'''Dryden''' is a city in Northern Ontario.
Understand
Dryden is where the rugged beauty of Northwestern Ontario meets the bright lights of city life. It is a quaint little community surrounded by the unsurpassed beauty of the boreal forest, and freshwater lakes. With the lay-offs by the paper mill Dryden has slowly withered to a husk of what it once was. It is now at the point where you would have to be crazy to actually start a business there. It is a decent place for young kids to grow up and a great place to retire to, however for a teenager it is dreadful. Situated midway between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, the city is secluded yet well connected by highway, and rail, with some air traffic. The cell service in Dryden isn't great, supporting few providers. Dryden is part of the 3% of canada Rogers does not cover, though there is rumor Rogers is setting up a tower. Inside the city limits you'll find all the conveniences for a growing family- almost modern communication network, newly expanded health care centre, first class educational facilities and an excellent selection of residential properties. All of this is within walking distance of the almost unspoiled, rugged beauty of a pristine wilderness. (The mill kinda smells and there was the whole mercury in the Wabigoon thing)
Get In
By Wheels
Getting into Dryden is very simple. Just follow the Trans-Canada Highway between Winnipeg MB and Thunderbay ON and you'll find it; it's about dead center between the two.
By Train
This is tricky and in no way is it condoned but if your of a mind to hop a freight train it will take you right into Dryden. Hop one in Winnipeg going east or Thunderbay going west. You'll get there.
By Hitching
If your a Hitch-hiker then the easiest way is to once again follow the great Trans-Canada Highway. The people in the area are nice and will pick up the occasional hitcher. Its hard to be a tramp these days.
Wilderness City
Discover Dryden, the Wilderness City, a unique opportunity for a future in the midst of abundant natural beauty. The city is known for fishing and hunting opportunities, but it offers so much more. It is home to a first class recreational complex, fully equipped with swimming pool and waterslide, therapeutic warm pool, fitness and aerobics rooms, squash and racquetball courts, a cardio-fitness centre and two indoor ice surfaces. Around the city you'll find a waterfront golf course, a curling club with leagues for all ages, and beaches and parks galore. Nearby Aaron Provincial Park and Blue Lake Provincial Park provides recreational opportunities for the whole family, from camping, fishing, boating and canoeing in the summer, to cross country skiing in the winter. Dryden offers a wide selections of accommodations for visitors with more than 400 hotel rooms and a great choice of rental cabins, RV parks and campgrounds. In the summer you can enjoy camping, fishing, swimming, soccer, baseball, basketball, skateboarding, and golf. In the winter there is curling, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, skating and hockey. All four seasons offer a full range of activities in our Wildness City.
you can find some good pussy here too
Business
For businesses that serve the local region, the city is well connected to other cities, towns, and communities by the Trans Canada Highway, CP Rail and Dryden Regional Airport. For businesses serving a wider market, our new state-of-the-art broadband wireless network provides fast, reliable connections to virtually anywhere in the world. Tax rates, registration fees and land costs are low. The city is partnering with the private sector in a major community revitalization initiative to entice new development in the downtown core. Business development services are readily available- The Dryden Development Corporation's municipal economic development manager (vkurz@dryden.ca), The Regional Community Futures Development Corporation, The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre, and funding assistance available through a variety of lending programs. Dryden's downtown core serves as the region's financial accounting and real estate hub.
For investment opportunites and listing of available properties please visit www.exploredryden.ca
In February 2008, the City adopted the Sustainable Waterfront Development Plan which includes developing a significant parcel of waterfront property on the shores of Wabigoon Lake. A total of over 120 acres has been identified for consideration. The parcel includes private lands, protected wetlands, undeveloped municipal lands and surplus crown lands. An executive summary of the plan is available for investors including the Community Profile at the following links:
( http://www.dryden.ca/website.nsf/SWDP?OpenPage ;
http://www.dryden.ca/website.nsf/CityDrydenCommunityProfile08.pdf )
The plan provides viable options for development of the four waterfront areas that are compatible with the community, in harmony with the character of the surrounding neighbourhood and support the principles of sustainability.
