Fort Frances

Fort Frances sits on the international border with the United States where Rainy Lake narrows to become Rainy River. It is connected to International Falls, Minnesota, by the Fort Frances–International Falls International Bridge. The Fort Frances Mill was the main employer in the town until it closed in January 2014.

History

Fort Frances was the first European settlement west of Lake Superior and was established by French Canadian Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, sieur de La Vérendrye, first commander of the western district. In 1731 he built Fort Saint Pierre near this spot as support for the fur trade with native peoples. In 1732 his expedition built Fort Saint Charles on Magnuson Island on the west side of Lake of the Woods. After some time, Fort St. Pierre fell out of use>
In 1817, following the War of 1812 and redefinition of borders between Canada and the United States, the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) built a fort here. In 1830 HBC Chief Factor John Dugald Cameron named the fur trading post after Frances Ramsay Simpson, the 18-year-old daughter of a London merchant, who had married earlier that year in London, George Simpson, Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, who would visit the fort many times.

Climate

In June, July and August, daytime temperatures range from 25-30 °C (77-86 °F), though nights may be cool, particularly in the north. In autumn, foliage takes on fall colours towards the end of September and reaches its height in October. Medium to heavy-weight clothing is necessary, especially in November when the weather is cold and frosty. Snowfall is usually experienced through December, January and February. The snow begins to recede in March before totally disappearing in April. This is followed by warm temperatures and spring flowers in May.

By plane

• Fort Frances Municipal AirportBearskin Airlines offers flights from Kenora, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay (Su-F, a 1-hr flight, up to $330), and Dryden.

By car

Ontario Highways 11 and 71 (both part of the Trans-Canada Highway) run through town. It is 435 km from Thunder Bay.
The Fort Frances-International Falls Bridge (the start/end point of Ontario Highway 71) connects Fort Frances with International Falls, Minnesota, USA. U.S. Highways 53 and 71 lead up to the bridge on the U.S. side.

By bus

• Kasper BusOffers service to and from Thunder Bay three times a week, 4½ hr, $90-130

• North Air Taxi

  phone: +1 807 274-5301

• Gold Star Taxi & Services

  phone: +1 807 274-7638

• Fort Frances Museum

  phone: +1 807 274-7891
  address: 259 Scott St
  A collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs from Fort Frances and the surrounding area.

• Lookout Tower

  address: 1011 Front Street
  120 steps to a panoramic view.

• Logging Tug Hallett

  address: 1011 Front Street
  Floating museum of Fort Frances' history as a logging town.

The Spry Farm

phone: +1 807 276-5466

address: 3322 Highway 11, Devlin

Farm visits, petting zoo: miniature donkeys, miniature horses, pygmy goats, potbelly and kune kune pigs, silkie chickens.

• Sandpoint Island Provincial Park

  phone: +1 807 548-4351
  address: Sandpoint Island
  914 ha. No visitors’ facilities. Canoeing, hiking, and nature viewing are recommended activities.

• Fort Frances Canadian Bass ChampionshipA 4-day event with over $80,000 in prizes. Music, car show & shine.

Licences are required for fishing or hunting in Ontario and may be purchased from sports stores, tourist outfitters, hunting and fishing lodges and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

• Clover Valley Farmers' Market

  phone: +1 807 274-9573
  address: 411 McIrvine Rd
  A Saturday farmers' market with local vendors selling produce, baked goods, and crafts.

• Flint House

  phone: +1 807-274-1143
  address: 232 Scott St
  A rustic modern restaurant. Gluten-free options.

• Lee Garden

  phone: +1 807 274-5021
  address: 418 Scott St
  Chinese.

• Lighthouse Fish and Chips

  phone: +1 807 274-1084
  address: 328 Scott St

• Gartch's International Pub

  phone: +1 807-274-5538
  address: 298 Scott St
  Irish pub meets dive bar. Pool tables.

• La Place Rendez-Vous

  phone: +1 807 274-9811
  address: 1201 Idylwild Dr
  Resort hotel and convention centre on the shores of Rainy Lake. Free wireless internet in all rooms. Restaurant and bar on site.

• The Sleepy Owl Downtown

  phone: +1 807 274-5500
  address: 325 Scott St
  24 rooms that include Wi-Fi, fridge, coffee maker, a free gym pass and a free continental breakfast.