Economic Profile
Tourism is an increasingly important part of Kirkland Lake’s economy.
Traditional draws include the Museum
of Northern History, sports tournaments, and outdoor activities
such as hunting, fishing and camping.
More recent developments include event-based activities. For example,
the Northern
Thunder Dragway Races at the Kirkland Lake Municipal Airport
attract over 4,000 spectators annually, while the annual Mush
for Gold dog sled racing competition brings in competitors from
throughout North America. A volunteer Festivals
Committee has also put on a number of successful seasonal events,
including a Western Days Rodeo, Winter Carnival and summer concert
series.
Snowmobiling is perhaps the town’s most important tourism draw.
Kirkland Lake is the sledding hub of the north, offering front door
access to the finest trails in both Northeastern Ontario and Northwestern
Quebec. In fact, the Kirkland Lake area alone boasts over 300 km
of beautifully groomed trails, making cruising through this wilderness
paradise one of the most satisfying sledding experiences in Canada.
For more information, please contact the Timiskaming
Abitibi Trail Association.
Tourism will grow in importance as Hockey
Heritage North becomes a reality. This 18,000 square foot interactive
facility celebrates hockey’s proud history in Northeastern Ontario
and the contribution the region has made to the game nationally.
It is expected to attract 32,000 visitors a year.
Other initiatives are also under way that will support the industry.
The local chamber of commerce is working on a retail renewal strategy
aimed at re-establishing Kirkland Lake’s historical role as the
shopping centre of northern Temiskaming district. Another is a joint
effort with the neighbouring communities of Larder Lake and the
townships of Gauthier and McGarry to promote the district’s tourism
assets. A key feature of this effort will be to attract Quebec tourists.
This builds on the success of Kirkland Lake’s partnership with the
Quebec city of Rouyn-Noranda.
Under the title of “One Visit, Two Cultures”, the two communities
have conducted joint marketing and developed complimentary tourism
packages.
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