Fort Frances

Fort Frances is a town of 7,700 people (2016) in Northern Ontario. Fort Frances is a popular fishing destination. It hosts the annual Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

Understand
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 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

 * Operates a bus route multiple days per week between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay including stops in Kenora and Fort Frances.

Do
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.