Red Rock (Ontario)
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Red Rock is a scenic township of about 940 people (2011) on the shores of Lake Superior in Northern Ontario. A good spot for outdoor enthusiasts, its rugged cliffs and the Nipigon Bay waters provide opportunities for hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling, and skiing.
Understand
Red Rock's main source of employment is a kraft paper mill.
History
In the 1930s the townsite was carved from the forest at the edge of the lake.
The township was named for the large cuesta (hill or ridge with a gentle slope on one side, and a steep slope on the other) on Hwy 17 between Red Rock and Nipigon.
During the Second World War, a prisoner of war camp was established here housing primarily German prisoners. 48 bunkhouses, that previously housed construction workers at Lake Sulphite Pulp and Paper company, became the home to 1145 German prisoners for eighteen months.
Not all prisoners at the camp were members of the German military, there were also merchant seamen and several German Jews. This diverse group included Nazis and anti-Nazis. The integration of people with opposite view points cause tension and often led to physical fights.
The township was named for the large cuesta (hill or ridge with a gentle slope on one side, and a steep slope on the other) on Hwy 17 between Red Rock and Nipigon.
During the Second World War, a prisoner of war camp was established here housing primarily German prisoners. 48 bunkhouses, that previously housed construction workers at Lake Sulphite Pulp and Paper company, became the home to 1145 German prisoners for eighteen months.
Not all prisoners at the camp were members of the German military, there were also merchant seamen and several German Jews. This diverse group included Nazis and anti-Nazis. The integration of people with opposite view points cause tension and often led to physical fights.
Get in
By car
Red Rock is at the end of Hwy 628, 8 km (5 miles) off Highway 11/17 (the Trans-Canada Highway). It is 97 km east of Thunder Bay.By bus
Kasper Bus stops in Nipigon, 15 km by road from Red Rock Village.
By boat
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Red Rock Marina Centre
phone: +1 807 886-2862address: 7 Park RoadRed Rock Marina offers fuel, electricity, security, shower, pumpout, and launching.
See
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Information centre at Red Rock Marina
phone: +1 807 886-2862address: 7 Park RoadHands-on and interactive natural and historical exhibits, film about the history of the area, underwater submarine exhibit.
Do
- Nearby rivers and lakes offer excellent fishing, including some of the best ice fishing in Northern Ontario. Local fish include: Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Lake and Brook Trout, Small and Large Mouth Bass, Perch, Crappie, Sauger, Sturgeon, and Whitefish. Red Rock holds a world record for biggest book trout.
- Hiking the 8.2-km trail to Nipigon from Red Rock takes approximately three hours. If hiking one-way, it's easier to walk northward from Red Rock and arrange for a ride back, taking water and a light lunch. Rest areas along the way provide a good view of the lake and wildlife.
- The North Shore Golf Club (just off Highway 11/17, between Nipigon and Red Rock) is noted for breath taking scenery; rental equipment is available.
- The recreation centre in Red Rock offers activities such as a three sheet curling club, a bowling alley, an arena, a senior's club, a weight room, an outdoor swimming pool and a gymnasium.
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Live from the Rock Folk Festival
address: Pull-a-log ParkThree-day folk festival, usually features about 25 performers, arts and crafts and the Paju Run (an 11.2-km course that climbs to the top of Paju Mountain). -
Black Sturgeon River Provincial Park
phone: +1 807 825-340323,500 ha. Day-use opportunities for angling on its many lakes and rivers; paddling opportunities along its entire length, especially between the former Split Rapids Dam and Nonwatin Lake; as well as using the beach areas for family picnics and swimming. During the winter, the park provides cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. There are no activities or facilities (e.g. camping) at this park.
Eat and drink
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phone: +1 807 886-2606address: 7 Park RoadHomemade food.
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Donna's Lakeshore Diner
phone: +1 807-708-9659address: 39 Brompton RdVegetarian choices available.
Sleep
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Red Rock Inn
phone: +1 807 907-6259address: 145 White BoulevardLake view. Breakfast included. -
address: 490 11-17 HwyScenic and well kept camping sites, amethyst gift shop, general store, café with home cooking, hand-crafted jewellery and unique souvenirs.
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phone: +1 807 886-2603Small lodge with large living room (meeting room) and dining room. High speed Internet. Near Red Rock/Nipigon hiking trail. Breakfast and lunch served on site. Sometimes sponsors fly fishing or adventure theme weekends.
- Nipigon River Adventures (Rd 17 Hwy 628 Red Rock, +1 807 621-6342) operates a lodge. The township of Red Rock has also set aside an area for camping at the Marina park.