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

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.

Get in

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.
• Ontario Northland, toll-free: +1-800-461-8558. Operates primarily in Northern Ontario. (updated Apr 2022) 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.

By boat

• Red Rock Marina Centre, 7 Park Road, ☏ +1 807 886-2862. Red Rock Marina offers fuel, electricity, security, shower, pumpout, and launching. (updated Dec 2018)

See

• Information centre at Red Rock Marina, 7 Park Road, ☏ +1 807 886-2862, info@redrocktownship.ca. Hands-on and interactive natural and historical exhibits, film about the history of the area, underwater submarine exhibit. (updated Dec 2018)

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.
• Live from the Rock Folk Festival, Pull-a-log Park (on Lake Superior). Second weekend of August. Three-day folk festival, usually features about 25 performers, arts and crafts and the Paju Run (an 11.2-km course that climbs 715 ft (218 m) to the top of Paju Mountain). 
• Black Sturgeon River Provincial Park (west of the township of Red Rock along Highway 11/17, the Black Sturgeon River begins near Lake Nipigon and flows into Black Bay on Lake Superior; the park stretches 72 km northerly along the Black Sturgeon River from Lyon Township to the Philips and Benner baseline at the top end of Black Sturgeon Lake), ☏ +1 807 825-3403. 23,500 ha. Day-use opportunities for angling on its many lakes and rivers; paddling opportunities along its entire length, especially between the former Split Rapids Dam and Nonwatin Lake; as well as using the beach areas for family picnics and swimming. During the winter, the park provides cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. There are no activities or facilities (e.g. camping) at this park. (updated Dec 2018)

Eat and drink

• Red Pebbles Cafe, 39 Brompton Rd (at the rec center/arena), ☏ +1 807-631-7047. Fresh & good home-style meals. (updated Dec 2018)

Sleep

Red Rock Inn

• Red Rock Inn, 145 White Boulevard, ☏ +1 807 907-6259. Lake view. Breakfast included. From $115. (updated Sep 2021)
• Birchwood Campground and Café, 490 11-17 Hwy, ☏ +1 807 886-2440. Scenic and well kept camping sites, amethyst gift shop, general store, café with home cooking, hand-crafted jewellery and unique souvenirs. 
• Quebec Lodge, ☏ +1 807 886-2603. Small lodge with large living room (meeting room) and dining room. High speed Internet. Near Red Rock/Nipigon hiking trail. Breakfast and lunch served on site. Sometimes sponsors fly fishing or adventure theme weekends. 
• 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.

Go next

Routes through Red Rock

Winnipeg ← Thunder Bay ←	W  E	→ Nipigon → Cochrane
Fort Frances ← Thunder Bay ←	W  E	→ Nipigon → Sault Ste Marie