Interested parties are invited to contact the Dryden Development Corporation, Economic Development Manager, Vicki Kurz at edo@dryden.ca or call 807-223-4100. www.ExploreDryden.ca
Natural Abundance
Cultural and community amenities flourish in Dryden. The lush natural surroundings provide a sumptuous backdrop for the many events that the city hosts each year. The Dryden and District Museum offer a unique perspective of local history and growth , including a feature display of the 18 point Ontario Record Trophy Whitetail Deer.(http://www.whitetaileddeer.ca/ontario-record-whitetail-deer.htm) The Dryden Regional Training and Cultural Centre is home to the Dryden Entertainment Series that presents a variety of performances in our 500-seat auditorium. The Centre has the reputation of being an architectural achievement in comfort, lighting, acoustics and sightlines. Neighbouring First Nations communities are host to annual Pow Wows, which display colourful and lively celebrations reflective of local Aboriginal culture. Other community amenities include the Dryden Regional Health Centre, seniors housing complex and long term care facility, local fire and police services, and community centre with convention facilities. Dryden,is a balanced community. Our city, carved from the wilderness, offers a life for everyone.
Experience
People of all ages and income levels can enjoy a challenging time finding work. Families can enjoy affordable housing and nearby recreational activities in a secure and beautiful setting. Every season offers great choices- curling, snowmobiling and hockey; hiking and canoeing; golf, soccer, biking, sking and snowboarding; hunting and fishing. Dryden is an active community with more than 100 (this is generous) clubs and organizations. Young families can take advantage of daycare, nursery, and toy library resources. Public access to the internet is available at the city's award winning library. (http://www.dryden.ca/website.nsf/lib_galleries?OpenPage) Dryden offers excellent schools, with French immersion and an innovative high school which often teaches above and beyond the Ontario standards, post secondary training at the college campus or through distance education. As the only shopping hub, Dryden has a Walmart with everything a few major national and international retailers and some unique local boutiques. With an exciting blend of modern conveniences and natural beauty, Dryden is a place where families can thrive.
Food
There are a few great places to eat in Dryden:
The Bowling Alley
A great little place downtown and a personal favorite of mine. The people here are great and the food is decent. A meal runs at about $5 - $10.
Restaurante Italiana
Another great place to eat, also downtown. Many a lunch was spent here. I suggest the pizza but the rest of the menu is also great. The people have always been good to me and I've only ever heard good things. A meal here is more expensive but worth it. $15 - &30.
The Central
Also downtown, the Central has one of the best Mozza Burgers I've ever had. Its a small little place and the service is ok. It runs about $10 - $20 a meal.
7-11
Now I know what your thinking. Your thinking I'm crazy for putting 7-11 on here but I'm not. 7-11 has some of the best fried chicked around and its fast. It's not the healthiest place but its cheap and good, and its right on the highway. $5 - $15 a meal.
The PI
Looking for something a little more mature? The PI is a good restaurant right on the highway and hosts a series of age of majority events. So if your swinging through and need a place to grab a drink check it out.
Sleep
There aren't many places to catch a wink and none of them are cheap. They are all an average cost.
The Best Western
A popular hotel chain, the Best Western has good accommodations right on the highway and provides the guest with access to their pool, hot tub, and sauna at no added charge (as far as I know) Rooms start at about $75 a night.
The Central
Not only a restaurant but also a hotel, I can't say much about it because I've never been but I can say its there. Rumor says its dirt cheap but not very clean. One man said that if your not worried about sleeping outside then your probably better off outside. Take your own bed sheets and towels if your gonna stay at this one.
There are many other Hotels and Motels in and around Dryden but like previously said all and average cost. More than likely nothing lower than $75.
=Camps
There are tourist camps and resorts in abundance throughout the area. A few suggestions are Clark's Camp, KC's Resort, and Stanley's West Arm, all west of Dryden.
If you are looking for something rustic spend a night in a provincial park. Aaron Park is to the east and Blue Lake park to the west.
What to do? What to do?
Apart from the seasonal events in Dryden there is not much excitement. What I will say is that you should take the time to go fishing on Eagle Lake just west of Dryden. Eagle is a great lake known for its muskie and its beauty. If you want the best possible experience, hire a professional fishing guide and you'll have a blast. I suggest asking around for how to get a hold of John Bratland, John Gibson or Jason Campbell, all great guys who if not busy with another job will be glad to take you out for the day for a small fee.
So take the time to catch a fish and eat it too, tastes great and its fun.
As a caution I do not advise eating from the Wabigoon and there was a mercury leak into the river a few years ago. Stay away from there and your more than safe.
Get out