Just got back from Rainy Lake, Ontario and I'd highly recommend it. We stayed at the Sorting Gap Marina which is in Fort Frances. It is not flush with facilities but reasonably-priced, quiet and secure - and they sell the best ice cream! You can easily walk to the town center. (Last year we stayed at the Thunder Bay city marina but my vehicle got ran into twice in less than two weeks in their parking lot so we won't be going back. I note that this summer at the Thunder Bay marina a Ranger tug was stolen! I really think things are out of control at the Thunder Bay marina and suggest staying away from it!)
But getting back to Rainy Lake, it is shallower and there's less wind and rolling in the smaller boat. It is well-marked for any rocks. There are many many coves to sleep in where all you'll hear is the birds. The water isn't too cold to swim in and is very clear.
To get to the lake from this marina you have to pass under a railroad bridge. The line is very busy so you'll have to wait a bit - maybe 20 minutes - but the bridge people are very responsive to boaters by telephone or on Channel 16.
But getting back to Rainy Lake, it is shallower and there's less wind and rolling in the smaller boat. It is well-marked for any rocks. There are many many coves to sleep in where all you'll hear is the birds. The water isn't too cold to swim in and is very clear.
To get to the lake from this marina you have to pass under a railroad bridge. The line is very busy so you'll have to wait a bit - maybe 20 minutes - but the bridge people are very responsive to boaters by telephone or on Channel 16.