Foleyet

Foleyet is a small railway community 98 kilometres west of Timmins on Highway 101. It is located in the Northwest of the District of Sudbury, 360 kilometres by road and 225 kilometres by C.N. Rail away from the Regional Municipality of Sudbury.

The drive is done in what is virtually a cut out in the northern forest. Caution should be exercised when driving up north due to the many sightings of bear, wolves and moose along the highway.

Prior to the twentieth century, Foleyet had been an island and many anecdotes are told concerning the creation of the area and the town. One story has it that during an intense feud between loggers and clearers, an esker (the long, narrow ridge of coarse gravel deposited by a stream flowing in or under a decaying glacial ice sheet) was dynamited. This caused the nearby lake to empty to dangerously low levels and to this day, the lake has never returned to its normal levels.

Another story about the birth of Foleyet involves a pair of pioneer contractors known as the Foley brothers. The Foleys wanted to name the town after themselves, but there had already been a town named Foley. The brothers became upset and said, "We'll name this place Foley yet!" The term "Foley yet" stuck!

Today, the community of Foleyet is renowned for is having a white moose living in its vicinity! Often mistaken as an example of an albino strain, this Foleyet citizen sports many brown spots in its fur as well as lacking the red eyes that albino are known for having. In 1998, one of these white moose was struck on the railroad tracks just outside of Foleyet. As a tribute to the rare species, the head was mounted and placed in the Northern Lights Restaurant. Many tourists have come to see the head of the moose.

Foleyet, like so many small northern towns has had its share of destruction by fire and by flood.

Foleyet is a great spot for campers or for anyone who wants to get away from it all. The community is set in the midst of pristine wilderness and is guaranteed to charm those seeking a true adventure in northern Ontario.

Foleyet is the home to many outfitters who specialize in hunting, fishing and ecotourism. The community is also well known by avid moose and black bear hunters.

With many excellent lodges and outpost camps, Foleyet is a great vacation spot any time of the year.

 

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