Outdoors and recreation – things to do in Sioux Lookout

Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer

As we head towards the spring and summer months, many residents in Sioux Lookout will be looking to take advantage of the outdoors, where there’s plenty to see and do.

For many, one of the main priorities during the warmer months is getting out on one of the many lakes and reeling in some local catches.

“Locally, folks at this time of the year are thinking about pulling out their boats, dusting the cobwebs off their fishing rods, and perhaps looking at purchasing new equipment like new depth-finders, new tackle, new rods and reels, new engines for their boat and also replacing equipment at their camps and cottages. It’s a really exciting time of year because we’re so inundated with such a long winter,” shared Jackie Duhamel, Anderson’s Lodge.

“Our selection mostly turns right into fishing. Everyone needs rubber boots in the spring, rain jackets, and things of that nature. We feature a lot of fishing and water sports as well,” said Ron Lago, Al’s Sports Excellence.

Not only are the lakes enjoyed by local residents, Sioux Lookout sees many visitors during the spring and summer who come to enjoy a fishing oasis away from the city.

“Folks visiting the area, this is their summer vacation whether it’s with family, a group of friends, or it’s a business-related type trip, so camps and lodges in Sioux Lookout are getting ready to host them for their fishing vacation. Sometimes they’ll be in this neck of the woods from two days up until a week. Some choose to stay at camps where they bring their own boats and do their own cooking, and some choose to stay at camps where they fly in to a remote location north of Sioux, and some choose to stay at camps like Anderson’s where we have guide services, meals, and offer an all-inclusive package,” said Duhamel.

For those who are on more of the spontaneous side, guide services are available locally for day trips as well.

“We feature a very large guiding staff, and there are a few lodges in the area that offer guiding services. If people had friends and family up, have a boat and a motor, but don’t know where to fish they could contact ourselves or one of the other lodges that offers guide service to take them out for a day, do a shore lunch, and make sure that they catch some great fish and have some great fishing that the area is known for,” Duhamel added.

For Sioux Lookout and area residents, there are plenty of different events and leagues to keep you busy.

“The Friendship Centre has a mountain bike program for kids. This will be the third year, and it’s twice a week in the summer. They have the bikes as well,” shared Cedar Bay board member Suzie Hughdie.

“The Sioux Lookout bird watchers group, last year, took a day where they went to three different locations around Sioux Lookout, one of which was Cedar Bay, and they did these guided tours where they listened for different birds. I think over 50 species were identified that day, and I think that will be happening again come June,” shared Cedar Bay board member Aileen Urquhart.

For those looking to unwind after work or enjoy some local trails, Cedar Bay has plenty of natural surroundings to accommodate.

“We get a lot of dog walkers throughout the summer and the bay warms up quite nicely for swimming too,” shared Cedar Bay board member Bobbi Roberts.

“We just want to remind the public that anytime they want to walk down to the lakeshore or bring little kids to peak at the horses, they’re always welcome. There are beautiful trails,” she continued.

Cedar Bay will also be hosting its annual Easter egg hunt on April 19. In years past they’ve seen up to 300 people participate in the fun.

For youth looking to burn off energy and get the competitive juices flowing, the Sioux Lookout Minor soccer and baseball programs will be running from May 20 until July 11. Age groups start as low as three-years-old, with early bird pricing still available until March 31.

The Cedar Bay Summer Day Camp is also available for youth from Monday to Friday starting on July 2 and running for eight weeks. The program includes themed weeks, swimming, archery, canoeing, arts and crafts, and partnerships with local businesses (Fire Department, Sioux Lookout Public Library, Northwestern Health Unit, Ministry of Natural Resources, Fresh Market Foods, and more).

Other programs, with date, time and availability being subject to change, to keep an eye out for are a colour run in June, outdoor tennis, slo-pitch league, Walk Run Challenge, and kids and adult paint nights.

For more information, call the Recreation Centre front desk at (807) 737-1994 or e-mail recadmin@siouxlookout.ca.