Sioux Narrows - Nestor Falls

The Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls is home to one of the world's only museums dedicated to the art of sportfishing

This one-of-a-kind centre honours the region's angling history and offers visitors a chance to learn about one of Canada's oldest pastimes. Whether you're a long-time angler, a beginner, or looking for an educational family-friendly experience, the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre (NOSFC) is a must-visit.

Hours of Operation

May & June
Tuesday to Sunday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

July & August
Sunday to Wednesday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Thursday to Saturday
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

September & October
Tuesday to Sunday
9:00 AM to 5:00 pm

A group of people on folding chairs listen to two people give a talk on species of fish in Northern Ontario

Summer Seminar Series

The Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre offers a free Summer Seminar Series and workshops on a variety of topics related to fishing, local culture, and the environment. Seminars are offered in person.

Events

Angler Award Programs

The Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre celebrates anglers of all ages. Submit your catch from the Lake of the Woods area and you could be featured on the Centre's awards wall.

Submit your catch today!

Angler Awards Submissions

A man looks out of the windows in a large sunlit atrium next to an antique wooden boat and a small float plane.

The Experience

Located on the shore of the iconic Lake of the Woods, the centre offers expansive waterfront views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Visitors will enjoy both permanent and seasonal exhibits of rare and notable fishing artefacts, complemented by oral histories from the town’s local residents. The centre is also home to The Science North Nature Exchange Program.

The centre features:

  • Antique fishing equipment
  • Vintage motors
  • Original Haas boat 
  • Science North Nature Exchange
  • Hand carved totem poles
  • Interpretive panels
A large open room that displays a variety of objects related to fishing in Northern Ontario.

History

The idea for a sportfishing centre was conceived by city planner Jeffrey Port and received rousing support from the rest of the SNNF town council. The new landmark also had support from the community, who donated their time and treasured stories to ensure that the centre had an outstanding inventory of local heritage. The centre opened its doors on June 21st, 2012 and has been one of the town's most popular attractions ever since.

Art and Indigenous Culture

As you enter, an inviting mural was hand painted by artist, Jacinda Brisson. The centre is also home to three totem poles carved by local artists Jake and Eli Blosser. The poles, made from local white pine, are adorned with carvings of familiar animals and nature scenes.

a brightly colorful mural of a fish, sunset, lake, and forest dominate the entrance welcome area.
A group of young students sit on chairs in a circle in a large, window-filled room