Winter is Here: Outdoor Activities to Thrill All

Winter has set its snowy blanket over Red Lake and area. Although we have not been hit hard with crazy amounts of snow like Boston, there is no denying that winter is here to stay. Of course, that doesn't mean that the fun is over in Red Lake... There are plenty of outdoor activities calling to you to keep busy, active and energized this winter.

Five Lakes Lodge offers
 a complete ice fishing pkg

Ice Fishing

We are proud of our many lakes in the area that are teaming with fish. Don't let winter stop you from going out there and catching the big one. Some people claim that winter is actually the best time to fish in the area! Whether you are looking for trophy lake trout, whitefish, northern pike or walleye, you can find them by dropping your fishing line down the ice hole.

Imagine seeing your tip up flag popping up when a fish strikes your bait, the excitement of running to your ice hole and reeling in the big one. Some say it's like the fish are swimming in a barrel up here!

Many people set up portable or stationary ice huts that protect them from the wind and cold and improve the ice fishing experience substantially. If you don't have such a hut or don't want to fly or drive it to Red Lake, plenty of  resorts in the area offer ice fishing packages that are sure to give you the experience of a lifetime.

Rent a cabin or go with a full American Plan and walk out from the lodge to your ice hole or snowmobile out to a rented heated ice fishing shack. Then, get ready because it won't take long for your line to get a strike!

Snowmobiling

If snowmobiling is more your speed, there are many miles of groomed trails in the Red Lake region. Welcome to our winter wonderland... The Trailmasters Club grooms our trails all winter long and keeps them in good condition. They also host a snow poker derby every year. Red Lake can be accessed off the A trail between Dryden and Sioux Lookout on the L301. Read more about snowmachining in Red Lake on the Northern Ontario Travel Website here.

For very interesting accounts of snowmobiling and winter life in the area, head on over to Viking Outpost's blog. You're sure to be riveted by the tales, videos and photos, I know I was!

Cross Country Skiing

We are fortunate to have an active x-country skiing club in Red Lake that maintains trails in the area. Whether you decide to ski to and on McKenzie Island's 30 km of trails, on the 4 km loop at the golf course or go for a short loop on your lunch break at Centennial Park, the Red Lake Cross Country Ski Club relies on membership fees to cover the costs associated with trail maintenance and grooming. Head on over to their website for lots more information on trails, how to become a member of this volunteer based organization and check out their programs. Special events such as moon skis transform the cold winter into a magical wonderland.

So come see us this winter, come join in the winter fun and be rewarded with rosy cheeks, a healthy glow and memories that will last a lifetime!

Annual Dog Sled Event

Join us for our annual Dog Sled Event! The event will take place at the Friendship Center Site on Forestry Rd. Contact Lori Rolland for additional information.

Christmas Parade 2011

Bundled up against the cold night air, members of the community gathered to cheer and applaud as the annual Christmas parade kicked off the Christmas season. While the jolly old man in the red suit was the center of attention, there were plenty of reasons to cheer for all the parade entries, each one receiving warm appreciation.


Enjoy a few of our favorite photographs from the event.

Friday, December 2: Santa Is Coming To Town!

December begins with an event the whole family can enjoy. The “Santa Claus Parade of Lights” in Red Lake will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Buffalo turnaround, then proceed east along Howey Street to the Government Dock turnaround. Santa and his friends will then loop back along Howey Street to the lights, where they will turn left onto Highway 105, continuing on to the Royal Canadian Legion. At the Legion, free hot chocolate and hot dogs for the kids are bound to get the holiday season off to a cheery start!