Red Rock (Ontario)

Red Rock is a scenic township of about 900 people (2021) 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 was a paper mill, but it shut down in the early 2000s, leaving many locals without work.

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.

By car
Red Rock is at the end of Hwy 628, 8 km (5 miles) off of the combined Highways 11 and 17 (both are part of 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.
 * Operates a bus route multiple days per week between Thunder Bay and Sault Sainte Marie including stops in Red Rock, Nipigon, Schreiber, Terrace Bay, Marathon, White River, and Wawa.

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.

Sleep

 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.