Atikokan, Ontario is known as the “Canoeing Capital of Canada“.
Located along scenic Highway 11/17 in the southeast region of Sunset Country, Atikokan is a starting point for those canoeing famous Quetico Park. Quetico is one of North America’s best places to enjoy wilderness canoeing; there are no motorboats allowed on the many lakes within the park. There are many canoe outfitters in the area that can help you plan your paddling trip in the wilderness park. If you’re looking for a fully guided and outfitted trip or just a partially outfitted canoe trip, you’ll be sure to find a quality outfitter in Atikokan. But there’s much more to do in Atikokan than canoeing. You can stay at a drive in resort on one of the many area lakes, or perhaps fly in fishing at a remote outpost cabin. Why not make your trip to Atikokan a learning experience! You can visit the walleye Atikokan Art Centre, fish hatchery, see the Centennial Museum, the Native Friendship Center, Pioneer Center or mining attractions. View ancient native rock art at the Pictograph Gallery or better yet, set out on your own to view rock art along the many lakeshores near town. The remote, beautiful, White Otter Castle is just north of Atikokan.
View the Atikokan Business Directory
Population: 3,400
Main Industries:
The economy of Atikokan is based on forestry, a thermal generating station, government services, retail services, tourism, and a mixture of light manufacturing businesses.
Distances to Nearest Towns:
Atikokan to Fort Frances is 150 km
Atikokan to Thunder Bay is 209 km
Atikokan to Dryden is 220 km
Visitor Information Centre:
The Visitor Information Centre is located at the junction of Highway 11 and Highway 11B. It is stocked full of travel information on Atikokan and many surrounding areas. They can be reached at 807-597-4492.
Summer hours: May, June, and the first half of September: 10:00am-6:00pm. July-Aug.: 8:00am-8:00pm
Winter hours: Closed for the winter.
Hiking Trails in Atikokan
Walking trails are located along the river throughout the community.
Public Beaches:
French Lake is located on the northern edge of Quetico Provincial Park.
Picnic Areas and Parks Within Atikokan
Bunnel Park has a quaint picnic pavilion where people can have family gatherings.
Winter Activities:
There are many winter activities to enjoy in Atikokan - cross country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, tobogganing, and snow shoeing.
Education
Atikokan is home to the Quetico Adventure School is an integrated two-semester high school program. This unique educational program emphasizes experiential learning. The full year program offers all the benefits of a regular high school program, coupled with Fall, Winter and Spring outdoor expeditions. The unique curriculum is designed to foster leadership, confidence, self-reliance and self-esteem.
For more information on Atikokan, visit the links at the top of the page.
