Nipigon is 120 km north east of Thunder Bay, and is located along the west side of the Nipigon River running between Lake Nipigon and Lake Superior, and just south of Lake Helen. Lake Nipigon is located approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) north of Nipigon, and there are three hydro-power dams along the Nipigon River, which supply power to nearby Thunder Bay.
The chief industries in Nipigon are forest products, fishing, and tourism. In 2007 a large fire consumed the local lumber mill, putting 100 people out of work.
Two bridges span the Nipigon River: one is a Canadian Pacific Railway bridge and one is a highway bridge. The first highway bridge was a 2 lane structure built in 1937 was the single connection between eastern Canada and western Canada for both Highways 11 (the Trans-Canada Northern Route) and 17 (and the Trans-Canada Main Route). in 2016, while a stunning four-lane cable-stayed design was under construction, the first span of the newly completed bridge lifted at one end and disrupted the road traffic for a day while repairs were swiftly undertaken, and the second 2 lane span was completed in 2018. CBC Story
Nipigon Attractions
Bridgeview Lookout Tower
on Railway St. near the Edgeview Restaurant
Climb 65 steps up this 40 foot structure for a stunning a 360 degree view from Lake Helen, to the Nipigon River Bridge, to the Marina and beyond. The tower is located on Railways Street. Take the entrance into Nipigon immediately west of the Nipigon River Bridge.
Nipigon’s Historical Walking Tour
Take a walk through time among the town’s old buildings, covering a relaxing 2.6 kilometres and taking about an hour.
Nipigon River Recreational Trail
Trailhead: The Nipigon Marina
This 8.2 km hiking trail connects the Nipigon and Red Rock marinas, takes between 2 ½ to 3 hours to complete. Great in summer, fall or winter.
The Nipigon Murals
Come visit the forty famous Nipigon Murals “Racing the Train:”, “Fifty Years of Service” and “The Last River Drive” painted by Dan Sawatsky, a professional artist for over 20 years. This self-guided tour begins at the Nipigon Historical Museum, covers about 2.6 km and takes under an hour. Maps can be picked up at the museum or at the town office (or downloadable here WalkingTour)
Orient Bay Rock/Ice Climbing
Just forty kilometers north of Nipigon on Highway 11 there are some majestic rock faces and amazing opportunities for ice climbing in the winter time. Just east of the city in community of Nipigon you’ll find an annual celebration of ice climbing – the Nipigon Ice Fest.
Nipigon Marina
25 2nd St, Nipigon, ON P0T 2J0
807-887-3040
The port of Nipigon is the most Northerly freshwater port in North America. With a deep water channel all the way to the fully serviced marina, boaters are invited to cross the 49th parallel and receive their certificate commemorating the occasion.
St. Sylvester Catholic Church
Red Rock Indian Band
1-877-887-2510
The oldest church in the Nipigon Area. It was built in 1877 and mass is still celebrated at this historic site. The Church is owned by the people of Red Rock Indian Band and is located along Highway 11 travelling North to Greenstone
Hydro Electric Generating Stations
In 1917 the towns of Port Arthur and Fort William (now Thunder Bay), had each unanimously passed a by-law enacting an agreement with the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario to develop additional power sources on the Nipigon River for the twin cities. The Nipigon Project is a 40 MW gas-fired enhanced combined-cycle generating facility located in Nipigon, Ontario adjacent to the TransCanada Mainline. Nipigon commenced commercial operation in May 1992.