The community of Dryden, Ontario is located in the North-West of Ontario in Canada, a 2 1/2 hour drive directly North of Minnesota. The town actually began as an experimental farm, founded by the Honourable John Dryden. Plenty of lakes, trails, beaches and parks surround this small, serene community, beckoning visitors to sample a wide range of activities and annual celebrations; such as, golfing, skiing, Canada Day, and Native Pow Wows.
Things to do in Dryden
Aaron Provincial Park
The Park is operated in co-operation with the City of Dryden. Currently in its second year of a five-year agreement involving the Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario Parks) and the City of Dryden, budget constraints led to the closing of Aaron Park in the mid 1990s. Since then, the City of Dryden has pursued the operation of the campground, ensuring that the Park remains open to campers and day users. All of Ontario Parks policies and regulations still apply, and revenues remain in the Park to help offset operating costs and some infrastructure upgrades. Visit our website for more information on this Provincial Park. Find Best Western Dryden Lodging nearby. Call 807-938-6534 for more information.
Borealis Dog Sledding
Take one of our many trips departing just 30 miles from Dryden. Spend a day on the dog sled or overnight trips offered too. Nights on the trail are spent in a log outpost cabin with heated walls – the evening meal is usually moose, grouse or fish. Your trek through this spectacular Northern wilderness will take you along the routes that the Ojibway Hunters and trappers took many years ago. For more information visit our website. Call 888-240-3739 for more information.
Canoeing & Kayaking
Canoeing is quickly becoming one of the most popular eco tours in Northwestern Ontario. There is so much water to explore in, with most of it connected by rivers or short portages; it has become a beautiful way to experience nature. Kayaking can be done in the same places as canoeing with favorite trips to White Otter Castle. This giant log cabin can be found on a huge sand beach that has been an attraction since it was first built and it only accessible by water. You will find authentic Indian Pictographs drawn on the rocks on route to this area, and in other places around the region.
Dryden and District Museum
This Museum is housed in a 19th century house and features four galleries on two floors with an area of 4000 square feet. Explore the over 10,000 artifacts, permanent and rotating displays and a research library. The Dryden & District Museum is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of local culture and history in the Dryden area.
Fishing
Ontario fishing in Canada's Heartland is a prized destination because of our thousands of lakes- all of which boast good to excellent fishing. Most have a wide variety of fish types including walleye, northern pike, muskie, smallmouth bass, lake trout, perch & whitefish, with many trophy lakes. The fishing has been kept consistently great due to conservation efforts so that many exciting fishing vacations can be experienced by all. Various fish can be caught during the season allocated; Northern Pike - year round; Walleye - third Saturday in May - next April 14; trout – January 1 - September 30; muskie - third Saturday in June - November 30; smallmouth Bass - year round.
Hiking
Hiking through trails in the summertime is a great way to see the outdoors. Be prepared for the hard rock underfoot and sometimes thick brush in the forest. Staying on trails is the best way to see the most popular attractions and make certain you don't lose your way. Bring the insect repellent, and a camera!
Max the Moose
Max is the City of Dryden’s official mascot. He stands proudly in the trees at the Tourist Information Centre located along Highway #17. Max’s home is a popular spot with tourists and he has his picture taken by many visitors from around the world. He is 18' (5.6 m) tall and weighs 2 tons. Call 800-667-0935 for more information.
284 Government Street at Hwy. 17, Dryden, ON
Wildlife Watching
Northwestern Ontario is home to the bear, moose, deer, wolf, lynx, fox, beaver and many other species of animals. None of these species are very harmful, but when wildlife watching it is best to respect their space. By doing so, you will be rewarded with some great photo opportunities! Many species of birds include the famous Bald Eagle. The nearby community of Ear Falls has been called the "Bald Eagle Capitol of North America".