Tourism from what located records show from the Rideout House in Rat Portage of that time claim that tourism probably started in or around the early 1800's with some American's who visited for two weeks. The experience that they had at that time were harsher than today's but this could have started the Tourism Industry that we have today. Tourism is this areas largest single summer employer with almost every business, lodge, resort, campground requiring some sort of workers for the summer months.

More tourists began to arrive after the completion of the C.P. Railway in the late 1880's. As the area became more accessible more people began coming to our shores looking for their summer time relaxation. Wealthy Winnipeggers, - lawyers, doctors, bankers, and merchants began purchasing lots on Coney Island, and Keewatin beach due to the distance to town. Remember, row boats or canoes were the mode of water transportation for the citizen at this time as it was before the invention of an outboard motor.

Large summer homes with stone fireplaces, porches, Widow's perch, servant quarters were scattered around the lakes north section. Slowly cottagers purchased islands outside of the 5 mile radius of town and the Tourist Industry was born.

In those days, as it is today, the local population swelled to close to 50-60% more than it's resident population.

The Kenora Angler's Club of the 20's advertised the lake for it's prime sport fishing. In many scrap books available from older families you will find photo's of people holding enormous stringers of fish. Some too heavy to hold, were held up on boards with nails.

When the Trans Canada Highway came through these parts, once again an influx of tourists commenced. Now (or actually then) cars were the mode of transportation to this area. Even today, many tourists visit us by vehicle. Some also fly. Kenora's Municipal Airport at any given time during the summer months can hold numerous private aircraft, Corporation Aircraft, and today Commercial Airlines fly into our area daily.

Lake of the Woods is no longer that secret Fishing Hole and now Lake of the Woods is fast becoming a catch and release body of water. We (prudent fisherman) realize that to a certain extent we MUST release some of our catch. To the uneducated this is not a 100% renewable resource.

The Lake of the Woods Museum will show photo's of the earlier days where Muskie, Sturgeon were used like cord wood to fuel the steam engines of those days. We NOW do not have a large sturgeon population. (I cannot recall of any being caught within the past number of years.) The Muskie now that controls are in place (48 inches) are more available. Plus, everyone who fishes this species returns the fish to the waters after a quick photo.

We must do this with all species, walleye, bass, northern pike, especially the larger breeding stock. As I always say - If the World can deplete the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, ruining Lake of the Woods would be a cake walk. I Applaud those resorts who offer discounts for catch and release anglers, and those anglers, sportsfisherman/women/children who take advantage of same.