Patricia Nagle
Dec 5, 2022
Atikokan Winters
Now that snow is here, I must think of things to do in Atikokan. I have been warned by the locals that travelling can be dangerous in the winter up here and to only travel if absolutely necessary. Since it’s an isolated community I have no choice but to find winter activities in town.
Outdoor Activities
I could go snowshoeing. There is a lot of winter activity in the community and even specific trails for snowshoers to avoid the skiers. There are also some at the golf course that are better for beginners.
I could go cross-country skiing. There are a few trails just outside of town that have been groomed by the local ski club used specifically for skiing, so you don’t have to worry about hikers or snowshoers.
View of Main Street Atikokan taken on November 11, 2022 by Patricia Nagle
If cross-country skiing isn’t in the cards, there is also a downhill ski place on the north side of town, next to the old Caland Ore Mines.
There’s also ice fishing. This is more of an activity done in February and March as the early winter is too cold to deal with on the open lake. This is something I plan on learning though. I’ve talked to a few locals who agreed to take me out later in the winter.
There’s also the simplicity of a walk. There are many maintained walking trails that make it easy to move around the town. There’s even a map available that shows you the trails.
View of Atikokan River, taken on November 12, 2022 by Patricia Nagle
Indoor Activities
However, on the extremely cold days where outdoor activity is unbearable, there are things you can do inside.
I could join a club. Atikokan has many clubs to join including the Fix-It Club, a knitting club, and the Lions Club. The one I’m most interested in is the knitting club. This is a skill I’ve yet to learn, but would like to develop. What better time to learn then on a cold snowy day?
I could take an online course. This could be another opportunity to learn and develop skills while outdoor activity is not possible. I have chosen to take an American Sign Language (ASL) course.
There’s also shows. Every month or so, as part of the Atikokan Entertainment Series, there is a singer, a band or actors that perform in a gymnasium. So far, performances have been The Trews and Matt Dusk. Tickets are only $25.00 per show or a season pass worth between $50-100 dependent on one's age.
Or you could do nothing at all. Just sit back, relax and enjoy some music. Sometimes there’s nothing better than the sweet melody of the record player echoing through the house.
Outdoor or indoor there is plenty to do in the cold winter months in Northwestern Ontario.
View of record player with “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” album taken November 27, 2022 by Patricia Nagle