If you go: Red Rock, Ont.

Star Tribune

Last update: January 18, 1997 - 10:00 PM

What to know

Population: 1,420.

Getting there: From Thunder Bay, it's about a one-hour drive along Hwy. 11/17. From Minneapolis to Red Rock, it's 450 miles, about an eight-hour drive. Nipigon, population 2,338, is 12 miles northeast of Red Rock.

More information: North of Superior Tourism Department, Dept. TBM, 119 E. Victoria Av., Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 1B7, 1-800-265-3951.

Where to stay

Red Rock Inn, Box 525, 145 White Blvd., Red Rock, Ontario POT 2PO. Room rates: about $46 to $88 U.S. per day. For reservations call 1-807-886-2622 or 1-800-213-7625.

The renovation of the Red Rock Inn, a historic red-brick hotel built by the paper mill to house its executives, is part of Red Rock's attempts to develop its tourism industry. At various times in its history, the inn has been a bar and a holding area for war prisoners. Now privately owned, the inn has been undergoing a $1.5 million restoration that began in 1995. The modest, but interesting, 2 1/2 -story inn has several guest rooms with gas fireplaces, whirlpool baths and some private balconies. There is also a full-service restaurant and bar.

Recreation

Inland Sea-Kayaking Expedition Services, RR 12, 3595 Government Rd., Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E3. The service offers hourly, daily and overnight expeditions along the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior, as well as kayaking instruction to people of all abilities. Half-day tours cost about $55 per person. Equipment rental is also available. The service also can arrange rock climbing trips.

The North Shore Golf Club is carved into the surrounding rocky terrain. This is a par 36 course that has recently undergone renovation.

The Red Rock Inn is a base for Alpamayo Exploration and Adventure Services, which specializes in ice-climbing expeditions and courses. Contact the inn for more information.

Nipigon River Recreation Trail connects the Red Rock and Nipigon marinas and is open to walkers, bikers and skiers. Parts of trail are steep and gravel covered. There is a steep climb that provides hikers with views of Lake Superior. The trail is part of the Voyageur Trail system, a series of trails from Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron to Thunder Bay. For more information, contact the Land of the Nipigon Waterway Development Association, c/o M.E.D.A. Superior RR #1, Visitor Information Center, Nipigon, Ontario POT 2JO, 1-807-887-3021, or call the Voyageur Trail Association at 1-800-393-5353.

What's happening

Red Rock Winter Carnival, in February, is sponsored by the Red Rock Recreation Department. Carnival events are still tentative, but will likely include snowmobile races and events for adults and children.

Curling is a popular Red Rock activity. Men's and women's bonspiels (curling tournaments) are held every winter.

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