City of Dryden, Ontario, Canada - "Natural Abundance - Dryden offers it all"

The Town of Dryden incorporated in 1910. It expanded its boundaries several times before amalgamating with the neighbouring Township of Barclay, to form the new "City of Dryden" on January 1, 1998. Dryden is centrally located in the southern half of the Patricia Region, for which it serves as a hub. Being easily accessible on the Trans-Canada Highway and the CPR rail line, Dryden also has an excellent airport with a 6,000-foot runway. Located at the end of Highway 502 from Fort Frances, a direct link to the USA (Minnesota), the city is the dividing point between traffic going up Highway 105 to Ear Falls and Red Lake and traffic traveling up Highway 72 to Sioux Lookout and beyond. The steady increase in traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway along with Dryden's position midway between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay has resulted in a very large commercial sector serving local citizens and visitors. Tourism is now a large and stable industry, adding dimension to Dryden's quality of life.

The City is home to many hotels and motels with over 400 rooms available. Dryden also has a number of campgrounds and trailer parks that provide the option of cabins, tenting or full-service hook-ups. Dryden's wide variety of restaurants offer everything from fast food to refined dining, eat-in and take-out. From specialty gift shops to major department store chains, the community is able to meet your shopping needs. Major internationally recognized retailers are located in the community, as well as many smaller retailers and craft shops. Cradled in the vast northwestern forest, Dryden offers both visitors and residents a strong retail and service sector, a full service airport, a newly renovated healthcare centre, a modern communications network, good educational facilities, and over 200 active clubs and organizations. The City has serviced and unserviced commercial and industrial properties and an excellent selection of residential properties for sale. With these essentials and low taxes, this safe and clean community is able to provide the opportunities needed to develop a career, raise a family, or savor retirement.

Proudly standing at the tourist information centre, Maximillian Moose presides over the community. In honour of his ancestors, cousins, and friends of the wilderness, this burly beast, with head raised, captures the spirit of Sunset Country and a city that offers "everything under the sun".

To go directly to the accommodations and businesses in Dryden, please go to the bottom of this page to link to their websites.

Main Industry:
Domtar is the major employer in the area with 670 current employees. Manufacturing pulp and paper, Domtar is internationally know for its quality, and is an active supporter of various community events held in Dryden.

Population: 8198 (approx.)

Distances to Nearest Towns:
Dryden to Vermilion Bay - 45 km (28 miles)
Dryden to Sioux Lookout - 95 km (60 miles)
Dryden to Ignace - 105 km (65 miles)
Dryden to Kenora - 140 km (85 miles)
Dryden to Atikokan - 280 km (175 miles)

Visitor Information Centre:
Pose with "Max the Moose", get maps and brochures, stop for a washroom break, or browse the local art gallery open all year long. Our knowledgeable Travel Counselors are here to assist you with your travel plans from May long weekend to September long weekend 7 days a week. For more information visit ExperienceDryden.ca or call 807-223-2174 and 1-800-667-0935 for year round assistance

Info Centre Hours:

• Summer - Tuesday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday to Monday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Winter - Monday to Friday 9:00-5:00 Closed Saturday & Sunday