Atikokan, Canada can be described in two simple words. Absolutely breathtaking! If there is a place nicer than paradise, I have to vouch for this place. Atikokan is a laid back township in the district of Rainy River in Northwestern Ontario.
With the population of only around 3300, this laid back place is suitable for anyone who loves nature and of course, canoeing. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the main attraction of Atikokan. Known as the Canoeing Capital of Canada, it obtained his namesake as canoeing is one of the main points of entry into canoeing destination Quetico Provincial Park. Ironically, without the canoe, Atikokan may never be found.
Tom Rawn and his wife were the first residents of Atikokan and the only way they entered into the area by using the canoe. Lured by finding gold there, he ventured into the area and started off the Pioneer Hotel which had 18 rooms. Tom believed that Atikokan will have the chance to develop into something great as the Canadian National Railway had plans to build a divisional point in that area.
However, Tom got away with another stroke of luck as he is the first person who struck a claim iron ore in the Steep Rock Area. However, it wasn’t until Julian Cross discovered the real piece of ore in 1937 that Atikokan shows real potential of becoming a real town. The construction of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce was a definite proof that the area won’t be the same again. By 1950, the population of Atikokan grew to a whooping amount of 3000, only 300 shy from today’s actual population.
Since then, it had fed itself on a few industries namely the fur trade and forestry. Nevertheless, it was the iron ore mine that kept Atikokan growing till that natural resource was depleted and the mine was closed in the 1980s. Alright, enough of the history! As were mentioned before, Atikokan is known for its canoeing activities. As nature and canoe comes hand in hand, it has to have wonderful view and unspoiled forests for starters. Atikokan has more of those. It must be the blessing from the Anishinaabe tribe in which Atikokan is the Ojibwe language for caribou (a type of deer) bones.
There are numerous trails to be explored. One of them is the Beaten Path Nordic trails. The Beaten Path is actually a volunteer club who has prepared trails for those who wants to have an adrenaline rush. It is worth a visit during winter where there are trails for skiers of all levels and abilities. However, for those who are not adrenaline junkie, there is the Little Falls golf course for you to tee off. Pay a visit to the maginificient white Otter castle as it was single-handedly constructed by Jimmy Quat. You must also bring your family to Atikokan’s Centennial Museum and find out the mystery of the disappearance of Tom Rawn while enjoying the many displays and exhibits.
Wedding Favours in Atikokan?
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