Nolalu: Railway and Settlement History

Nolalu offers two distinct historical topics to consider when planning your trip: railways and settlement. The Port Arthur, Duluth and Western Railway opened in 1893 to provide access to the silver mines in the Thunder Bay District. Its route ran through Nolalu along the Whitefish River. The year, purpose and route give the railway history a clear connection to the place.

Railways, Settlement and Local Points of Interest

Around the turn of the 20th century, many people settled in the Nolalu area, particularly Finnish immigrants. They began farming and logging. These provide two complementary historical perspectives: the railway line is connected to access to the silver mines, while the settlement history describes farming and logging in the area. The dates also emphasize different periods: the railway opened in 1893, while many people settled here around the turn of the 20th century. If you are interested in Nolalu’s past, you can consider these topics separately without reducing them to a single development.

For your accommodation planning, one local option is specifically named: Northern Light Resort in Nolalu offers cabins and campsites. If either type of accommodation is right for you, please check current availability before your trip.

For golf enthusiasts, St Urho's Golf Course and Driving Range is another local point of interest. The facility in Nolalu has a driving range. This sporting connection can be distinguished from the town’s historical stories when planning your trip around your personal interests.

Nipigon in the broader Thunder Bay District destination

Nipigon is located in the broader Thunder Bay District destination. The Bridgeview Lookout Tower offers panoramic views of Lake Helen, the Nipigon River Bridge, the marina and the surrounding area. This viewpoint brings together several notable sights: water, bridge, harbour and landscape are all part of the view described.

In downtown Nipigon, Paddle-to-the-Sea Park, with twelve play stations, tells the story of a hand-carved children’s canoe and its journey through the Great Lakes. The stations give the story a clear scope and make the park a cultural attraction alongside the viewpoints and nature experiences in the broader destination.

The sheltered waters of Nipigon Lagoon are suitable for paddling. There is also an accessible launch for paddle boats at the southern tip of Nipigon Marina. These are two distinct features: waters suitable for paddling and an accessible launch for paddle boats.

Wildlife can also be observed from the docks at Nipigon Lagoon, including at Turtle Point. Turtles, various waterbirds, beavers and fish have been sighted there; the animals you see may vary. These sightings give an idea of the groups of animals observed at the lagoon without predicting a particular encounter.

For a walk, there is a mostly flat, two-to-three-kilometre section of the Nipigon River Recreation Trail. It runs from Nipigon Marina along the riverbank and is suitable for a leisurely walk. Its length, terrain and route describe this section specifically and help distinguish it as a walking option from the paddling and wildlife-viewing opportunities in Nipigon.

Discover more destinations: Amethyst Harbour, Manitouwadge, Kakabeka Falls, Thunder Bay, Nipigon.

View the broader travel guide: Thunder Bay District.