A border and paper mill town right in the middle of the MOM's Way route, Fort Frances is the gateway to the north. Home to the first fort and fur trade rendezvous on Rainy Lake, the history here is long and rich. Today this important border-crossing town offers the touring visitor a variety of interesting activities.

As the main entry point to Canada between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg, visitors to the area will see a fine new Canada Customs and Immigration facility and the Ontario Tourism Information Centre. Across the road and along the Rainy River is the Abitibi Consolidated pulp and paper mill. Be sure to stop here for a fascinating, well guided, one and a half hour tour to see how quality paper is made.

There are other interesting things to do in Fort Frances. A walk along La Verendrye Parkway beside upper Rainy River to the Sorting Gap Marina will show you the stretch of river where huge log booms where once tied.

Today you can see a part of International Falls, Minnesota on the south river bank. In late July the marina is the staging area for the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, Canada's highest paying bass tournament.

Fort Frances has many fine parks, a perfect place for visitors to enjoy their picnic lunch while the kids burn off some steam. Pithers Point Park on the east end of town and your first stop on beautiful Rainy Lake offers full family fun. There is a nice sand beach for swimming, playground equipment for the kids, campground with electric hookups and a tenting area. Old Fort St. Pierre is open to explore in the summer months along with the fire tower over looking the river and lake. The steel hauled tugboat Hallett, a work horse of the logging days, now rests in the park and is open for summer tours.

While in town be sure to view the new historical murals painted on street-side walls and depicting historical events of Fort Frances history. July 1st brings the Canada Day parade with celebration and activities for everyone.

The Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Center located on Scott Street houses interesting exhibits of local history and sponsors a full slate of touring exhibits throughout the year. Downtown Fort Frances offers a variety of interesting shops where you are sure to find that great vacation souvenir.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Rainy Lake hosts fantastic fishing on your own or with well qualified local guides. The Eighth Street Hiking and Ski Trails give nature lovers a chance to walk into and observe rich bog habitat where bog cranberries and labrador tea grow. Cross country skiing on well groomed trails is a real treat in the winter.

For paddlers, canoeing and kayaking is available on Sand Bay. If golfing is your passion, try Kitchen Creek Golf Course 8 km west of town on highway 11. It offers a complete, full service course with picturesque fairways and immaculate greens.

Next Destination: Rainy River, Ontario