Major city · Canada
Red RockRed Rock, Ontario
Give Red Rock one night, two at most: it is a marina, a folk festival and trailheads, not a town of sights. Skip it unless you are driving Highway 11/17.
Red Rock is a village of about 900 people at the end of Highway 628, 8 km off the Trans-Canada Highway and 97 km east of Thunder Bay. The paper mill that employed most of the town closed in the early 2000s, so what is left is a marina, a campground, a lodge or two and access to Nipigon Bay, the Black Sturgeon River and a hiking trail to Nipigon. It works as a quiet one-night stop on a Lake Superior drive, or as a base for fishing and paddling. It is not a destination you build a week around.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the lake, trails and festival; Feb–Mar for ice fishing
- avoid Nov–Apr unless you are ice fishing or snowmobiling (cold, short days, some services closed)
- Airport
- YQT
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Red Rock911 ▾
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- Ontario Provincial Police, non-emergency1-888-310-1122
- Telehealth Ontario (health advice, 24 h)1-866-797-0000
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Red Rock, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyRed Rock is a small, quiet village and personal safety is not the issue.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and ambulance · 1-888-310-1122 Ontario Provincial Police, non-emergency · 1-866-797-0000 Telehealth Ontario (health advice, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYQT Thunder Bay International (About 1 h 15 min by car via Highway 11/17 and Highway 628; the nearest airport with scheduled service.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a café breakfastC$8–15 (≈ US$6–11)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedCampsite (tent), a night, per personC$30 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedMotel or inn room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel or inn room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$250 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YQT Thunder Bay International (About 1 h 15 min by car via Highway 11/17 and Highway 628; the nearest airport with scheduled service.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Feb
Care
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Mar
Care
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Apr
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Nov
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Dec
Avoid
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb–Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C) low), wettest Sep (12 rain days), driest Feb (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Red Rock: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
10 rd
Feb
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
8 rd
Mar
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
8 rd
Apr
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
8 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Oct
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Nov
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
11 rd
Dec
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. Red Rock is 8 km off Highway 11/17 on Highway 628, and there is no local transit. Ontario Northland buses stop in Red Rock several days a week on the Thunder Bay–Sault Ste. Marie route; Kasper Bus stops in Nipigon, 15 km away. The marina takes boats and offers fuel, power, showers and pump-out.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 20 min by car, 3 h on foot
Drive Highway 628 to Highway 11/17, about 15 km (9.3 mi); or hike the 8.2 km (5.1 mi) trail, roughly 3 hDrive Highway 628 to Highway 11/17, about 9.3 mi (15 km); or hike the 5.1 mi (8.2 km) trail, roughly 3 h
Walk north from Red Rock and arrange a ride back; carry water and lunch.
Terrace Bay
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Drive Highway 17 east
Good add-on if you are continuing east along the lake.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive Highway 11/17 west, then Highway 628
Big-city services, airport and the Sleeping Giant; the practical supply run.
Black Sturgeon River Provincial Park
cautionDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Drive west of Red Rock along Highway 11/17 to the river access points
Day use only, no facilities or camping; angling, paddling and beach picnics.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Red Rock village (White Boulevard and the marina)
The Red Rock Inn and marina-area camping; walkable to the water and the information centre.
Highway 11/17 at the Highway 628 junction
Birchwood Campground and Café sits on the highway, 8 km (5 mi) from the village; easiest for a one-night drive-through.Birchwood Campground and Café sits on the highway, 5 mi (8 km) from the village; easiest for a one-night drive-through.
Nipigon
15 km (9.3 mi) by road; more beds, groceries and bus stops if Red Rock is full.9.3 mi (15 km) by road; more beds, groceries and bus stops if Red Rock is full.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or inn room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Fuel, Thunder Bay return (about 200 km)1 × C$30 · check | C$30 |
| Ontario Northland bus, Thunder Bay–Red Rock, one way2 × C$60 · check | C$120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$65 |
| Trip total≈ C$358 per person per day, bed included | C$715≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and long-distance bus fares excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a café breakfast | C$8–15 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Campground night, unservicedcheck | C$30–55 (≈ US$25–40) |
| Motel or inn double room | C$115–220 (≈ US$85–160) |
| Fuel, per litre | C$1.50–1.80 (≈ US$2) |
| Fishing licence, Ontario resident / non-resident, one day | check |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No car means no easy way to reach trailheads, the golf course or Nipigon; plan around the bus days.
- Cell coverage is patchy on the back roads and along the Black Sturgeon River; download maps before you leave Highway 11/17.
- Black Sturgeon River Provincial Park has no facilities and no camping: day use only.
- Summer blackflies and mosquitoes near the water are heavy in June; bring repellent.
- Fuel and groceries are limited in the village; fill up and shop in Nipigon or Thunder Bay.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 911
- Ontario Provincial Police, non-emergency
- 1-888-310-1122
- Telehealth Ontario (health advice, 24 h)
- 1-866-797-0000
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Red RockRed Rock, Ontario
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Please take me to this addressPlease take me to this address
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- OPP non-emergency1-888-310-1122
- Telehealth Ontario1-866-797-0000
Embassy
No consulates in Red Rock; the nearest US consulate is in Toronto, and most countries handle Canada from Ottawa or Toronto. For emergencies, call 911 first.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Red Rock → Nipigon by car: 15 km (9.3 mi), about 20 min9.3 mi (15 km), about 20 min
- Red Rock → Thunder Bay by car: 97 km (60 mi), about 1 h 15 min60 mi (97 km), about 1 h 15 min
- Ontario Northland bus, Thunder Bay → Red Rock: runs several days a week; check the timetable (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the marina? — Where is the marina?
- Is there a campsite free tonight? — Is there a campsite free tonight?
- How far is Nipigon? — How far is Nipigon?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- I need help — I need help
Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis. Sales tax is added at the till.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Red Rock. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for the lake, trails and festival; Feb–Mar for ice fishing · avoid Nov–Apr unless you are ice fishing or snowmobiling (cold, short days, some services closed) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Marina and information-centre page with verified seasonal hours and the underwater exhibit.
- Trail page for the Red Rock–Nipigon hike with a one-way logistics plan and rest-area notes.
- Festival page for Live from the Rock with the second-weekend-of-August dates and Paju Run details.
- Campground and lodge pages with 2026 rates and shoulder-season closures.