Start your tour in Thunder Bay. This beautiful city situated along the north shore of Lake Superior was once the two cities of Port Arthur and Fort William. This amalgamated single city has many attractions and things to do for young and old alike. A culturally diverse community, Thunder Bay was built on trade and commerce moving into its port at the "head of the lake" from the time of the first fur traders at Old Fort William.

Today, a colorful cast of authentically costumed characters greets visitors at Old Fort William, the world's largest re-created fur trading post, and a "Top-10" Canada visitor attraction. Alive with activities, this historic fort and inland headquarters for the North West Company boasts 42 historic buildings on a 25 acre site.

Old Fort William is humming with activity today as it was in the past. As you step back in history you will meet a rich cultural mosaic. The Ojibwe, Metis, Anglo-American Scotsmen and French Canadian people who helped the North West Company surpass the rival Hudson's Bay Company for domination of the North American fur trade live today. Their daily lives and activities are impressive. Your visit will be the same.

After a tour of the past it's time to experience contemporary attractions and activities in Thunder Bay. Explore the beautiful harbour front at Marina Park in the downtown area. There are lots of interesting shops and restaurants in the "Heart of the Harbour" district. If gaming is your fun, visit the Thunder Bay Charity Casino.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery on the campus of Confederation College offers outstanding exhibits throughout the year. It is the home of the largest collection of Native art in Canada. A small museum gift shop features Canadian made arts and crafts.

Top entertainment and productions are available year round at The Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and at Magnus Theatre. You may want to "Cycle Through History" at the Thunder Bay Museum, see the Sunken Garden and enjoy the view over the city from Hillcrest Park or visit the Centennial Conservatory to view a variety of botanical gardens.

Looking for more? Ride the Thunderslide at the Canada Games Complex. Play a round of golf at one of the nine great courses in Thunder Bay. Visit the International Friendship Gardens. Check out one of the many park and recreation areas scattered across the city. View wildlife at the Chippewa Park Wildlife Exhibit or in one of the many surrounding conservation areas.

On the out skirts of Thunder Bay is the Terry Fox Memorial, dedicated to Terry Fox and his brave "Walk For Cancer". East of the city off the Trans-Canada Highway are a number of amethyst mines for visitors to explore. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Silver Islet are also within an hour's drive to the east.

Thunder Bay has all of this and more. Fine dining and things to do are easy to find. Just ask this cities friendly people what they recommend.

Driving west on Highway 11-17 you will see the mountain skyline to the south that marks the out skirks of Thunder Bay. In season, great skiing, back country hiking, horseback riding or fishing is at hand for those outdoor enthusiasts with an interest.

The scenic route now takes you to Kakabeka Falls and a spectacular view of the "Niagara of the North" at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. Here, beside the highway, the Kaministiquia River cascades over ancient slate cliffs to the river bottom 39 metres below. The roar and boiling of white water creates a rainbow mist at certain times of the day, truly a wonder to behold.

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park has lots to offer the touring traveler. Camping, cycling, swimming, hiking and picnicking are all available within its boundaries. Hikes along well maintained trails on both sides of the falls provide historical information, grand views and an opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of the park.

Swimming is available upstream and across the highway at a roped-off sand beach. A clean campground with 170 sites is located south of the falls for visitors wanting to stay overnight or explore the area for several days. During summer months natural heritage programs and guided walks are provided by park staff. Area souvenirs are available at the park store.

In the village of Kakabeka Falls there are several places to stop for amethyst souvenirs from the world famous amethyst district near Thunder Bay. A wide range of purple crystals, jewelry, and other amethyst products are available to mark your tour of the area.

Near Shebandowan travelers enter the Central Standard/Eastern Standard time zone. Be sure to adjust your watch to the time zone you are entering. At Shabaqua Corners highway 11-17 becomes 11.

As you top the hill west of the Quetico entry you will see a sign marking the division of waters for the Atlantic Watershed (to the east) and the Arctic watershed (to the west). Take a moment to look at the interesting maps on both sides of the sign and see where the waters flow.

Continuing west visitors will pass numerous lakes and streams of interest, including Lake Windigostigwan and the Kashabowie River. These bodies of water have Ojibwe names. As you travel be on the look out for moose. There are a lot of these large animals along this stretch of highway and they can be real hazards for night driving.

Quetico is one of the best canoeing areas in North America with miles of lakes and small rivers winding through ancient hills and forests of the Canadian Shield. Here you will find loons calling, dancing stars, northern lights, howling wolves, silhouetted moose and true adventure.

Interior camping and canoeing permits are required to enter the 4,700 square km wilderness country to the south. Quetico is primarily a wilderness canoe park. The only car accessible camping is found at the Dawson Trail Campgrounds on French Lake. There are 133 campsites and convenient facilities available including electrical hook ups, picnic tables, fire grates, comfort station, a playground, swimming beach, canoe launch and hiking trails.

Next stop is Quetico Provincial Park's Dawson Trail Campground and Information Center. This gateway facility is 42 km west of Atikokan. The year round information center features a variety of exhibits about Quetico Park, research archive and facilities, and a gift shop with park permits, souvenirs and guide books. A short, self-guided, stream side nature trail along the Upper Pickerel River begins just outside the door.

Continuing west are roadside lakes and a summer pull off with picnic tables. A turn north at Sapawe Junction offers more wilderness canoeing and a historic old mining district. A short drive east from the junction is the turnoff north to Quetico Centre a full service educational and conference center.

From Shabaqua Corner it's west to Atikokan through typical boreal forest to the exit of Quetico Provincial Park at Nym Lake. Avid wilderness canoeists start their adventures into the heart of "canoe country". South of highway 11, just 3 km, is the Nym Lake west entry to the park. Here you will find a place to park your vehicle, load your gear and begin your paddle for a day or a week. The clear cool waters of Nym are full of smallmouth bass, northern pike and the much revered lake trout. If you are only here for an hour you will find a quiet walking trail by the lake. This is a great spot for a picnic lunch and a few minutes listening to the loons' call.

Next Destination: Atikokan, Ontario