As you follow MOM's Way east of Fort Frances stop for a view of Rainy Lake from the Noden Causeway. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular! Continuing east from Fort Frances you will see many views of Rainy Lake. This huge body of water on the Canada-US border is home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in North America. It also boasts a rich diversity of plant and animal life on its shores and islands.

While driving the 66 km to Mine Center take time to explore some of the pull offs and boat ramps along the way. Opportunities to see common loons, beaver, otters, bald eagles, whitetail deer, moose and black bear abound. Picture ops are everywhere.

This is the Canadian Shield, rich in life and geologically one of the oldest areas in the world. Look around, you'll find blueberries in season, reindeer moss along road cuts and lots of natural wonders to amaze you.

Mine Center is just a spot on the road today. But in the past it was a booming gold mining and railroad town. Six km west of Mine Center is a roadside stop. This is a good place for a short break and lunch. From here to Atikokan there are no formal rest stops.

Continuing east from Mine Center on Hwy 11 you will see many replanted logging cuts beside the highway. These cuts supplied wood for the Fort Frances mill. Good wildlife watching happens near these old cuts. Look for deer, moose, black bear, wolves and a host of small mammals and birds. Places like this are also where you will find July blueberries.

At the Manion Lake Road you can take a side trip traveling north for 30 km on a gravel road to view different places on the Abitibi Consolidated Self Guided Forest Tour. It's interesting to see the way it was in the past and the way it is today. The High Falls of the Turtle River system is near by. Further on Hwy 11 at the Flanders Junction is the turn off to Lac La Croix First Nation. A gravel road goes south for 80 km and ends at this traditional First Nation community on the Canada-US border near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Continuing east on MOM's Way visitors will see many roadside lakes and logging roads. Some of these roads are marked and will take you to tourist camps with secluded accommodations and campgrounds. The scenic Seine River System with gorgeous views and fish filled lakes and rivers closely parallels Hwy 11 just a short drive to the north.

Coming down the hill to the Atikokan turn off, visitors will find the Atikokan Tourist Information Center on the south side of the road. Be sure to stop and chat with the attendant to find out about local attractions and the short nature and walking trail located nearby.

You are now in the Canoeing Capital of Canada. Atikokan is the headquarters and jumping off place for Quetico Provincial Park and other wilderness canoe experiences. In town you can rent canoes by the day or the week from a variety of reputable outfitters. These friendly folks will provide you with all the information and service you need for a great canoe adventure.

Atikokan has lots of other things for the outdoor enthusiast to see and do. Play a round of golf at the Little Falls Golf Club, one of the prettiest around. Visit scenic Little Falls on the Atikokan River and see a working walleye hatchery. Take a hike on the adjacent Waterfront Walking Trail.

Explore the area for easy-to-see wildlife. Bunnell Park campground offers a viewing station. If you are a rockhound head to the old Steep Rock Mine north west of town and spend an afternoon looking for and banging on rocks. There are lots of neat specimens still found right off the roads. Late afternoon views of the open pit mine are exceptional in the spring and fall.

In town be sure to walk around and explore. You will see wall murals depicting the mining history of Atikokan. Check out the Pictograph Gallery for local arts and crafts. Investigate the Atikokan Centennial Museum and the Atikokan Mining Attraction right next door. If you are a canoe enthusiast you won't want to miss a visit to Fletcher Canoes the home of fine cedar and canvas canoes. If you like light weight shells then a visit to Souris River Canoes, the headquarters for Kevlar construction is a must. Check in at XY Company for the best in hand made paddles. Fletcher Canoes will also welcome you for a visit.

And there's still more in the area. Head north of Atikokan on Highway 622 for a look at the old Caland Pit Mine and Ontario Hydro's coal powered thermal generating station. Tours at the generating station are available with advance notice. On the way you will pass several small lakes and ponds typical of the boreal forest. Be on the lookout for birds and large mammals. Fifty kilometres up you will come to Clearwater Lake the starting place for a trip through the lake to the famous White Otter Castle. Day trips to the castle are available from local guides.

Next Destination: Thunder Bay, Ontario