vermilion Bay, a welcoming community nestled on the shores of Eagle Lake in the Township of Machin, Kenora District in Northwestern Ontario. Known for its deep‑water fishing, scenic lakeside setting, and gateway access to Northern wilderness adventures, Vermilion Bay sits along Ontario Highway 17 between Kenora and Dryden, making it a perfect stop for travellers in Northwestern Ontario.

Vermilion Bay’s story began in the early 1880s as a Canadian Pacific Railway construction camp and a key station that supported railway expansion across Western Canada. The community later grew as a supply centre for early gold and soapstone mining on the southwest shore of Eagle Lake, and the establishment of a one‑room school in 1903 marked its early civic beginnings. Over the decades, the arrival of the Trans‑Canada Highway and the development of forestry and tourism helped shape the community we see today.

Getting Here

Vermilion Bay is easily reached via Ontario Highway 17. It also serves as the southern terminus for Ontario Highways 105 (to Red Lake) and 647 (to Blue Lake Provincial Park). The community is served by both Vermilion Bay Airport and Vermilion Bay Water Aerodrome, making it a convenient gateway for fly‑in adventures.

 

 

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Outdoor Recreation in Every Season

Anglers from across Ontario and beyond come to Vermilion Bay for world‑class fishing on Eagle Lake and neighbouring waters such as the Indian Lake Chain, Clay Lake, Cedar Lake and Canyon Lake. Lake species like walleye, muskie, northern pike, lake trout, and smallmouth bass offer excitement for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

The community’s waterfront boasts parks, picnic spaces, and shoreline trails ideal for hiking, swimming, or simply soaking up the peaceful lakeside landscape. Blue Lake Provincial Park, just a short drive away, features sandy beaches, well‑maintained campgrounds, interpretive programs, and canoeing and hiking routes through scenic forest terrain.

In summer, boating and camping draw families and outdoor lovers. Fall invites hunters and nature photographers, while winter offers snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing in the surrounding forests and trails.

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Local Character & Quirks

A must‑see roadside landmark is the towering Bigfoot statue near Highway 17, a colourful and quirky fixture that has delighted passers‑by for decades and embodies the playful spirit of Northern Ontario’s road culture.