History of Sioux Narrows, Ontario, Canada

A legend.....A steep, rocky, narrows channel separates the south shore of Long Point Island from the mainland. It is the natural crossing point of Highway 71 between Kenora and Fort Frances and is crossed by the longest single span wooden bridge in the World. The channel separates the waters of Whitefish and Regina Bays of Lake of the Woods. A thriving summer recreation village, known as Sioux Narrows, has developed on each side of the bridge. Legend claims that the Sioux Indians were a warlike tribe living well to the south of the district. They delighted in raiding the more peaceful Cree and Ojibway villages to the north and east, and one of their favorite routes was the sweep up Whitefish Bay, through the narrows into Regina Bay, thence up Lobstick Bay and on into the plentiful game lands almost as far north as Sioux Lookout.

The raids were becoming more frequent and the Cree and Ojibway losses were reaching the limit of endurance. Finally a decision was made that joint decisive action would have to be taken against the marauders. A watch was set up and in due time a large war party was sighted one evening at sunset, sweeping up Whitefish Bay. Soon the war party camped for the night on a point, subsequently called Sioux Point, where a beautiful sand beach provided an ideal landing place for the canoes. The usual boasting and story telling soon gave place to quiet as the tired Sioux relaxed in sleep. The Ojibways and Crees, whose warriors gathered at the Narrows, were concealing themselves among the rocks and bushes at the top of the narrows. Early next morning as the Sioux war flotilla got well into the channel, there was a single fierce yell and a cloud of arrows flew from both sides of the steep escarpment. These were followed by a hail of rocks, which fell on the flimsy birch bark canoes. Soon all the Sioux were struggling in the water, and as they attempted to climb the slippery rocks at shore, they were met with knife and tomahawk. Soon there were no survivors, and the big Sioux raid had failed. The Crees and Ojibways were jubilant and were able to live in peace for many years thereafter. That is why they called this channel 'Sioux Narrows'.

In modern times, and for the better part of the twentieth century, Sioux Narrows provides quality services to the traveling public. We provide an opportunity to visit unspoiled wilderness, while maintaining a wide arrangement of modern amenities and recreation opportunities. We take pride in our wilderness community! Our proximity to Lake of the Woods, and a terrain rich with smaller lakes, rivers and wilderness, makes our region an extremely popular vacation and recreation destination.