Vermilion Bay
Gateway to the great outdoors.
About Vermilion Bay
Vermilion Bay (population: 1,200) is one of three communities found on beautiful Eagle Lake in the township of Machin, District of Kenora. Located on Trans-Canada Highway 17 between the cities of Kenora (to the west) and Dryden (to the east), Vermilion Bay marks the beginning of Highway 105, the route heading north to the towns of Ear Falls and Red Lake.
Known for its rugged beauty, the Machin area offers year-round activities for residents and visitors alike. Outdoor adventures include fishing, hiking, water sports, snowmobiling, and horseback riding. Today, tourism and logging are the main economic drivers of the area. Local amenities include a public boat launch on Eagle Lake, an arena/recreation centre, medical facility, volunteer fire department, community club, and businesses selling groceries, fuel and liquor. Vermilion Bay is also home to the famous Egli’s Sheep Farm & Animal Park, Blue Lake Provincial Park, and is served by a small regional airport.
Vermilion Bay’s location on the Trans-Canada highway affords direct access to neighbouring areas including Kenora, Sioux Lookout and Dryden. Larger centres such as Thunder Bay (4 hours to the east), Winnipeg (3.5 hours to the west), and the US border (2.5 hours to the south) are all within easy driving distance.
